by Ruby Vincent
Behind me, Mom cried—soft sniffling sobs that echoed in my mind.
My hands rose of their own power. In the next breath, I was hugging him back, so tightly he grunted, and he responded by squeezing me just as hard.
“I love you too, Dad.”
RYDER’S CAT SPLAYED in my lap, purring furiously. I scratched the creature on autopilot.
“My dad is here. After nineteen years, he just hops on a plane and comes out here.”
“He’s here,” Adam replied.
Two weeks had passed since the initiation and my father’s surprise visit. The first semester was finally over and winter break had begun.
The two of us were in the living room. Adam sat at his little kid table, munching on reindeer Rice Krispie Treats. Val was going all out for the holiday. Four weeks at home and the first Christmas all of us were spending together. She gave Caroline the bug and, as a result, the house looked like Santa’s workshop threw up in here.
Christmas trees in every room, lights strung through the corridors, mistletoe over the entrances, and a Christmassy theme to all of our food. That morning I ate a bowl of porridge with strawberry Santas.
I loved that woman to death, but none of it was enough to distract me from the fact that the man who’d been seven thousand miles away from me my whole life was now less than five.
“He’s at my mom’s house, Adam. So apparently it wasn’t impossible for him to get on a plane. There wasn’t this impenetrable barrier preventing him from seeing his oldest son.”
“No,” Adam agreed.
“And he and Mom are so happy.”
“Happy.”
“It’s messed up,” I said. “What are they happy about? They broke up because she wouldn’t give up her career and he wouldn’t give up his home. How are they cool living in the same house all of a sudden, chuckling over my baby pictures? It’s crazy.”
“It’s crazy.”
“That’s what I’m saying,” I cried.
A snicker snapped my head around. Val leaned against a column, eyes shining with amusement.
“Ezra, leave that baby alone and let him watch his cartoons.”
I grumbled under my breath. “But he’s a good listener.”
“I am too.” She crooked a finger at me. “Come, my love. I’ll have Maverick move his project in here. He can watch him while you and I talk.”
“Can I bring the cat?”
“I thought you didn’t like her?”
“I like cats that like me.” I picked up the purr machine and settled her in the crook of my arm. “Maverick used to bring home a lot that didn’t. I won’t tell you how many times those mangy things scratched me.”
Val went off to find the animal rescuer in question. Maverick was working on some techy programming thing that was in parts now but would soon be a Christmas present. He moved it to the living room to let Val and me snag a minute alone.
“Are you really not happy your father is here?” she asked as we curled up on the couch in our bedroom.
I blew out a breath. “I don’t know how to feel. Our situation has always been complicated. Growing up he wasn’t here but he also wasn’t missing. Whenever I wanted to talk to him, I’d call and he’d answer the phone. We’d video chat and talk for hours about everything going on in our lives. Between that and Mom, it was rare that I felt like I was missing something.”
“Rare,” she said softly. “There were times that you did.”
I nodded. “A phone call describing about my birthday party isn’t the same as him being there, even a five-year-old knew that.”
She stroked my cheek. “Did you ever tell him you had those feelings?”
“No.”
“It makes sense, then, that he finally came to see you after all of this time.”
My brows drew together. “How?”
“Your situation wasn’t ideal, but as long as his son put on a smiling face, he could believe it was enough. Finally telling him how you felt and then cutting off contact must have scared him into taking this step. He doesn’t want to lose you.”
She pressed a kiss to my temple and then on my nose. I closed my eyes, sinking into the warmth and love that was Valentina.
“It’s a lot to process after all of this time and it’s okay if you want to take it slow.”
I scrubbed my tired face. “I wish I knew what I wanted. Mom invited us over for Christmas Eve dinner. We’re all going to sit around like one big happy family and—”
—and I haven’t spoken to Brian yet.
“And what?” Val asked.
“And home is the one place I don’t have to be the mannequin man. Pretending everything is fine is as wrong as ruining my first visit with my father.”
“It doesn’t have to be either or,” she said. “You can have a good visit and a serious talk about your fight.”
I cracked a smile. “You are wise and beautiful, Valentina Moon.”
“Am I a better listener than Adam?” she teased.
“No.”
“Hey.”
I ducked her swat, startling Cara out of my lap. The cat beat it out of my room, which was good because our minute alone got pornographic after that.
That night, I trailed my finger along her sleeping form. My mind wouldn’t quiet enough for sleep. A repeat of the night before, and the night before that, ever since my second trip to the basement.
I needed to speak with Brian, but Dad’s visit and Val’s wish for a normal, happy Christmas got to me. I wanted to enjoy this ignorant bliss through one more holiday and this holiday, with the four of us together for the first time, warranted the reprieve. Why let Aiden ruin it?
Aiden Connelly.
The name stirred familiar loathing on the millionth pass through my thoughts. Val and I agreed not to talk about the Sams or Sallys over the holiday. I jumped on it to save me from lying to her, but it didn’t stop me going around in my head about how to deal with him.
