After New York

Chapter 15: Thanksgiving (Part one)

Tessa

I swallow sharply as I make my way up to the house. Hearing my uber drive off behind me. Leaving me standing alone on the drive.

I take a deep breath in an attempt to ground myself. Shifting the purse on my shoulder slightly as I stare down at my feet. My black, high heeled boots splashing through the remnants of the November rain.

I have been a bundle of nerves since the minute I left my moms house. I had thought that perhaps the drive would cool me down, and in a way I suppose it had. The lush greenery and the crisp Washington air was comforting as always. Like an old friend. A refreshing change from the bustle of the City that I have now grown so accustomed to.

I arrived in Washington four days ago, and spent the first few days with my mom before her and her boyfriend David left for Italy last night. Leaving me on my own for Thanksgiving.

Which I was okay with, honestly. I'm happy for them. For my mom. I haven't seen her this happy in...well ever. And I like David, really like him. He's a kind man, and he is good to her. Saintly even, and that has seemed to rub off on her. Our relationship has done nothing but improve since she started seeing him. The other day she even told me she was proud of me. I had almost spit out my wine right there, across her white tablecloth.

As soon as Landon had learned that I would be alone on Thanksgiving he had extended an invitation from Ken and Karen to join them at theirs. I had refused at first - for obvious reasons. Hardin and I may be on better terms now, but it still seemed wildly inappropriate to show up for Thanksgiving dinner with my ex-boyfriend's family.

I feel a sigh escape my lips at the thought. Shaking my head. I really hate that term. Ex-boyfriend. Regardless of if it's technically true or not. It just seems so cold. Lacking. Like it fails completely to encompass any part of what Hardin and I were to each other. What he still is to me.

As I reach the front I stop to smooth out my hair, which lays in loose curls over my shoulders. Taking another deep inhale before making my way to the front door. Suddenly regretting the multiple conversations that had convinced me to come here this evening. Landon, Karen, and finally Hardin had all called me. Insisting that I couldn't be alone for the Holiday. That they wouldn't take no for an answer.

So here I am, heart fluttering in my chest like a tiny hummingbird as I step past the familiar tall white columns of the brick house's portico. My hands shaking slightly as I extend my arm to knock on the front door - which quickly opens before I can even lower it. Taking me by surprise.

"Tessa Honey! Welcome!" Karen beams at me from the foyer. Gesturing me inside and immediately opening her arms to me, pulling me in for a hug. I smile against her. Feeling my tension begin to dissipate. She has always had that effect on me.

"Happy Thanksgiving Karen! Thank you so much again for having me." I tell her sincerely. Shrugging off my coat as she offers to take it from me.

"Tessa. Of course. You're practically family. You know there was no way we were going to let you be alone today. " She smiles. Turning to hang my coat up for me in the closet. "We are so happy you are here." I return her smile as she turns back to face me. Allowing the warmth of her words to envelope me. Grateful for her kindness as always.

"Ah, there you are! Jesus finally, We're starving." I hear Landon call out as he appears around the corner. A wine glass in hand, and his eyes playfully sparkling.