Unraveling (Second Chances) - By Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,99
to be able to cook food like this.
The guys helped us clean the table off and then disappeared to watch TV.
“You don’t need to help me,” Patsy said, nodding her head for me to leave. “You can go with Jared.”
“I want to help you,” I said, dunking a plate into the soapy water and wiping it with a cloth.
“Well, in that case, stay. I won’t turn down free help,” she winked, taking the rinsed dish from me and putting it in the dishwasher.
Karlie picked up some cleaning spray and went to disinfect the dining room table.
“You know,” Patsy, said, “Jared may not be my biological son, but he is my son. I care and love him like any mother would. I worry about him,” she shrugged. “I just want you to know that I really like you, Katy. I can see that you’re a perfect match for each other. You complete him. Hold on to him, Katy, and never let go. Love can guide you through even the worst of storms.”
“Thank you,” I nodded, tears threatening to fall, “that means a lot to me, coming from you.”
“I know you’re going to be a part of this family, Katy,” she smiled. “I want us to have a good relationship.”
“I want that too,” I nodded. With a laugh, I said, “Maybe you can start by teaching me to cook.”
Her light, musical, laughter filled the kitchen. “I think I can do that, sweetie.” She patted my cheek and quickly withdrew her hand. “Oh! I’m sorry!”
“No, it’s okay,” I told her. “I’m okay.”
And I was okay, with everything.
~***~
“See,” Jared said, taking my hand and helping me into his car. “I told you, you had nothing to worry about.”
“Patsy is awesome,” I said.
He looked over at Dan and Patsy, standing on the front porch, waving.
“They both are,” he said, waving back.
I nodded in agreement and waved.
Jared got in and looked in his rearview mirror. Groaning, he scolded, “Karlie, put your seatbelt on.”
“Ugh, you’re so annoying, Jare,” she grumbled but I heard the seatbelt click into place.
“No, I’m just concerned about your safety. This is why I don’t want you to have a car,” he waved once more at his parents as we pulled away.
“You suck the fun out of everything,” Karlie said from the back, her voice muffled by her jacket, which she’d rolled up and currently had her head propped against.
“I try,” Jared chuckled.
In no time, a light snore filled the backseat, and Jared chuckled. He looked over at me. “Fill her up and she falls right to sleep, just like a baby.”
Jared pulled up in front of my condo building.
“I love you,” he brushed his nose against my cheek. “I’m so glad you were in the club that night, and I’m so glad you came to Fight For It.”
I chuckled. “You’ll have to thank my therapist for that one. She saw the flyer and suggested I try it out.”
“I want to give that woman a big hug,” he growled in my ear, “because she brought you straight to me.”
“I think I can arrange that,” I kissed him again, quickly, and grabbed my bag. “I’ll see you.”
“Bye,” he smiled, as I closed the door.
I walked to sliding glass doors of the main floor and looked over my shoulder. Jared was still there, watching to make sure I made it inside safe. I smiled and waved over my shoulder at him before going inside.
A smile lit my face as I rode up in the elevator.
Every day, I was finding another reason to love Jared a little more. That’s how I knew what we had, was true, real, love; the kind that lasts.
32
I LOOKED OUT MY BEDROOM WINDOW, GRINNING FROM EAR TO EAR.
It was snowing, the first one of the season.
I loved the snow, always had. When I was a child, I was the first one bundled up and outside with my sled.
It looked like we really would have a white Christmas this year.
Tonight, was Karlie’s Christmas recital, the holiday itself only a few days away. Classes had ended a few days ago and I was happy for the break. I needed some time without homework.
I pulled on a pair of black skinny jeans and a red sweater. I had recently bought a nice black coat that came to just above my knee and belted at my waist and decided to wear it over my sweater for a dressier appearance.
I pulled my hair back in a ponytail and swiped some gloss over my lips.