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“Why?” I ask.
“I went up to his room to see if he was feeling better, but he isn’t there. Sadie wants to show him the drawings she made with the markers and paper he gave her for Christmas.”
“I’m sure he’ll show up. Will Sadie show me her artwork as we wait? I’d love to see her drawings.”
I loop my arm through hers and head back to the family room. It’s better if she doesn’t see Owen exit the closet. It would lead to more questions and this entire episode needs to be put behind us.
Chapter Twenty
OWEN
At exactly tena.m. on the morning after Christmas, the whole town descends on Grandmother’s cabin. I don’t know who these people are, but they know her. She’s had a wingback chair from her bedroom moved into the foyer and greets every person who comes through the front door. It gives me the impression that she is on her throne and the townspeople are her subjects coming to pay her tribute. The tribute being leftover Christmas dinner and unwanted gifts.
I’ve never seen Grandmother so happy.
Miles stands beside her and directs people to drop off the items for the gift exchange in the dining room and food in the breakfast room. The family room is set aside for games. Music and laughter spill out into the foyer. Within an hour, it’s a rocking party.
Spencer, Dorian, Ellory, and Gerald hole up in the office. They did not take Grandmother’s suggestion to visit thelibrary, though I’m sure they’re regretting it now. This place is loud.
Ginger had the right idea and is spending another day at the spa. I should have joined her. A massage and time spent in a sauna might knock me out of my foul mood. Except both Mom and Brady reminded me last night that I promised to make this the best Christmas, which means I can’t disappear for the day again.
Brady’s around here somewhere, surrounded by a flock of kids. Under Sadie’s influence, they’ve decided that he’s the best thing here, maybe even better than all the desserts.
Mom stays close to Miles’ side. Whatever he’s feeling for her, she must feel the same. There will be conversations about their budding relationship in the future, but that’s definitely not something for today.
I catch glimpses of Layla and Tori together. They might be avoiding me. Either because I’m not good company in my current mood, or because Layla has decided I’m a distraction. Or maybe Spencer told her she can’t spent time with me anymore. Yesterday, she did make me hide in a closet to avoid anyone seeing us together.
I wander aimlessly from room to room until I’m sick of myself. Miles’ mom Susan is in the kitchen directing help and warming food. I head there. As soon as I enter, she pats my cheeks like she did when I was a teenager, then puts me to work.
I gather empty serving plates from the breakfast room and take out full ones. Then she has me clean the fridge of leftovers from the past few days to add to what everyone else brought.
“After the family leaves on Saturday morning,” she says, “It’ll just be Mrs. Eccleston, and she can’t eat all of this.”
I come across the last of the strawberry cheesecake and grab a spoon so I can eat it myself.
When the kitchen empties of the few women who have been helping wash dishes, Susan asks, “What has you so down? I’ve never known you to be morose.”
“Woman troubles,” is as far as I get before the door from the hallway opens and Brady runs in.
“Hide me,” he whispers, as he frantically looks around.
Neither Susan nor I move, too surprised by his sudden appearance. He ducks behind the counter just as the door opens and Sadie walks through.
“Where is Brady?” she demands. Susan and I both shrug. She stomps her foot. “He’s supposed to play with me.”
Once she leaves, we’re silent until we’re sure she’s not coming back.
Brady bounces up and sits on the counter. “Thanks. I was her pony, and she’d pull on my hair when she wanted me to turn.” He rubs his scalp. “She’s cute, but she’s demanding.”
Susan chuckles. “Steal some of that cheesecake from your brother and have a break. He’s telling me about his romance troubles.”
Brady grabs a plate and a fork and takes half of my cheesecake. “Normally, I don’t care about his love life, but I like Layla.”
“Yeah, me too,” I say. My sadness leaks into my voice. “That’s the trouble.”
“Isn’t Layla engaged to your cousin?” Susan asks.
Brady and I nod.
