Holly head Slopes

Chapter Sixteen

ABI'S POV

I swept away the fallen tree needles before the twins poked each other with them as I waited for my family to arrive home. I thought staying in the mountains over Christmas would give me plenty of time to study and even get ahead of my long, tedious course, but that wasn't the case.

Even with my best efforts, my attempt to study was void. The words on the pages had no meaning, and I had no understanding of what my boring course books were trying to imprint on my mind. The more I progressed, the more I identified the empty feeling accounting provided me. There were only two things my heart yearned for now: the warmth of the kitchen and the presence of Mason Dugray.

A smile rose to my face as I peeked at Grandma's pie, which was browning delightfully in the oven. She had planned a much-loved dish once again. Since I had some time on my hands, I couldn't think of anything better than making a dessert to compliment it.

Tiramisu was a Hughes family favourite. Finding the ingredients was no difficulty. The kitchen was magic because it always had everything I needed for a spontaneous bake. I sometimes believe Grandma knows me better than I do.

I blasted my playlist and found the recipe in one of Grandma's many books. I wasn't too proud to admit that her recipes from the seventies were better than the ones online.

I danced around the kitchen, mixing, folding, and putting on the performance of my life. The beauty of having an empty house is the freedom to do whatever embarrassing thing and not fear it being held against you.

Well, I thought I was alone. That was until Jordan's voice joined me for the second verse of shallow. He danced in after startling me, enjoying the beautiful blend of sweet and savoury smells in the air.

"I've missed your cooking at college." He said.

I cocked my head. "What about all the stuff I make for you on our breaks?"

"Abi, those don't last a week. They're too good to wait for. Plus, it's like having you there with me. A few Tupperware of home." He laughed. It warmed my heart to know I gave him some home comfort. It was quite impressive that he could get through ten full tubs, which would be thirty meals for me. I suppose with all his late-night studying, he ate like a racehorse.

"So, what do you think about Ruby?" He asked, taking a seat on the bar stool.

I furrowed my brows and turned the music down. "Ruby? She's cool. I think she's fit in perfectly. You guys seem good together; she's made you more relaxed." That was a polite way of saying he's more fun since she's been around. "I've hardly heard your lawyer talk; it's as if you've finally found a life outside the courtroom."

"Well, that was unnecessary." He laughed, throwing an apple from the fruit bowl at me. I caught the pink lady and took a dramatic bite. "Do you think she's too good though? I haven't got the best track record."

"No. No. No!" I shouted. "Don't you dare self-sabotage. Ruby is great. You are happy; don't ruin it by overthinking."

"I'm not. I'm just thinking ahead. I'll be a lawyer in a few years, which means long hours, and I worry she'll get bored."

I could see the genuine concern on his face. Jordan acted tough, but he was more sensitive than he liked to admit. "That's up to her. She knows your aspirations, and she has her own, too. You can't live in fear of the future. Practicality shouldn't determine love."

He looked at me with raised eyebrows, stunned. Even with all the love stories I read, I'm not the most optimistic about young love.

"The queen of no serious relationships is telling me to commit to my first girlfriend. I never thought I'd see the day." He laughed. And I didn't blame him. "So, what's with Dugray? I thought you were steering clear of him."

I prayed our family would crash through the door and disrupt our conversation, but God wasn't on my side. "I am steering clear of him."

"By sneaking around with him and sharing pancakes?"

I rolled my eyes at his accusations, which were entirely accurate and, therefore, facts. "Okay, fine. My curious side got the best of me. He's not the worst, despite my first impression."

"Well, like I always say, be careful. Although I am a reformed man, I know how the bad boy's mind works. But he throws good parties, so I'll give you guys some slack." He said as he stole the whipped cream from the fridge and left me in peace.

Did he give Mason Dugray a free pass on the count of his parties?

***

I may be a party girl, but a Hughes family dinner makes staying in every night tempting. The way everyone gets excited when Grandma brings the main dish in, and the boys help with the sides. Her face lights up as everyone scrambles to get the biggest portion. "It's like eating with animals." She always laughs as she tries to control her sons.

It was sweet looking around the table to see everyone happy in their own worlds, the adults enjoying their happy marriages, and Jordan and Ruby bonding over a wilder winter break than expected. Even the twins were getting along better; skiing really wore them out. And I was alone.

Like always.