Page 115 of Deck the Hauls

“My parents’ cooking is a little underwhelming compared to your family’s. The turkey will likely be on the tougher side, the Brussels sprouts a little soggy, and I don’t think Dad’s rum balls actually have any rum in them.”

Emily laughed. “That I can deal with. Worst case scenario we can eat the food Mom packed when we get back to your place.”

I chuckled. “All right, here goes.” I pressed the doorbell.

The voices stopped, quickly replaced with footsteps.

The door opened and there was Mom and Dad. We looked at each other for a moment, and then Mom threw her arms around me.

“It’s good to see you, my love,” she murmured into my ear, her gray bob brushing against my cheek. “Merry Christmas.”

I blinked away tears as I inhaled her familiar jasmine scent.

As soon as Mom was done, Dad enveloped me in an enormous, slightly stifling bear hug, his beard tickling my cheeks.

“We’ve missed you,” he said gruffly. “I know this isn’t easy, sweetheart.”

“I’ve missed you too,” I said as I unentangled myself.

“Mom, Dad, this is Emily. Emily, these are my parents, Pam and Richard. I hope it’s okay if Emily stays for dinner. It was a bit of a spur-of-the-moment thing.” I was sure it would be fine. More than fine. Mom had mentioned multiple times that I was very welcome to bring a plus-one.

“Of course. It’s so lovely to meet you, Emily,” Mom said, just as Dad reached out to shake Emily’s hand.

Mom turned back to me, her smile fading. “Jake and Kelsey are in the kitchen. Are you sure…are you sure you’ll be okay? Jake said he told you about their news?”

I nodded. “I’ll be okay, Mom.”

“It’s all a bit awkward,” Mom said to Emily. “I’m assuming Dana told you what happened?” Mom gave a dramatic grimace.

I was torn between wanting to roll my eyes or laugh. Mom was just as frustrating and lovable as she always had been.

“Of course I did, Mom.”

“Okay, good.”

My heart pounded as we walked down the hallway, Christmas music growing louder as we went. At some point, I must have grabbed Emily’s hand, because just as we walked into the kitchen, I realized I was gripping it tightly. There was a slightly odd smell, some faintly artificial citrus scent. Was it a candle?

And there they were. Jake and Kelsey, standing next to each other behind the kitchen counter. Despite being partially hidden behind the countertop, the curve of Kelsey’s stomach was visible. I braced myself, waiting for nausea to flood me, or my body to freeze, or some other significant reaction befitting of seeing my ex after three years. But it just didn’t feel that dramatic. It was odd, that was for sure, seeing someone I’d been so familiar with, so close to, but who was now a stranger. It was awkward too. What was the appropriate greeting in this situation?

“Oh my god!” Kelsey stared at us.

I flinched.

What was going on? Had no one told Kelsey I was coming? That would be a pretty shitty thing to do. I’d assumed she was onboard with the whole thing, especially after her text last week.

“What is it?” Mom asked, looking concerned.

“You’re…you’re the detective from Harrowgate.” Kelsey flushed, pushing her light brown hair back over her shoulder. “Sorry, that was rude of me. I just wasn’t expecting… I love that show.”

My shoulders relaxed. Kelsey was staring at Emily.

Emily smiled. “No, not at all. I’m just pleased you watched it.”

“Kelsey, this is Emily.” I turned to Emily. “And this is Kelsey and Jake.”

“Sorry to turn up unannounced like this.” Emily reached out and shook hands with Kelsey and Jake.

“You’re an actress, Emily?” Mom asked. “How wonderful! What else have you been in?”