“Care for a refill?” She inclined her head towards their empty coffee cups. Grace shook her head. “Not for me, thanks. This stuff hits you like a bullet.”
“I’ll have some.” Jacob smiled gratefully. “Nothing like a hot cup of coffee on a day like this.”
“Actually, what I’d really like is your opinion,” Grace said, gesturing to the seat in front of her. “Look at these adorable centerpieces, Mom. What do you think?”
Jacob sighed and Grace turned to him. “What?”
“It’s just… I feel like the money’s better spent on food,” Jacob said. “Nobody cares about flowers, you know? The guests aren’t really going to remember.”
“Well, I’ll remember and that’s what matters,” Grace said. “You can’t have a wedding without flowers, Jacob. And we haven’t even started thinking about the bouquets yet.”
“It’s just...” Jacob hesitated. “I mean, it’s just ridiculous to pay thousands of dollars for flowers that wilt and die a day later, you know? At least the food—”
Grace glared at him, her chin in the air. “We discussed a budget for these already. You—”
Nora coughed.
Both Grace and Jacob looked a little embarrassed.
“Well, never mind for now,” Grace said. “How are you, Mom?”
“I’m well,” Nora said. “The two of you look stressed, though.”
“Well, I just never realized how much work goes into a wedding,” Grace admitted. “Plus, we’re looking for a decent place to rent in Cheyenne for when we move in together afterwards.”
Jacob nodded. “We’re trying hard, but everything is so overpriced right now. You’d think the houses were sitting on beds of diamonds.”
“We’ll figure it out though,” Grace said, leaning her head on Jacob’s shoulder. “Eventually.”
Jacob just squeezed her arm and smiled down at her. “Absolutely. Meanwhile, this weekend is Thanksgiving, so I’m looking forward to a break and some family time.”
“Will Hazel be able to make it?” Grace asked.
“No, sorry,” Nora said. “She made plans to spend the weekend with some friends in Laramie.”
“Ahh, she’s missing out on a proper Giordano Thanksgiving.” Jacob grinned. “You folks are in for a treat. Our house is going to be full of family and food and laughter. I can’t wait.”
“Are a lot of people coming?” Nora asked.
“Not too many.” Jacob counted them off on his fingers. “There’s Aunt Eugenie and her husband, Uncle Dave, who always starts a fight about politics by dessert time. Plus you three, me, Mom and Kaylee, so…ten. I think Mom’s also inviting my dad’s younger brother, Uncle Finley, but I’m not sure he’ll make it.” Jacob hesitated, then added, “I guess he feels alone now that the rest of his family is gone so I hope he comes.”
“That’s very kind of your mother to invite him, then,” Nora said.
“That’s Mom.” Jacob smiled. “She takes time to warm up to people but, once she accepts you, she’s loyal forever.”
“Well, I hope she warms up to me a little faster.” Grace grinned. “Three years and I still feel frost on my fingertips when we shake hands.”
“Hey, even ovens take time to heat up.” Jacob grinned, pinching her nose and shaking it gently. “Take it easy, will you? We’ve got 100 years to go.”
“That’s what I love about you.” Grace looked up at him with shining eyes. “Ever the optimist.”
“Thanks.” Jacob smiled. “Oh, I forgot, Aunt Sophia and her daughter, Ramona, will be there, too.”
Grace’s brows knitted together. “Jacob, your mom said the event was family-only.”
“Well, they aren’t related to us, but Aunt Sophia has been Mom’s best friend since they were little kids, so they’re like family.”
“Ramona Fisher-Ainsworth is not like family,” Grace said. “She likes you, Jacob. Is this really a good idea? Inviting her?”
Jacob frowned. “I mean, she’s already been invited. We can hardly dis-invite her now, can we? That would be so rude.”
“I’m really not comfortable...” Grace murmured.
“Oh, come on.” Jacob nuzzled her cheek. “You trust me, don’t you? You’re the only woman I have eyes for. Ramona’s just a friend. I promise, she’ll be on her best behavior.”
“Promise?”
“Sure, and—” The bell above the door tinkled as someone walked in and Jacob’s entire face drained of color.
