Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 55282 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55282 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
He motions us to a table that has a white tablecloth, candles burning, and place settings waiting for us to eat on. I feel out of place, but his warm smile reminds me of his wife’s, and I start to warm up to the situation the minute I realize it’s just Christopher, Christina, Michael, and me.
Once we sit down, Michael places his hand on Christopher’s shoulder, and his joyous expression morphs to one of seriousness. “It’s good to have you back, buddy. It’s so fucking good to actually see you here in front of me.”
“You aren’t going to get all mushy on me now, are ya, Mike?” Christopher teases.
“Asshole,” Michael mumbles, but he playfully punches Christopher before announcing, “I have the best pasta dishes made up in the kitchen. I’ll be right back.”
When he turns to leave, Christina reaches for a bottle of open wine and pours it in all four glasses. Papa Rich didn’t believe in drinking—well… he didn’t believe in me drinking. He would drink hard liquor from time to time, but nothing for me. I’m not about to say anything, however, because I desperately want to fit in. For the first time since we left Hallelujah Junction, I feel somewhat normal in my new clothes and my pair of shoes. I like the way Christopher looks at me.
I like the way I looked at me when I saw my reflection in the mirror.
I no longer look like the ghost of Hallelujah Junction and the daughter of a serial killer.
Michael returns with a large tray full of bowls of different pastas and breads. Unlike how I felt this morning being served by Ms. Evans, this time feels different. This time feels like Michael is getting enjoyment out of cooking and serving the ones he cares about. I like being part of it. I like that I seem to be giving him joy simply by sitting and welcoming his food.
He sits down, picks up his full glass of wine, and raises his glass for a toast. We all lift ours as well, as he says, “To Christopher, for returning to us safe when we had all given up hope. To Ember, for joining our often crazy but very loyal clan of friends. And to friendship. May we never be parted again.”
We all tap our glasses, and I sip from the wine as if it isn’t the first time for me. I steal a glance at Christopher, who is smiling at me as he drinks. He knows I’ve never drank wine before, but he seems pleased I’m so willing to try to assimilate to the experience.
“Okay, now that we are seated and eating,” Michael begins as we all start digging into the delicious food, “I have got to ask some questions. Christina filled me in on everything you told her over the phone, so I understand the back story, but there is so much. It seems so unreal.”
Christopher lifts his eyes from his food to me with a look of concern. And though I appreciate it, I’m also comfortable with these people and don’t have the feeling of wanting to flee. Even though I just met them, there is something about them that make me feel safe.
“Ask whatever you want,” I say, giving a warm smile as reassurance that I mean every word. “I’m sure you are both happy to see your friend return and shocked to see him bring someone back with him.”
“What happens now?” Michael asks, and Christina stops chewing to await the answer as well.
“Good question,” Christopher says. “Ember and I don’t really know. Obviously, I have to start working again, and luckily Rolling Stone is interested in having me back. I need to find us a place to live, since my mother sold my apartment, and all of us living under the same roof is something that can only last temporarily. If I don’t kill my mother, Ember may,” Christopher teases with a wink to me.
“What about you?” Christina asks me. “How is all this for you? It must be a lot to take in, since you’ve never experienced anything beyond that schoolhouse and town, right?”
“It feels like I’m in a thunderstorm. It’s loud. It’s windy. It’s full of electricity, excitement, but also fear.” I lift my wine glass and take another swallow before adding, “I’m happy to have Christopher by my side in all this. I’m also happy to have met the both of you. Your kindness has made a pretty bad day end on a good note.”
“So, are you guys really married?” Michael asks.
Christina kicks him under the table not so subtly. “I told you they are.”
Christopher nods, reaches over the table, and takes my hand in his. “We are. Far from normal circumstances, but Ember and I have a bond that no one can understand.”