One of Them Girls by Cala Riley (the gingerbread man read aloud txt) 📕

think, I made you my power of attorney.”

She laughs. “Hey, you’re the one who trusted me.”

“I know. Thank you for coming Tinsley.”

She smiles at me. “Anytime. Your family.”

18

Cassi

The past couple of days have been a mess. Even though Jack assured me Xavier is fine, that block on my chest is still there. Add in the whirling emotions leftover from the hospital and I’m not sure where my head’s at anymore. Part of me wanted to see him, but I didn’t want to upset him in his condition. I know he would see it was a step in getting back together, when I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet.

I know Xavier came home yesterday, and I knew it was only a matter of time before he came to see me. Jack told me he was recovering well and even received clearance to drive.

“I’m so happy to have you home.” Mama squeezes me for the umpteenth time.

“It’s only for a couple of weeks. I do still have school. Besides, I come home on the weekends all the time.”

She smiles. “I know, but I still miss you when you’re away. Jerry, look at our baby all grown up. Coming back from her first semester at college.”

“Stop smothering the girl or else she won’t come back next time,” Dad teases.

“As if you could keep me away.” I walk over and hug him.

“This will always be your home, baby girl. Even when you have your own children running around,” he reminds me.

“Then I’ll be dropping them rascals off with you every time they cause me trouble,” I warn.

“Then we will ply them with sugar for hours and send them home just like Mama always did to us.” Mama comes around to wrap her arm around Dad.

“Evil. Pure evil,” I glare.

“Karma. Pure Karma.” Mama winks.

“Whatever. I thought we were going to bake some cookies.”

She smiles brightly at me. “Of course we are. Let’s get to baking.”

“That’s my cue to get out of here.” Dad pats my shoulder, heading out of the kitchen, toward the living room.

“He doesn’t know it, but I bought him a new TV for Christmas. It’s an eighty-inch, much bigger than the sixty. You think he’ll like it?” Mom whispers.

I giggle. “I think he’ll love it.”

“Good.”

We work in silence for a little bit, each knowing our task at hand. I’ve been making cookies with my mom for years. I don’t think I even need to look at the recipe card anymore, even though it’s sitting on the counter next to me. Ryan used to sit with Dad sometimes, but other times, he would sit at the counter, taste testing each batch. He’d always say, “I’m testing to make sure it’s not poisoned.”

We knew he was full of it, but Mom let him do it.

“Honey, are you okay?”

I startle at Mom’s words. “What?”

That’s when I feel it. The tears falling down my face.

“You’re crying. What’s wrong?”

I shake my head. “I was thinking about Ryan.”

She wipes her hand on her apron, moving to pull me in for a hug. “I miss him too.”

“I think we all do. Jared’s going to counseling, you know.”

She gives me a sad smile. “Laura told me. It seems to be helping him a lot.”

“I think I want to try it.”

She nods. “Then that’s what we will do. There’s no shame in going to therapy. Your father and I went for a couple months after Ryan.”

“What? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“We tried talking about it with you once, but you shut down. We decided it was best to wait until you were ready.”

“Thank you. I’m so sorry I was so selfish all of them months.”

“Don’t be. I think we all were a bit selfish, working through our own stuff. No need to apologize for it now.”

“Thanks, Mama.”

We get back to baking, laughing, and joking the entire time. Then once we’re done, we start on dinner. It’s the best day I’ve had in a while.

That’s why a knock at the door catches me off guard.

“I got it,” Daddy calls from the hall.

I hear the murmur of voices. Curious, I move closer, straining to hear.

“Hey, Jerry. Happy Holidays.”

Xavier. I would recognize his voice anywhere.

“Happy Holidays. What did you do to your arm, son?”

“Car accident. I’m okay though. I just wanted to drop this off for Cass. Can you make sure she gets it?”

“You can give it to her yourself. Cass, the doors for you.”

Rounding the corner, my heart catches in my chest.

I haven’t seen Xavier since the day at the hospital when he was hooked up to all the tubes and wires.

He looks much better now. His arm is in a cast as he holds it out to the side awkwardly. He has a box in his other arm, but other than that he looks good.

Then his eyes meet mine and I’m frozen.

Then he glances away, releasing me.

I let out the deep breath I was holding, revealing myself to them.

“What are you doing here?” I step closer to the door.

“Cass,” he breathes out. “How are you?”

I look behind me to see my dad still watching. I grab my jacket from the hook, ushering him outside.

“I’ll be right back, Dad.”

“Yeah, no problem. Maybe Xavier wants to stay for dinner?” Dad asks.

“Maybe. I’ll ask.” I shut the door behind me.

Xavier steps forward. “I won’t stay for dinner unless you want me to.”

I move past him, leading him closer to the car he must have rented since his was totaled.

“What are you here for? You shouldn’t be driving.”

He gives me a small smile. “I was cleared for driving. I just wanted to give you, your Christmas gift.”

“I don’t need anything.”

“I know, but I wanted to get you something.”

“I didn’t get you anything.”

“I don’t need anything.”

“Do you have an answer for everything?”

He laughs. “No.”

“Well, I don’t feel right accepting it from you.”

His eyes fall. “It was made especially for you. I can’t take it back.”

I let out a deep sigh. “Okay.”

I reach out, grabbing the box. His finger brushes against mine, making my heart