Nora swung around to look and saw a young man walk in. Muscle-bound with a small gold earring hanging off his left lobe, the man instantly had every head swinging his way. Ignoring the looks he was getting, he waved a hand at Jacob and gave him a shiny, upside-down triangle of a smile.
Jacob stood up, towering over the shorter man, and yet, with his hunching shoulders, was clearly far less confident.
“Hey, big brother. Heard you went and got engaged!” The man smacked Jacob hard on the arm and then grabbed him in a bear hug.
Still a little slow, Jacob stuttered. “What are you doing here, Lucas?”
“I was driving home and I checked your Instagram. Whaddaya know, you’re tagged in a location just an hour away from me. So I thought I’d come say ‘hi’.”
“Driving home?” Jacob’s eyes narrowed. “You live in Seattle. What do you mean home?”
“Aw, come on, bro. I may have lived in Seattle a while, but you know Greenfield is my home.”
“Hard to say, you haven’t been here in years.”
Ignoring Jacob, Lucas turned his smile on Grace. “And you must be the lovely Grace! Good job, Jacob!”
“Hi.” Grace gave Jacob a questioning look then slipped her hand into Lucas’ outstretched palm. He raised it to his lips and gave her a dramatic smack on the back of her hand. “Lovely to meet you.” He smiled.
“Uh…thanks.” Grace looked at Jacob again. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Grace, Nora…I’d like to introduce you to my younger brother. This is Lucas.”
Lucas gave Nora a brief, upward nod before turning his attention back to the other two.
“I haven’t seen Lucas in five years,” Jacob said. “So excuse me for being a little confused when he just waltzed in.”
“Yeah, it’s been too long.” Lucas looked a little irritated, even though his smile remained as flashy as ever. “But when I heard Jacob was getting married, well, I knew I had to rush up here. Plus it’s Thanksgiving — time for family.”
“Does Mom know you’re here?” Jacob asked.
“I thought I’d give her a little surprise.” Lucas shifted a bit. “You know, it’s not entirely my fault we haven’t seen each other in five years. I mean, Mom came down to Seattle several times. You should have, too.”
“I don’t think a surprise is a very good idea,” Jacob said. “You should call her. She needs to get a room ready for you. We’ve got guests this weekend and she’s going to get stressed if you just show up.”
Lucas scowled. “Well, hopefully she’ll throw me a better reception than you, brother. Heck, I almost feel like you aren’t glad to see me at all.”
“No it’s not that. It’s just… a surprise,” Jacob clarified.
Trying to make peace, Grace butted in. “Lucas, why don’t you sit down?”
“Can I get you some coffee?” Nora asked him. She slid out of the booth and gestured at him to sit. “I’m the co-owner of the diner,” she added when Lucas looked confused.
“Ah. Nice.” Lucas checked out the menu that was splayed on the table and said. “Hey, think you can get me some scrambled eggs and toast, too? Egg whites only.”
“Sure,” Nora said. “Coming right up, on the house.”
“No, please. I’ll pay. I insist.” Jacob protested, looking embarrassed for his little brother.
“Rubbish. Family eats free at the Madness Diner,” Nora said. “I’ll be back.”
“So, Lucas…” Grace smiled and tried to be a good host, even though half of her was still focused
on how uncomfortable Jacob clearly felt. “I’m really happy to meet you. I didn’t even know Jacob had a younger brother.”
“Yeah, he wishes he didn’t, I think.”
“Hey, come on, Lucas—”
“Just kidding, bro. Can’t take a joke, can ya?” Lucas grinned. “Yeah, I’ve spent the last five years in Seattle. So I’ve been a little out of it, ya know? But I’m back now. Had enough of the big city life. Time to settle down.”
“I thought you were committed to running your own gym?” Jacob said. “What happened to that?”
“You know, there comes a time in your life when you ask yourself what you really want,” Lucas explained. “Turns out, I really wanted to come back home. So here I am.”
Jacob narrowed his eyes a little, but didn’t comment.
“So, you’re moving back?” Grace asked. “That’s great news. Have you got a job lined up here?”
