everything, because I knew that’s what my dad would have wanted, and because I’d promised him I would.
The next day I’d told everyone, including my girlfriend Holly, that I just wanted to be alone. But when Meg showed up at my door with lasagna, a six-pack of my favorite beer, and open arms, I’d lost it. I wouldn’t have dared to let anyone else see my tears, but I held onto Meg and sobbed like a fucking baby for a solid ten minutes.
Best part was, she never made me talk about it. She just let me cry, and after I stopped, we ate lasagna, drank beer, and binge-watched Law & Order. She loved that stupid show, no matter how many times I told her that it was totally unrealistic and predictable.
“I don’t care,” she’d insist. “I like the predictability. They always get the bad guy.”
I was glad she’d reached out tonight, and even more glad that she was coming home for a visit. We had a rare and unique friendship that I cherished, and I’d never do anything to jeopardize it.
But if you think that stopped me from getting myself off to the thought of her licking Twinkie filling off my rock-hard cock, you’re fucking crazy.
Four
Meg
I arrived at Cherry Capital Airport just after eleven Saturday morning.
Since I hadn’t told anyone I was coming in early and didn’t want to ruin the surprise by asking someone to pick me up, I took a cab to Cloverleigh Farms. I couldn’t help smiling as the car turned onto the long, winding drive heading for the old farmhouse, which my parents had expanded considerably and turned into a five-star luxury inn.
Beyond the main building, which also included a bar and restaurant, were the familiar red barns and outbuildings that had been there when I was a kid, but there were new structures too: a winery, a tasting room, and a huge new white barn that served as a wedding venue. My sister April was the event planner here, and the weddings she designed had been written up in magazines, photographed for influential lifestyle blogs, and even featured on several episodes of a reality TV show about out-of-the-way spots to tie the knot in style. I had no doubt Frannie’s wedding would be beyond Pinterest-worthy, and I couldn’t wait to hear about it. I felt bad that I hadn’t asked about all the details before.
The driver pulled around the circular drive in front of the inn. “This okay?”
“Sure, thanks,” I said. A moment later, I was wheeling my suitcase through the multi-paned glass doors leading to the inn’s charming lobby. My mother was at the reception desk, but she was focused on something on her computer screen as I approached.
“Excuse me, can I book a room please?” I asked with a grin.
“I’m so sorry, we’re completely—” She looked up, and her expression went from regretful to ecstatic. “Meg?”
“Surprise!”
“I can’t believe it!” She came rushing around the desk to throw her arms around me. “Oh honey, it’s so good to see you!”
I dropped my shoulder bag and hugged her back, inhaling the familiar scent of her Chanel perfume. There was nothing like a mom’s hug to make you feel like everything was going to be okay, no matter what. “It’s so good to be home.”
She squeezed me hard for several seconds and then let go. “Does anyone know you’re here? Why didn’t you call? I would have come to get you! I thought you weren’t coming in until Thursday!”
I laughed at her rapid-fire speech. “I wasn’t going to, but I was feeling kind of homesick, so I thought I’d come in sooner. Spend a little more time here.”
My mother cocked her head. “Homesick? You?” She put a hand on my forehead. “Are you feeling okay?”
Swatting her hand away, I rolled my eyes. “I’m feeling great. I just missed everyone, that’s all. It’s been a while.”
“It sure has. Your father is going to be thrilled. So will your sisters.” She looked beyond me into the lobby. “Where’s Brooks? Parking the car?”
“Uh, no.” I cleared my throat. “Brooks isn’t with me.”
“He isn’t?”
“We broke up, actually.”
A small gasp, and she covered her lips with one hand. “Oh, no. I’m so sorry, Meg.”
“Don’t be. I’m fine, really.”
“Are you sure?” Her expression was worried. “You two were together a long time. I thought for sure you’d—”
“Well, things change.” I slung my bag over my shoulder again, not really interested in rehashing the breakup. “So where is everybody?”