Somehow, he discovered Maverick’s digging and, excluding his father, Maverick was the best hacker I knew. I haven’t begun to scratch the surface of Aiden Connelly and I couldn’t try if what he said about Brian was true.
But he did something to Sawyer and most likely Teagan too. If I give up finding them, Aiden gets off free and clear to do it again.
I drew Val close, enticing a soft, sleepy moan from her lips.
“Sleep, baby,” I shushed.
One of us should sleep. And I would be the one lying awake, wishing I knew what to do.
VALENTINA
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine,” Sofia said. I picked up on her eyeroll through the phone. “I swear you’re more worried about me than for yourself.”
“Because you’re my best friend.”
I picked up the watermelon and transferred it to the cutting board. The chef was officially on duty, but I was doing my best to lighten his load.
“I know.” Her tone softened. “I love you too. But really, Val, I’m okay. Leighton’s research didn’t include the fact that Mom told me about selling the formula herself. She was in a bad place after Dad’s heart attack and a lot came out. I was disappointed, but I forgave her weeks ago. To be honest, I got it easy. At least I didn’t discover my father had a second family or... you know... statutory rape.”
My sympathetic hiss was hard to hear over the thwack of the knife. “I wonder if our secrets will truly stay secret.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Go for it.”
“Why did you agree to become a Sally after that night? When you walked out, I thought you were doing it for good.”
I stilled. I stayed because I’m going to find out what Leighton knows about me, why she’s fixated on me, and what happened to Teagan once and for all.
“I’ll answer if you do too,” I said.
“Deal.”
“I became a Sally because I still want the same things,” I said instead. “I want what we were before that night a
nd if we can get back there again, we’ll have the four years of normal and fun.”
I did want those things, but if the Sallys could give it, I no longer knew. What I did know is I couldn’t let Sofia find out what was written on that card.
“Do we still think the Sallys were behind Teagan going AWOL?” she asked.
“Ezra believes Aiden and his buddies in the basement are the villains in this story and we don’t have proof saying otherwise,” I admitted.
“In that case, I can say my reasons are yours. I want sisters.”
“Am I not enough for you?”
She laughed. “I want more sisters. They won’t come near your level, but they’ll do.”
“Just remember they won’t come near my level.”
“Merry Christmas, Val.”
“Merry Christmas.” I gave the watermelon another satisfying whack. “I’m coming by later with presents and Christmas tree watermelon salad. Festive and healthy.”
“Daddy will love it. See you soon.”
“Bye.”
I tossed my phone on the counter and returned to my Christmas Eve offering. Ezra’s mother invited us all to dinner that night and I was heavily focused on impressing her.
It was Christmas. Everything had to be perfect.
EZRA
“Ezra’s dad in the flesh,” Jaxson said. “Somebody pinch me.”
“Everyone just be cool,” I replied.
The six of us climbed the steps to the wreath-covered door.
“Don’t say or do... anything,” I finished.
Jaxson knocked my shoulder. “You don’t trust us around your old man?”
“It’s better I don’t answer that.”
Evan let us inside and we scattered in different directions. I went straight for Mom’s bedroom.
I knocked once, then let myself inside.
“Mom?”
“In the closet, sweetie.”
I stuck my head in her walk-in. Mom twirled in front of the mirror, eyeing her green satin dress from all angles.
“Is that a new dress?”
“What? No,” she said. “Why would you think that?”
My brow crept up my forehead. “I think that because I’ve never seen it before. It’s not your usual style either. You said once you’re north of forty, your hemlines are south of your knees.”
She pinked. “This is a perfectly appropriate hemline, and if you insinuate I’m over forty again, you’re out of my will.”
I laughed. “Either you are or you had Brian at ten years old.”
“Stranger things have happened.”
“Are you wearing that for our guest?” I asked point blank.
“Excuse— Just what are you accusing me of, Ezra?”
“I’m accusing you of buying a new dress.”
She stalked toward me. “Honestly, the way you talk to your mother. Wait for me downstairs.” She shut the door in my face.
I stared at the wood, sensing Mom primping inside.
This is a worrying development.
I left in search of Val. She was in the dining room setting out her creation among the magnificent spread.
Christmas music played on low and mingled with the wafting aroma of Cora’s cooking. Beef tenderloin, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, soup, turkey, salad, and dessert. Between the nine of us, we wouldn’t make a dent, but we’d have delicious leftovers for days.
Val took one look at me. “What’s wrong?”
“My mom is wearing a new dress.”
She stared at me. “And...?”
“And”—I dropped my voice—“you don’t think... she and my dad...?”
Her eyes bugged. “I wouldn’t know. Do you think she and your dad...?”
“Shit. I hope not. The guy is married with two other kids.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing,” she said. “It’s Christmas and her ex is visiting. It’s enough of a reason to want to look your best.”
I bobbed my head. “You’re right, of course.” My eyes drifted up in the direction of my mom’s bedroom. “But I’ll sit between them just in case.”
An hour later, laughter and great conversation filled the room.
“Adam, how many toes do you have?” I asked.
He threw up both hands. “Ten!”
