Page 79 of Rise After Fall

“I’m bigger than you now, asshole. I fight back.”

I stand and grab my bag.

“I’m going to take a shower now that the air in there isn’t flammable.”

“Aw, our little boy’s in love,” I hear Weston mutter as I walk away.

Fuckers.

We get the equipment to Garrett’s and one big, beautiful, brined bird in the smoker.

I stay to help Mom and Leona while the others go home to get ready and pick up the women and kids. I’m surprised when Mom shows up with Zoey riding shotgun.

I go out to help them inside.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

“My last lesson of the day was canceled. Your mom called to ask if we had any food allergies or anything she needed to prepare for, and I asked if I could come up early and help.”

“What about your parents and your coach?”

“Your father is still picking them up at the hotel at six.”

We carry in the dozens of casserole dishes and supplies from the back of Mom’s SUV. Leona and Mayor Gentry pull up as I’m hauling the last tote in the front door, and he and I unload his trunk while the ladies tie on their aprons, and the magic begins.

Garrett and Ansley’s massive chef’s kitchen fills with laughter and the aroma of the holidays as they peel and chop and stir and mash, creating all of our families’ favorite dishes.

I get shooed into the living room every time I sneak in to steal a bite or lick a spoon, so I finally relent and click the television on to the football game and settle in until everyone else arrives.

The doorbell camera alarm chimes, and I stand to go open the door.

“Hey, Morris. I made a pie for you. Weston said pecan is your favorite,” Anna says as she hands me a foil-wrapped dish while Weston gets Kaela from her car seat.

“It is.”

I swing the door wide, and the two of them walk inside.

I hug Anna as she passes.

“Oh, I love this sweater. It’s so soft, and you smell nice,” Anna compliments.

“That’s because his girlfriend is coming,” Weston teases.

“Weston,” I warn.

“Don’t deny it, bro. Anyone with eyes can see that something is brewing between you two. You look at her like you want to pick her up and throw her over your shoulder and carry her to bed like a caveman.”

I pick a coaster up from the coffee table and chuck it at him. It dings him in the chest.

“Ouch. I’ve got Baby Duck in my arms,” he snaps.

“Shut up,” I whisper-shout just as Zoey walks in from the kitchen.

“Hi, guys,” she mutters.

Fuck.

“Zoey, it’s great to see you. We brought pie and wine,” Anna says as she lifts the bottle in her hand. She elbows Weston in the side with her other arm.