Unfortunately the next week’s game didn’t go nearly as well. I don’t know if it was because they were tired after the long trip to Charlotte, or the extra pressure of having topped the number one team in the state, but I think they just weren’t able to get to that emotional level they’d been at last week.
That isn’t to say they didn’t play well. Things were level at one going into halftime, but early in the third quarter the ball took an unfortunate deflection and went off Sheri’s ankle, giving their opponents a penalty corner that they converted. The girls conceded another off a breakout while pressing for the equalizer, and they never really got back into the game after that.
Still, it was the best season the team had had in at least a decade, and by the time they made the two and a half hour drive back to campus, the girls were in good spirits. I watched Paige try to be strong as she shook every hand, with a lot of hugs and laughter, as each player came off the bus, refusing to shed a tear until I gathered my heartbroken daughter into my arms and let her cry for a moment.
It was the wee small hours of the morning when I finally crawled into bed, and I barely stirred when I was joined there half an hour later by a lovely, strong warmth. “Hey, baby.”
I purred at the voice of my lover. “Hi. I’m glad you’re home.”
“Me, too. Come here.”
I sighed and snuggled into her arms, sinking into the most contented sleep ever.
***
We didn’t get breakfast made in the morning until well after ten, but Paige looked rested. “I’m just trying to get my head around the fact that the next time I put on a jersey, it’ll be for Virginia.” She took a bite of sausage and her phone buzzed, her cheeks coloring when she looked down at it.
I cocked my head. “Who’s it from?”
“Um, Brandy? She just wanted to say she was sorry we lost.”
“That’s the girl you like, right?”
Paige’s cheeks turned even brighter. “Yeah.”
“Maybe you should see if she wants to get ice cream, or see a movie tonight?”
Paige grinned. “Maybe I will, but not while all y’all are watching.”
It took her a few hours to actually call, but after she did, she asked for the car. Her date must have gone well, since less than a week later she was wanting to go shopping for a dress for the winter formal.
The next Sunday we sat in the mall food court after trying on over at least a dozen dresses. Paige took a pull from her Coke, speaking confidently. “After what happened to Kaylin, nobody’s saying anything negative to anybody at school about anything LGBT+. I think it shook up everyone.”
I nodded to my daughter. “How is she doing?”
“Really good. She seems happy. She’s doing therapy, but just being out of that environment, and being back and openly with Dani…” Paige tore off a piece of her pretzel. “She’s planning on walking on at Wake Forest in the fall. She says her hand’s getting stronger, the doctors don’t think she did any permanent damage.”
“That’s good.”
“And Adrienne’s got an offer from Duke. It’s gonna be weird playing against them. ‘Specially now that Adrienne and I are friends.”
***
I couldn’t believe how nervous I was. It was early Thanksgiving morning and I’d already been standing in my closet for almost twenty minutes staring at my clothes. I’d packed for our long weekend yesterday, two nights at Sandy’s sister’s before a romantic evening up at Dad’s cabin. But first impressions were a bitch.
I felt a presence behind me, and two hands settled on my waist. “Problems, sweetheart?”
I leaned back against her, putting a pouty lilt into my voice. “I’ve got nothing to wear.”
She chuckled. “What about that green dress? The one you were wearing at my introduction dinner? When I couldn’t take my eyes off you?”
“Seriously? That’s my fat dress. I was only wearing it because I couldn’t get my jeans to close.”
She kissed the side of my head. “You looked beautiful, stunning, gorgeous, good enough to eat.”
I smiled back at her. “Really?”
“Mm-hm. I would rather have had you than anything else they were serving.” She nuzzled into my neck and made me giggle before continuing. “That’s my vote, but I’ll proudly take you wearing anything. Or nothing.” She grabbed a generous handful of my ass.
I gasped and turned, wrapping my arms around her. “If I tried to wear nothing we’d never make it out of the bedroom, and you know it.”
“Mmm, that’s probably true.” She gave me a tender kiss before looking deep into my eyes. “I love you, and my family’s going to love you, too, regardless of what you’re wearing.” Another quick peck, and she left me to it. I reached up and took down the hanger bearing my green dress and sighed. Here goes nothing.
***
We arrived in Asheville a little after one. It only took fifteen more minutes to get to the north side of town and into Sandy’s sister’s neighborhood, which looked remarkably similar to my own back in Raleigh. Sandy pulled into a driveway belonging to a good-sized one and half story Cape Cod. I fiddled with my seat belt as she put the gear shift into park. Once I got it undone, I tried to get out, but my legs didn’t seem to want to work.