We clapped and cheered him. “All right. I knew we’d figure it out in the end.”
“He is the most adorable little boy,” said Mom. “Adam, don’t leave without getting your present from under the tree.”
“Yay, presents,” he yelled.
Adam bolted out of the seat and took off.
“Wait, baby. Not yet.” Valentina chased after him.
“Tavi is about his age,” said Hakim. “He cannot wait to meet you. Dana as well.”
“I want to meet them too,” I replied.
“Soon. Very soon.”
Mom leaned around me. “Did you try Cora’s rosemary rolls, Hakim? She made them especially for you.”
“How kind. I must try one.”
Their hands grazed each other as she passed him the roll.
“How long are you staying, Dad?” I asked.
“I don’t wish to overstay my welcome.” His eyes drifted over my head. “But I am in no rush. I want to spend time with my son.”
An idea popped in my head. “You could stay with us. There’s plenty of room at the manor.”
“Don’t be silly, Ezra,” Mom cut in. “Caroline has more than enough on her plate with all of you at home. I’ve got nothing but empty rooms here.”
“But it’ll be easier for us to spend time together if he’s just down the hall.”
Mom tossed my argument aside with the flick of her wrist. “You’re just down the road, sweetie. It’s hardly difficult now.”
Dad patted my shoulder. “It’s bad enough I’ve imposed on your mother. I could not do so to your friend’s mother as well.”
“You’re not imposing, Hakim. I can’t express how happy I am that you and Ezra are together after all of this time.” She reached out. “Stay as long as you can.”
I snagged her hand out of the air before he got there.
“Mom, I forgot to say earlier how beautiful you look in that dress. Definitely not a day over forty.”
“A little silver-tongued devil.” She popped a kiss on my cheek. “But you’re not a liar.”
She returned her hand to her lap.
“Wouldn’t that mean she had me when she was ten?” Brian piped up.
I fell silent as everyone laughed.
Today is not the day for our talk. Not on Christmas.
My fists balled under the table.
But Christmas is the reason we need to have that talk.
My brother, who had to split his Christmases between parents, would not miss out on being there for his children unless he had a good reason.
With every passing day I knew, Aiden did not lie.
THE ROUND-EYED, LIGHT-up robot zoomed around on triangular wheels, chasing a squealing Adam through the living room. Maverick’s gift had been a big hit with the toddler. All around, this Christmas haul was the best by far.
We woke up that morning and went straight to the Christmas tree. Breakfast and changing out of our pajamas as we exchanged gifts and delighted in Adam’s happy shriek at each unwrapped present.
Adam received a mountain of new toys, clothes, and shoes. My family hooked me up as well. Adam drew pictures of me and him that Val hung in our room. Jaxson passed on the secret unreleased album of Cosplay Meltdown. Maverick gifted me a brand-new laptop with upgraded protections. Ryder got me cat toys for Cara and laughed himself sick while I opened them. And Val presented me two tickets for a getaway cruise to the Cayman Islands.
“This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had,” Val said. She stretched out on all four of our laps, content and happy as she watched Adam play. “The only thing that could have made it better is Mom being here.”
“Next time she will be,
” Caroline said. She reclined on the chaise, bundled tightly in the blankets Ryder heaped on her. “And we’ll mark the occasion properly with a big Christmas dinner and all the families together.”
“That would be great. Maybe Ezra’s dad could come again with the whole family.” She beamed up at me. “Wouldn’t you love that, guys? A big Christmas family reunion. All of us together. We have to tell them so they don’t make other plans.”
“Let’s get through this Christmas first, Mom,” said Ryder, the voice of reason. “In November, if you’re feeling up to it, we can make plans.”
“I’m feeling up to it right now, my love. Twelve hours to enjoy this Christmas and then we’ll plan for the next.”
Twelve hours. That’s how long I have too.
THE NEXT MORNING, HAKIM let me into the house.
“Ezra, my son.”
He had been doing that. Saying my name like it was the first time he heard it. Calling me son like it surprised him to say it. And looking at me like we just met. In many ways, we have.
“Are you staying for lunch?” he asked. “Cora is trying her hand at one of my favorite meals. I’d like you to experience a taste of my home.”
Hakim put his arm around me and led me into the house. The wonder of him being close enough to touch hadn’t faded. He was the man I knew since I was old enough for Mom to put the phone to my ear, and him in person was familiar and yet different.
Like me, he was classic, well-dressed and neatly trimmed. His clothes were understated to a casual eye and expensive to knowing ones. No reason they shouldn’t be. The restaurant my mother wandered into on that faithful day was one of many he owned.
Smart, discerning, and ambitious. That was Hakim Asadi.
I favored my mother in appearance except for where Hakim’s genes burned strong. Endless black pools where green eyes should be. Thick raven strands for her second son and light brown waves for her first.
Hakim was a part of me as much as Mom, and as we walked through the halls speaking in polite tones instead of what truly brought him all this way, I realized we shared more than features.
“Lunch would be great,” I replied. “But I have to talk to Brian first. Where is he?”