Page 43 of Hard Count (Newhouse University #4)

“I was four and you said they tasted just like gummy ones.” I glare at my sister.

“That’s disgusting. You’re both so wrong for that,” Drew says. She already has her whole house together and has started using tiny colored candies to create string lights on the roof.

“I was four,” I remind her.

“We should all go around the room and tell funny stories about Nash growing up,” Sydney suggests, eating more candy.

“I think that’s a great idea,” Koa says with a shit eating grin on his face.

“I’ll go first.” My mom wipes her hand on a towel and joins us at the table .

“We didn’t do this when Syd and Koa started dating,” I grumble.

“That’s because I already knew all of her embarrassing stories. We lived through most of them together. You two just met.” Koa waves a finger in our direction.

“Whatever. Have your fun,” I grumble. “I’m taking these.” I snatch the bowl of gum drops that are in front of Sydney. “You’ve already eaten your share.”

Ignoring Sydney’s pouting, my mom turns to Drew. “Do you want to hear about the magician or the astronaut era first?”

Drew’s eyes widen as she grins. “That’s a tough decision. I’m intrigued by the magician era though.”

“I learned some card tricks and would show them to everyone at night. That’s it. We should open presents.” I begin to stand but Koa pushes my shoulder down forcing me to sit.

“I feel like I’m missing a lot of context and several details. Was a top hat and cape involved?” she asks.

The doorbell rings—thank fuck—and there's a bit of commotion near the front door. “Yes. He had a bowtie and magic wand too,” my mom says, standing from her chair to see who’s at the door.

“This isn’t over,” Drew says to me. “I always thought you knew magic. I want a full show later tonight. I want to see all your tricks and your magic wand.”

“You better be talking about card tricks,” Koa grumbles.

“That was your dad, Drew. I sent him in with Davis. You should finish your houses so they can judge everything before we eat and open presents,” my mom says.

“These are going to be perfect. Thank you, honey.” My mom spins her new suitcase around.

“I guess we’re going to pretend like you didn’t pick them out, Ev,” my dad says, opening up his matching set. She levels him with a look, making him laugh.

“Where have you traveled?” Drew asks. She’s sitting behind me on the couch while her hand lazily scratches the back of my neck and head. She might lull me to sleep if she keeps at it.

“Lots of places. We’ve only been out of the country a few times. We went to Sydney, Australia for our honeymoon. Then we went to Nashville for our first anniversary,” my mom replies. Drew’s hand grips the back of my neck.

“Cute right?” Syd asks. “Being named after the city you were created in. I love that for me. Every time someone calls my name I’m reminded of where my parents had s-e-x.”

“Hate to break this to you but you’re a walking reminder that your mother and I had sex. We also did it in the Bahamas, Greece, Jamaica, and all the other places we traveled,” my dad says, giving Sydney a smirk.

“And on that note, it’s time to move on.

Who’s next?” I lean forward on my knees and reach for another gift.

I find two wrapped up for Drew from her dad.

There's also one gift left from the presents we brought with us.

"This one is yours," I say, passing the gift to Gavin.

“Here, baby. These are for you.” I hand her the smaller gift bag and hold on to the larger box.

"You go first," she says to her dad.

"Alright." He looks around the room at everyone.

We're all on the edge of our seat watching him.

"Do you know what it is?" he asks me. I shake my head.

We went shopping a few times together but he already opened the gift we got him.

He carefully removes the reindeer wrapping paper revealing a red cardboard box.

His hands freeze and he slowly lifts his gaze to his daughter.

"Open it," she murmurs, clearing her throat. Her hand drops over my shoulder and I grab it, kissing her forearm.

He lifts the lid and once again he looks at his daughter. This time a little more confused than before. He rotates the box and runs his finger over the contents, stopping at random and retrieving an envelope. "What are they?"

"They're my letters to you. I made a promise too and I intend to keep it. I only had enough time to reply to one box so far, but I'm going to do them all. I don't want you to wonder anymore," she explains.