“Well, not yet. But…” Lucas flexed his biceps. “I won’t have much trouble finding one. Gyms are always looking. Or I can even go freelance. You know, training people. Or life coaching. Heck, Jacob, you could do with a little personal training yourself. What do you say? Get ripped before the wedding?”
“I’m good,” Jacob said. “Where are you planning to stay?”
“Home, of course,” Lucas said. “Mom’s getting older, I’m sure she’ll appreciate having a man around the house.”
“Mom’s only 65,” Jacob said. “And I drop by once a week to see her.”
“Yeah, but you live like an hour away, right?” Lucas asked.
“We’ll be moving closer once we get married,” Jacob said.
“Cool. More chance for us to be buds again.” Lucas winked at Grace. “I can tell you a lot of stories about this big guy right here. He was one fat kid growing up! We used to call him Lardie. Then one day he shot up into the sky like Jack’s beanstalk and he’s been lanky ever since.”
“I’ve seen his childhood photos and he was adorable,” Grace said.
“Aww. Well, that’s love for you — totally blind.”
“Look, you can’t just move into the house without asking Mom first,” Jacob said.
“What’s she gonna do? Say no? I’m her son, bro.” Lucas shrugged. “Anyway, hey, let’s talk bachelor parties. I’m going to throw you one epic—”
“No,” Jacob said flatly.
“What?” Lucas stared at him. “I’m your best man, bro. How can—”
“You are not my best man. As of now, I’m not even sure you’re going to stick around for the wedding,” Jacob said. “You’re like that wind out there. Sometimes you make a lot of noise and shake things up. Then, just as quickly, you vanish into nothingness. Plus, I have a best man already.”
“Ouch.” Lucas put a hand over his heart. “But, still, good to hear you’ve finagled a friend. Who is this best man?”
“Jerry from high school.”
“That nerd?” Lucas threw his head back and laughed. “Yeah, well, it’s probably for the best. He’s more your speed.”
“Look, this isn’t right. You can’t just barrel back into town and…” He took a deep breath. “I’m calling Mom,” Jacob said, standing up suddenly. “I suggest you do it yourself, actually.”
“No,” Lucas said. “I’m going to sit here and eat my eggs. You go whining to Mom like always if you like. Ruin my surprise.”
“Surprises are supposed to be pleasant. This will be a shock,” Jacob said and strode outside.
Nora, who had just walked up with coffee and eggs, looked at his retreating back in surprise.
“Typical.” Lucas rolled his eyes. “Don’t mind him, Grace. He’s a bit straitlaced. Well, you know that already, I suppose. As for me, I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. After all, soon enough we’re gonna be brother and sister!”
*****
Chapter 4
A Thanksgiving Party
Nora hovered over the stove, peeking to see if the potatoes were done yet. Behind her, Harvey was poring over a newspaper and occasionally snorting as he read the predictions for the upcoming football game. “Both teams are incredibly strong this season,” Harvey said, without looking up at her. “But that new quarterback for—”
“Harv, you’re not going to be stuck to the TV all day, are you? You need to mix with the Giordanos, too.”
“And I will…because I’m sure they’ll all be glued to the TV along with me. At least the men will.” Harvey checked his watch. “Speaking of which, should we get going soon?”
Nora gave him a look. “My mashed potatoes are going to take another hour at least.”
“You’re making enough to feed half of Wyoming.” Harvey smiled.
“Well, there’s going to be a lot of people at the house. I want to make a good impression.”
“You’re more nervous than Grace.” Harvey laughed. “Don’t stress.”
Nora shook her head. “You’re so dense sometimes, Harvey. Marriage isn’t just about two people coming together. It’s two families. Do you realize that family feuds are one of the biggest reasons for broken marriages in this country?”
“Are you sure about that? I thought it was money,” Harvey said. “Especially these days.”
Nora rolled her eyes. “I said one of the reasons. Anyway, we have got to become friends with these people. That’s my point.”
“Is that why you cancelled our original Thanksgiving plans?” Harvey asked. “Hazel was more than a little disappointed, you know. She wanted us to be in Laramie for Amber’s concert.”
“I know. But there will be other concerts, dear,” Nora said. “Hazel understands.”
