Pause.
“What does that have to do with anything?”
I don’t know why I’m protecting that asshole. “You know how he’s superstitious, right?”
“Of course. I gave his parents the name of a good therapist to help him with his OCD, but I’m not sure they ever called. Maybe he didn’t need it. He’s coped quite well, all things considered.”
“Let me put it this way. Ezra and I started dating in high school because the day after we…” Messed around? Made out? “The day after we kissed, he won his football game. That idiot thought it had something to do with me. Like I was his good luck charm or something. That’s why he dated me so long even though he was bedding half of Charming behind my back and truly had no affection for me. That’s why he asked me to marry him, Mother. Not because he loved me. Not because he cared for me or thought I was special. But because he thought I helped him win football games.”
“That… What?” Silence. “You’re kidding me.”
Now she gets it.
“I would never joke about this.”
“Oh, Abigail. Honey. Why didn’t you tell me?” She sniffles.
It’s been long enough that this situation doesn’t completely humiliate me anymore. “I was embarrassed. I was dating a guy you and Dad loved. Someone you helped in high school. You’re best friends with his mother. I guess I didn’t want to rain on everyone’s parade, but that’s dumb. I was only hurting myself by not being honest.”
“I’m so sorry. Can you forgive me? Next time I see that little dumbass, I’m going to give him a piece of my mind.”
“Forget Ezra. He’s not worth the time or aggravation. But that’s why I don’t want to see his parents.”
“I’ll call them right now and uninvite them from Thanksgiving dinner.”
I tug on a loose thread at the hem of my t-shirt. “That’s not in the spirit of the holidays, though, is it? I love Beth, and I doubt she knows the truth about her son. If you choose to tell her, that’s on you. I don’t want to be involved. I just want to move on with my life.”
By the time I get off the phone, I feel like a weight has been lifted from my chest. I had no idea this was bothering me so much. I’m relieved I finally had that conversation. It was long overdue.
In the living room, I hear voices. Cadence is watching Hazel this afternoon.
I wander out to the kitchen where I see Denise dropping off Hazel from preschool.
Denise waves bye, and I brace myself for Hazel to plow into my legs for a hug. “Hey, sweetheart. How was school? Did you learn a lot?”
“Yup. I told my teacha I know my ABCs.”
“You certainly do.”
“Can I listen to music?” The kid loves her headphones.
I turn her toward Cadence, who’s looking at me funny. “Ask Cadence, honey. She’s in charge this afternoon.”
This always gets tricky because I can obviously help, but I don’t want to step on Cadence’s toes.
The other nanny gives me a tight smile before she turns to Hazel. “Sure. I’ll call you in a little while for lunch.”
“Okay!” She skips down the hallway.
“How’s it going?” I ask Cadence.
“Fine.”
I’ve gotten the distinct impression she doesn’t like me. So she really won’t like this request, but I don’t have the funds to cater Thanksgiving. I push up my glasses as I gather my courage. “Can I ask a favor? It’s kind of a big one, and you can totally say no.”
“You’re scaring me.”
I chuckle. “It’s not scary, I promise. But I was wondering if you could possibly cook a turkey and some sides for Nick and Hazel. They can’t go see his father because Nick has a game and needs to stay in Charming. And you already know I’m no good in the kitchen. I can pay for all the ingredients and help out by watching Hazel while you cook.”