“Come on, babe.” She was wearing a huge, easy smile, holding out her hand. I slipped out onto the concrete, going to her and taking her outstretched hand. Suddenly I could breathe again, and I followed as she pulled me toward the front door. “I can’t wait to show you off.”
I laughed at the absurdity of that statement, but she was so sincere I couldn’t help but smile. We stepped up onto the porch and rang the bell. I could hear footsteps running from inside the house. The sturdy, wood and glass door swung open to reveal a pretty, preteen girl with Sandy’s curly, light brown hair.
“Aunt Sandy!”
“Hey, Kiddo.” Sandy was enveloped into a hug. Several other teens made their appearance, and my lover greeted each in turn. A woman came around the corner, wearing an apron. She was an inch or two shorter than Sandy, though I recognized her instantly as Sandy’s sister.
I pulled back, not wanting to intrude on the mini family reunion. I guess that was my MO, trying to hide, hoping no one would notice me. Obviously that was futile, but every second I could delay the inevitable was welcome.
Just as Sandy finished hugging her sister, another, older woman came into the entryway.
“Oh, Sandy, sweetheart.”
Sandy put her arms out. “Hi, Mom, Happy Thanksgiving.”
The older smiled wide as she embraced her daughter, closing her eyes during the hug. Once they reopened, though, they settled on me, and I felt the butterflies that were already swirling in my tummy redouble their efforts.
Sandy stepped towards me, holding out her hand, which I took immediately, desperate for her touch to calm my nerves. A moment later she was by my side. “Everyone, this is my girlfriend, Melanie. Honey, this is my family.”
She spoke with such excitement and pride in her voice that I didn’t believe that she was talking about me. But she was. I mean, I was nervous, so all of my demons were at full force, and there was a part of me that was expecting someone to make a face and say “Her? Seriously?” But in reality I was greeted with nothing but smiles. Sandy’s sister stepped forward and wrapped me in a hug.
“I’m so happy to meet you. Sandy’s been talking about you non-stop for months.”
“Thanks for having me.” My voice was still small, but the butterflies were settling quickly.
“You are very welcome. I’m Hannah, and these are my kids, Mark, Aaron, Sophie, and Chloe. My husband Josh is out on the back porch with his smoker, playing with the turkey.”
I nodded to everyone in turn, the youngest girl, Chloe, smiling shyly and waving at me. Sandy finally took over the introductions. “And that is my mom.”
The older woman stepped forward, “Dorothy, call me Dot.” Another warm, welcoming hug. “I’m so happy you’re here.” She pulled back, looking into my eyes and patting me on my cheek before stepping away. “Hannah, we have to get working on the mashed potatoes. Chloe, you wanna help with Green Bean Casserole?”
“Sure, Grandma.”
“Good.” Dot tussled her granddaughter’s hair. “Sandy, why don’t you take Melanie out to meet Josh.”
“Yeah, sure.” Sandy grabbed my hand. “C’mon, it’s gonna smell amazing.”
***
For the rest of the day I just basked in the unquestioning acceptance from Sandy’s family. They joked and laughed, told me a bunch of stories about a young, incredibly rambunctious girl who got herself into more scrapes than any two kids had a right to. I smiled and laughed, a lot more than I’d been expecting to. When we were finally cuddled into bed she kissed the top of my head.
“They loved you, you know.”
“They were being nice, I’m sure they’ll have plenty to say when I’m not here.”
“They already did. You’re a hit.”
***
As we finished breakfast the next morning, Josh stood up to address the table. “So, is everyone ready for the Tanner Family Throwdown?” That got a mix of cheers and shouts from the table, including from my girlfriend.
“We’re going to take your Aunt Sandy down, aren’t we, kids?”
That got a collective cheer, and Sandy just laughed. “Y’all are welcome to try.”
I looked over at Hannah, who was sitting to my right. “Do you have any idea what’s going on?”
She smiled and nodded. “It’s tradition. Josh takes the kids to play a round of disc golf, while I get a morning to relax after cooking all day yesterday.”
“And every year I beat everyone.” Sandy smirked at the kids, while they promised this year would be different.
Josh clapped his hands. “Alright, everyone, dishes, clean table, then we can go.” Everyone jumped to obey, even the older teens. I wondered if it was always that easy in this house, but I’d guess not.
Hannah and I waved goodbye before heading back inside.”
“So, how long will that take?”
Hannah shrugged. “Two, maybe three hours of blissful quiet. Maybe more if they go out for lunch after.” She gave a blissful sigh. “It may not be noon, but I am going to have myself a glass of socially unacceptable wine. Care to join me?”