Chapter 29
For the last ten years or so, I've celebrated Thanksgiving with Travis and his family. I'm not that big into the holidays. My memories of them are not the fondest. Taylor, however, decided to have Thanksgiving with her mother. I can't blame her, really. It's all about the food, anyway.
Travis and Cheryl have three kids. Their youngest, Mike, is with his wife's family, but the other two, Jeff and Sophie are there with their families. It's not too bad. There are only three kids, but they're all old enough to feed themselves. Not annoying.
Halfway through pie, my cell phone goes off. I see it's Claire's number from Shermer. I assume it's Taylor and answer.
"Hello?" I rise from the table and step into the living room.
It's quiet for a moment. "Hi, John," Claire says.
I stop walking for a moment. "Hey."
"Happy Thanksgiving," she says. Her voice is very subdued.
"Likewise," I say. There's another moment of silence, and I begin to wonder if something is wrong. "Taylor get there okay?"
"Oh, yes," Claire says. She's quiet for a little bit. Holding back. "I just wanted-" She stops suddenly.
"Yeah?" I ask.
"Sorry," Claire says. She takes a breath. "One of the kids. Anyway, I just wanted to see if you had plans for Christmas."
"Christmas?" I ask. The last Christmases have been spent sleeping in and watching old movies.
"Taylor and I were talking after dinner. She wants to come down here for Christmas, and we would really like it if you would join us."
"Yeah, okay," I say before I can change my mind. I instantly regret it.
"Great. Well…." she trails off.
"See you then," I prompt.
"Great. Happy Thanksgiving," she says.
"You already said that," I tease. I can hear her smile on the other line.
"Bye, John." She hangs up.
