Coming Undone
Page 44

“You’re really gonna get it when I get you naked again.”
She laughed. “Oh, I do hope so.”
“I want to be with you New Year’s Eve. You’re coming to Erin’s tomorrow?”
That was lovely in its suddenness. Like he couldn’t stand the thought of not being with her. It was nice. “In the afternoon, yes. Then we’ll come back here, put a turkey on to roast, watch movies and feast. I’ve never been away from Rennie on New Year’s Eve. We have a ritual of sorts, sort of a good-luck talisman for the next year. Rennie will stay awake until midnight and then conk out, only to be terribly cranky the next day when she insists on getting up to watch the Rose Parade and eat pancakes. Not very glamorous.”
“Am I invited? It doesn’t sound glamorous, but it does sound wonderful. I’d not expect you to be away from Rennie on New Year’s Eve.”
She warmed. He got to her. “Yeah, of course. My mother and daughter have a crush on you, my father doesn’t hate you, and I happen to like you too. But I won’t be offended if you have other plans.”
“I’ll be here. I’ll bring dessert and some champagne.”
“Yes to dessert, but my father is sort of a champagne snob. He’s already bought the bottles we’ll drink. Drove all over the area until he found just the right wine shop. You’re welcome for breakfast the next day too. There aren’t any spare bedrooms at my house though.”
“I can make it across the street and back for the Rose Parade and pancakes.” He tipped her chin up. “I can’t think of a better way to spend my New Year’s Eve.” He kissed her softly. She wanted more but liked that he didn’t push with her parents inside the house. Yes, she was an adult, but some things died hard.
“How about we all head over to Erin’s together tomorrow afternoon? I know the best places to find a parking spot.”
“You sure? You’ve never been in a car with my parents before. It’s, well, you may need a Xanax before the day is done.”
He laughed. “Looking forward to that. I imagine your dad will sit up front with me and you ladies in back.”
“Or, if we take my van, you can sit in the back with my mom, and my dad will be up front. No matter what, he’ll be up front and they’ll need to be separated. Just wait. Boy, you’re never going to want to see me again after that.”
“I highly doubt that, Elise. I like seeing you. A lot.”
That made her tingly inside. “Night.” She unlocked her front door.
“Night. See you tomorrow.” He gave her another quick kiss and stood back, waiting until she’d closed and locked the door before he headed back to his place.
15
That lovely midnight smooch brought the next year into Elise’s life not with a boom, but in a sweet, gentle rush of wonderful. Brody was part of her life in a way she’d not expected after that first time at her studio.
Her showcase had gone very well. The surprise party afterward had been lovely, made her feel connected and celebrated. She was now working in an adjunct capacity with the Northwest Ballet Company. They’d asked her to come on as staff, but as they were based in Portland, she hadn’t wanted to move. Still, it was a prestigious offer and she’d been quite happy to work something out with them.
She’d tried, and failed, to get together with Erin to talk for about a month but they were finally going to make dinner and have martinis that evening. After her last class she and Rennie headed over to Elise’s parents’ house for a few minutes and then home.
“I feel like I’m sneaking you away from my brother,” Erin said as the three of them settled in to eat. “Brody’s like Mom’s and my best friend. He’s so gigantic and he likes to play catch and also he comes to my tea parties. There’s loads of kids in my class whose dads won’t play tea party with ’em and Brody’s just our neighbor and Mom’s special guy.”
Elise widened her eyes and studiously avoided Erin’s gaze or she’d start laughing. Or die of embarrassment. Or both. “He is our best friend and we all three know how special he is.” Mom? What happened to the very sweet Momma Elise had loved for the last six years. Oh God, seven years. Rennie was about to turn seven the following weekend. Before she knew it, Rennie would be graduating from high school and going off to college and having her own life. It was a thought that simultaneously filled her with giddy anticipation and terror.
“And, he’s very nice to look at. I heard Mom tell him that yesterday. He did look very nice. He had one of those hats, the kind you pull down on your head. I told him he should wear a cowboy hat. He looked sort of scared when I said so though.”
Erin laughed. “I totally know what I’m getting him for his birthday.” She looked back to Rennie. “Speaking of birthdays, are you ready for yours?”
Rennie took a big gulp of milk, eyes wide at what she was about to reveal to Erin. “We ordered the cake today. It has princesses on it.”
“Princesses playing soccer,” Elise added with a wink. “The father of one of my students runs a bakery in Ballard. He’s making it to her specifications.”
“Pretty awesome, kid! I can’t wait to have a piece. This is going to be a very fun party.”
“I’m super glad you’re coming, Erin. I wish Adrian could be there too.”
“I know he does as well. But he’s on tour and can’t get back here until next month.”