Next, my dad pans over the room of dancing couples in the living room, then makes his way to the tiny kitchen. That’s where we get the first glimpse of my mom, looking young and more beautiful than ever. She’s fussing over some rice dish and explaining what she’s doing to a young Evan.Wait, Evan?
I don’t remember ever watching this part of the video. Next to my mom is a tall and lanky Evan following my mom’s orders in the kitchen, and moving around the rice in thecaldero. I can hear her explaining why you have to move the rice around, and the best way to makecon con. My dad calls her name so she turns around, sporting a magnificent smile.Damn I miss her smiles.
Next to me, I hear my dad sniffle, and notice that he has tears running down his face. I give Antonio a look and he goes to stop the video.
“It’s ok Papi,” I whisper in his ear. “I miss her too.”
“Ay I’m sorry everyone. I didn’t think I would cry,” he says, looking bashful.
“Sorry Ramón, next time I won’t get you the expensive stuff. That kind of alcohol will make any grown man cry. Next time we’ll stick to Presidente beer only,” Evan says playfully from across the room.
Everyone erupts in somber laughter, and it eases the mood a bit. I send him an appreciative smile and he nods at me.
“Actually Ramón, if you don’t mind, why don’t you give me this home video. Or better yet all your home videos, and I’ll have them converted for you. My birthday gift to you.” Evan smiles.
“Oh wow, really Evan? That would be amazing, thank you so much. I appreciate it.” My dad beams at Evan and I mouth athank youto him. He responds mouthing a sincereyou’re welcome.
“Ok enough of that, let’s hurry up and sing happy birthday before these kids poke my cake!” Tía Lourdes complains. And with that, some background bachata music starts playing and the group disperses into the kitchen.
I stay back and retrieve the VHS tape.
“I’ll take that,” I hear Evan say behind me. I turn and face him. “If that’s okay with you,” he adds.
“Oh, right. Here you go. The rest of the tapes are in the clear container inside the tv stand.”
He nods and makes his way to retrieve the tapes. With a container full of tapes propped under one arm, I stop him before he rejoins the group in the kitchen.
“Evan,” I say as I place my hand on his free forearm. “It’s really sweet of you to do this for my dad,” I start. “I’ve always promised to convert them myself, but I either forget or work gets in the way and…” I sigh. “I just wanted to tell you that I really appreciate you doing this, and jumping in to salvage the night without giving my dad a chance to feel self conscious about crying in front of everyone.”
“Don’t sweat it,” he says without looking at me as he’s about to brush past me, but I hold a tighter grasp on his forearm.
“Evan.” He finally looks me in the eyes underneath his full dark lashes, and for a moment I forget why I’m holding onto him.
“Yeah?”
I shake my head and hope my words come out coherently. “About last night… And today.” I wince. “I don’t even know what kind of explanation to give you if I’m being honest. But since we’re going to be seeing each other this holiday season, and I don’t want to make things more awkward than they are, how about I offer a truce?” I offer my hand for a handshake.
Evan looks at my outreached hand for a couple of beats, then takes it in his large hand. Instead of shaking it, he uses his grip to pull me in close. “That was a nice sentiment. Kudos and all. But the Amelia I’ve recently been introduced to wouldn’t lay down the sword so quickly. So I’m going to chalk up this interaction to you feeling sentimental due to it being your father’s birthday.” He releases my hand with a devilish smirk and leans back.
I’m taken aback by his remarks, and before I can respond, he leans in one more time. “Oh and for the record, I’m looking forward to spending the holidays with this new Amelia. See you at Thanksgiving, babe.” He places a goodbye kiss on my cheek and is off to the kitchen with the rest of the guests while I’m left with my jaw on the ground.
It's official. Evan Cooper is a fucking asshole. A very sexy asshole.
19
Amelia
I spendthe next couple of days trying to come up with a good excuse as to why I won’t be making it to Thanksgiving this year.
I can’t fathom the idea of having to share the same space with Evan after everything that’s happened between us this past weekend.
My one little temptress act on Friday has now turned into a full blown battle of wills between us, and I need off this ride as soon as possible. Just as I’m deciding on whether mono is a plausible excuse to even use nowadays, I get a text notification on my phone. I check and see that it’s a message from the cousin crew group chat.
Evan: Hey guys, looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with everyone this year. Since we’re going to the Berkshires, I’ve booked a car service for each of you, so no one has to worry about renting one. Pick up time is 8AM on Thursday so we can all be at the cabin by lunchtime. Amelia, since you’re arriving a day earlier, please text me what time you would like to be picked up.
Pfft. Of course he got us all private cars. How showy … and kind of nice of him. Whatever. Ugh and did he have to single me out in the text? Was that a ploy or was he really just trying to nail down the details? I’m sure he has an assistant that could be doing this for him. Either way, it’s now or never to back out of Thanksgiving. I need to use this opening to announce that I won’t be able to make it. Mono it is. I start typing in the group chat when another message comes through.
Vanessa: OMG!! Evan that is so sweet of you! We were just looking at renting a sprinter van, because there is no way our kids and all their crap were going to fit in a sedan hahaha. Thank you so much! I also just want to say how excited I am for this Thanksgiving. It will be Abby and I’s first as parents *crying emoji* This is also the first Thanksgiving that our kids will have without their birth parents, and while we will always honor their memory together, they are so excited to create new memories with you guys!!! Thank God you’re arriving a day early Amelia, I hope it’s because you plan on making your infamous flan!! I’ve told the kids about it, and they can’t wait to try it. Anyways, love you all, can’t wait for Thursday, woohoo!