That must mean something to him because he's having to choke back tears just to say thank you. "I'll cherish them," he says, tightening his grip on the box. "Go ahead and open yours."

Drew looks at the gift and then her eyes drift to her dad. “What is it?” she asks, making the whole room laugh .

"Like father, like daughter," my dad remarks.

“You’ve got to open it to find out,” Gavin says. I turn around so I can watch her.

Inhaling a breath, she yanks the tissue paper out of the bag and playfully tosses it on me. She pulls out a small white jewelry box with yellowed edges showing its age, letting the gift bag fall to the floor. Her eyes gloss over before she even lifts the lid.

“I bought it almost ten years ago. I’ve been wanting to give it to you but never found a good time,” Gavin says.

Drew opens the box and swallows hard in an attempt to control her emotions. I tilt my head to see the tiny gold skateboard charm inside.

“Will you help me put it on?” she asks me. I was about to tell her she’s probably better at it than I am but then I realize she can’t see through the tears in her eyes.

“Sure. Are you okay?” I take the small charm she’s holding out of the box. She bites down hard on her lip and nods. It takes me a few tries to get the clasp open and hooked. “There you go.”

“Thanks, Dad. It’s perfect.” She spins the bracelet around on her wrist, staring at it in awe.

“You’re welcome. Open the other one.” He nods to the giant box beside me. I scoot back and give her enough room to join me on the floor.

She rips through the wrapping and freezes when she sees what’s inside.

“What is it?” Syd asks .

“A skateboard and a helmet,” Drew replies. “Why’d you get me this? I don’t know how to skateboard. I never learned.”

“I know. I thought we could try again,” Gavin says, struggling to get the words out as his love for his daughter attempts to take over. Drew nods, acknowledging he isn’t talking about the skateboard. He’s talking about their relationship.

“Can we try now?” she asks, running her hand over the rough side of the board.

Gavin stands and holds out a hand to Drew to help her off the ground. My mom wraps her arm around my waist and gives me a hug as we follow everyone outside.

Drew puts the skateboard in the middle of the street while the rest of us stand at the end of the driveway.

Tentatively, she places one foot on the board and moves it back and forth, testing it out.

When she goes to put her other foot down it slips, I jerk forward to catch her even though I’m too far away.

Gavin takes her hands to steady her. “Practice balancing first. I’ll hold your hands and pull you along.” He walks her a few feet allowing her to lean on him for counter balance. “When you’re ready, push off with your back foot.”

They do a few passes up and down the street. Each time Drew gets more comfortable on the board and her smile gets even bigger. I don’t even bother hiding my tears as they roll down my cheeks.

My heart is overcome with love for both of them and the relationship they’re rebuilding. This isn’t just my girl learning how to skateboard. It’s replacing a bad memory with a happy one. It’s her getting a piece of her childhood back that was stolen from her.

Her dad lets her go and proudly follows behind her in case she needs him. “I’m doing it!” she screams as she passes the driveway, making me smile and laugh too. She makes one more trip up the street and comes to a stop in front of her dad to give him a big hug.

Drew walks toward me with her helmet on her head and the board hanging from her hand looking like a sexy skater chick. “You were incredible.” I pull her against me and kiss at her neck. “You look hot too.”

“You like this look.” She smacks the top of her helmet.

“Definitely. Let me take it for a spin.” I reach for the board but she jerks her arm away.

“I don’t think so,” she says. “He wants to try and skateboard,” she tells her dad where he’s standing next to my parents.

“Excuse my language,” Gavin says to my mom. “But absolutely the fuck not. She broke her arm on one of those things. No skateboarding for you…ever.” He gives me a pointed look.

“You’re no fun,” I grumble. Not that anyone but Drew heard me. They’re already headed inside for cookies and pie.

Drew unclips her helmet and straightens her hair. “We can have our own kind of fun when we get home.” She kisses my cheek then walks ahead of me and tosses a saucy look over her shoulder .

“Mom, we’re going to take our dessert to go,” I yell, rushing past Drew while she laughs.