Sarah collected shoes as if they were her life's blood. She owned every designer on the planet and made Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City look like an amateur. Jackson often joked that the day would come when she would spend more on a pair of shoes than he did on a car.
The two men raised their eyebrows in unison. Connor said, "This can't be good."
"Nope."
"Jackson, I'm really sorry about before. I have no excuse for my rudeness."
"Don't worry about it, I was just busting you. You play chess?"
"Yeah."
"You any good?"
"I was on the chess team in college."
"Great, how about a match while we wait?"
The men moved to the board. Connor asked, "White or black?"
Jackson gave him a 'Really?' sneer.
"Right, black it is."
The women were in Sarah's shoe closet, which was larger than most bedrooms. She had it designed to house her collection. There were shelves running across every wall from floor to eye level. Above each shelf, a hinged, Plexiglas cover kept dust off the shoes. Sarah had left her door open so Jackson could hear fairly well. There was a lot of "oohing" and "ahhing." He heard Sarah screech, "I can't believe we're the same size, we can share!" He had not realized until this moment how important it was that Sarah and Elisabeth like each other. After a while, the two came downstairs chatting away as if they had been friends for years. "Why didn't you guys get started on the appetizers while we were gone?"
"We waited for you."
"Well, I've got to get to the kitchen, eat up."
Elisabeth started towards her. "Let me help."
"Absolutely not, you stay here with Jackson. Connor, come help me, please." He stood up, bewildered. Sarah never let anyone help her cook. Jackson laughed. He knew she really wanted to tell him everything she had learned about Elisabeth, which was probably a great deal. Poor guy.
Elisabeth sat next to Jackson. "She's so sweet."
He put his arm around her. "You haven't seen her bratty side yet."
"It seems like you two have a great relationship."
"Yeah, we've been through a lot together."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Some other time."
"I'm really glad I decided to come tonight."
"So am I." He kissed her temple.
Connor announced dinner. The conversation flowed freely and it was clear to Jackson that everyone was enjoying the evening. This felt so different than all the years of just him and Sarah. Although he wouldn't have given up those days for anything, he felt this to be more like a family, closer to what life had been like as a human. He thought of Emily for a moment. He rarely allowed himself that privilege. It was still painful. She would have liked Elisabeth as much as Sarah did. Elisabeth must have noticed his intensity of thought. She was watching him with concern. He smiled at her and took her hand.