Affliction

“Tell you what?” Sam cuts me off as he walks into the kitchen. I’m about to drill him when at the last second I see a small, pretty blonde girl come in behind him.

“Oh, hello.” Mom stops her chopping and dries her hands to greet Sam’s new girl.

“Mom, this is Claire. Claire, this beautiful woman is my mom, Melinda, and my sister, Holly.” He points to both of us.

“Well, look at you.” My mom takes her in her arms, and embraces her like a long lost daughter. I try not to groan as she embarrasses the poor girl.

“Mom, let her go. You’re scaring her,” Sam finally says, trying to pry Claire out of our mom’s arms.

“Oh, hush.” Mom swats him away while keeping Claire at arm’s length. “Let me get a good look at you. Oh, you’re such a doll,” she says, looking her over. I can already tell my mom is in love. She only calls her favorite people dolls. Claire smiles shyly and a light blush coats her cheeks. I can tell she is perfect for my brother. He is demanding, bossy and too pigheaded to go head to head with a similar match. No, he needs someone soft and sweet; someone who gets under his skin in another way. I have no doubt Claire already has by the way he’s looking uneasy for her.

“Hi.” I smile and wave over at her, hoping to stop my mom from freaking her out. Sam must like her if he brought her home, and we don’t want to scare her away. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too.” She smiles back and gives an awkward wave.

“Where’s Dad?” Sam asks, taking Claire’s hand and tucking her back into his side.

“Outside fixing the grill. Go help him. He’s been grumbling all afternoon about it.”

“Come on, baby, let’s go see my dad,” he says, leaning down to kiss her forehead. I’ve never seen my brother this way before, and of all the emotions running through me, the one pulling at my heart the most is happiness—happiness for him and the girl who is clearly brightening his world. I’m silent as I watch them go out to meet Dad. As soon as the back door closes, my mom turns and squeals.

“Oh, my gosh, she is beautiful.” Her hands come out in front of her, expressing her excitement. “Who would have thought he would meet someone so soft and beautiful,” she sighs, lost in the moment. Oh, God, Mom.

“Calm down, Mom. You’ll scare her off.”

“Oh, please, I wouldn’t scare anyone off.” She goes back to her salad. She’s right. My mom’s pretty kickass, and everyone loves her. It would take a lot not to like my mom.

“You’re right, but if you don’t calm down, you might scare me off.” I smile as I fill up a glass with some wine.

She stops and looks up, “How are you feeling?” she asks, taking on a serious tone. She asks me this question every time I see her, and as much as I love her for it, sometimes it’s just nice to not have to answer.

“I’m good, Mom,” I assure her, knowing it’s the best way. I don’t want to tell her that this week I had a major panic attack in the middle of the changing room, or that I woke up in a sweat from a nightmare twice. I don’t even want to tell her that spending time with Sy has helped me either. I know she is only looking out for me, but I hate seeing the concern fill her eyes when she knows what a crappy week I’ve had.

“Well, that’s good, baby,” she smiles, leaving it be for today and going back to making sure lunch will be on time.

“Want me to do something?”

“Where’s my baby girl?” My dad’s loud voice calls from the back door, cutting off my offer to help.

“Hey, Dad.” I smile, place my glass down on the counter top and walk to my favorite man in my life. His salt and pepper hair looks as thick as it did fifteen years ago. The groomed mustache that he’s worn since the day I was born has only just started turning sliver-white, but it’s his eyes that I love the most. The laugh lines have increased over the years, telling a story of how much he has lived and loved. My dad has always been a handsome man, but when he smiles, he’s something else.

“I didn’t know you were here,” he says, walking up to me, taking me in his strong arms, and squeezing me tightly. I hold in the urge to groan at the pain of his hug over my sore muscles.

“I was about to come find you,” I wheeze, watching over his shoulder as Sam walks back in with Claire.

“Well, let’s get this started. I’m starved,” he exclaims, always ready to eat. “Liddy, you ready, sweetheart?” He turns to look at my mom.

“Yeah, just waiting on you, Jack.” She smiles up at him.

“Then let’s eat.” He leans down, smacking her ass as she walks forward. My mom giggles at his smack.

“Dad,” I groan, not wanting to see that. I might love them dearly, but it’s too weird for me when they get all touchy feely.

“How’s Kadence?” Mom inquires after we’ve sat down to eat out on the back decking. Sy was right when he said I haven’t been eating much. The last few months I’ve barely been hungry, but the last few weeks my appetite has started to return. I ignore the looks between my mom and dad and continue to pile my plate.

“She’s good. Her bachelorette party is coming up.”

“Oh, good, and what do you have planned?”

“Oh, you know, strippers, games, drinks, the normal fun stuff,” I inform my mom while watching my brother, and father roll their eyes.