Page 29 of The Love Hoax

“They are. How about you?” I ask, softly.

“I’ve been lucky. Great family. If you don’t count the constant pressure.”

“You mean to get married?”

Adam nods. “Or at least to find a committed relationship. Rather than dwindling, they’ve turned up the heat. It makes getting together as a family very challenging.”

I’m facing him, listening intently. He looks pained. I try to imagine the kind of external pressure he’s describing. Mine has always come from within.

Adam goes on. “I hate to admit it, but I’ve avoided going homethe last few holidays, claiming conflicts just to avoid it all. Of course, that’s not an option with Steph’s wedding.”

“You mean you haven’t been home for Thanksgiving?”

“Not for the last two years.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah I know, I’m a coward.”

“Not at all. I speak as a parent when I tell you, we can be a bit much sometimes but it always stems from love.”

“Sure, I know that. To clarify, I did see my parents when they came out here to visit.” He pats the swing. “I built this with my dad the last time.”

“You’re a man of many talents.”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”

I smack his arm, playfully. And giggle.

The last time I giggled, I was fifteen, huddling on the freezing bleachers enamored by the high school quarterback waving at me from the field.

“Are your parents hikers also?” I ask.

“My dad enjoys the outdoors more than my mom but I can’t picture either of them dangling from a cliff.”

“Then who did you get your adventurous streak from?”

“I’d have to say my Granny Bess.”

I laugh.

Then I shiver.

“You’re cold.”

“A little.”

He takes off his sweatshirt and puts it around my shoulders. I don’t put up a fight. “So, how about we discuss the big scam we are about to undertake?” I ask.

Adam leans back, the swing rocking us as he does so. “I’ve given it some thought and realize you may feel indebted to me for nearly pushing me off the cliff.”

Isigh.

“Okay, low blow but in all seriousness, those worries are baseless. I’m fine, barely a scratch on me.”

I can see there’s more coming.

He says, “I will totally understand if you choose not to go along with all this.”