Harvey shrugged. “If you say so.”
Taking the potatoes off the stove, Nora drained them in the sink. Harvey sprang up and took them away from her. “I’ll help,” he said, and started mashing the boiled potatoes.
“Thanks, sweetheart.” Nora kissed him on the cheek, realizing she wasn’t dreaming. Turning back to the stove, she began to mix the butter and milk, heating them gently until a rich mixture had formed.
“What’s the secret ingredient this time?” Harvey asked as Nora mixed the butter sauce and sour cream into the potatoes along with salt and pepper.
“Absolutely nothing,” Nora said. “Grace loves her mashed potatoes the way you love your cars: classic only.”
Harvey grinned. “What? No jalapeños? No cheddar? No random but delicious topping like pineapple? You’re losing your touch, lady.”
“Ok, I lied,” Nora admitted. “I’m making two batches. One classic, the other with oven roasted garlic and olive oil.”
“Mmm.” Harvey licked his lips. “I should punch some extra holes in my belt. I’ll need them after all this food.”
*****
The Giordano home was nearly an hour away in town of Greenfield. The drive up was easy, with clear roads save for the occasional truck whizzing by. The large canvas bag containing Tupperware containers filled with mashed potatoes was safely tucked under a seatbelt on the backseat and Nora, exhausted from the cooking, leaned her head against the window as Harvey drove.
Unlike Milburn, Greenfield wasn’t a very prosperous town. They drove in on a road with old, faded billboards urging them to buy Coca-Cola or to fuel up at one of the several long-abandoned gas stations en route. On the sides of the road were houses that hadn’t been painted in a long while, some with cracked windows and overgrown yards — a sight that would cause raised eyebrows in Milburn. Still, Nora noticed the families hanging around in backyards, playing football or just watching the world go by. Young pre-teens were riding bicycles along the sidewalk, stopping to stare as the big black BMW SUV passed by them. Maybe Greenfield wasn’t very rich, but it seemed a happy enough place, anyway.
The Giordano home was a bit off the main street and a stark contrast to the other houses. It was a gigantic, white house with pillars supporting a massive front porch and a large iron fence closing it off from intruders. The latticed iron gates were wide
open, however, and all sorts of cars were parked in a jumble in the huge, circular driveway. The cars spilled out to the sides of the road, too, parked bumper to bumper. Nora frowned. It was really a curious mixture of cars — from a beautifully maintained Porsche 911 to various battered Toyotas, souped-up Hondas and beat-up Fords.
Harvey frowned, too, as he tried to figure out a place to park.
“Interesting crowd,” he said.
“I thought there were only going to be a dozen or so of us,” Nora considered, feeling suddenly nervous. “This looks like a lot more! There must be at least a hundred people in there, judging by the number of cars!”
“I’m sure there’s an explanation,” Harvey said.
“And that music!” Nora exclaimed, as a sudden blast hit their ears. It sounded like screwdrivers being smooshed in a high-speed blender. Unpleasant, to say the least.
Confused, Harvey and Nora approached the front door, their arms loaded with mashed potatoes. It flew open and two men with neon mohawks stepped out, one pink and one green, laughing and handing each other hand-rolled cigarettes. For a minute, the punks looked a little startled at seeing the staid, middle-aged couple in front of them. But, before either Harvey or Nora could say a word, the two men walked off into the yard, completely ignoring the new arrivals.
“Are you sure this is the right address?” Nora asked weakly, peeking into the house. Through the front doors, she could see the living room, which had a giant spiral staircase in one corner. The house was packed with people. The shades were drawn and, in the corner under the spiral staircase, a DJ in a pair of over-sized headphones was bobbing his head to the beat. Young men and women were littered around the room. Some sat on the stairs smoking, others danced or talked loudly over the music with their feet thrown up on the furniture. Yet none of these people were familiar to Nora or, for that matter, looked like they belonged. Nora could tell that the house was tastefully furnished, with lavender-colored wallpaper, a wooden fireplace, and mid-century modern furniture standing beneath framed prints of Van Gogh and Monet. In the center of the room, a man began breakdancing and the crowd whooped and cheered him on.
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