Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 24016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 120(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 120(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
“You do?” She seems skeptical, but I nod.
“I do.” She’s already put on leggings and a sweater, so I smack her ass and give her a quick kiss. “And I’m hungry.”
She’s smiling as I put her on her feet and not-so-forcefully pull her out of the bedroom.
“Mom, this is Nyah. Nyah, this is my mom.” I introduce the two of them, and my mom surprises me by giving Nyah a hug.
“You can call me Mom or Grandma.” My mom shrugs. “My real name is Frances, and I’ve always hated it.”
“Okay,” Nyah says with a little laugh and she looks dazed when my mom releases her. “Something smells good.”
“I hope you’re hungry. I brought homemade cinnamon rolls, a breakfast casserole, fruit, and bacon.”
Nyah’s stomach growls in response, and she flushes with embarrassment. “I’m so sorry.”
“That’s music to my ears,” my mom responds. “Feeding family is my love language.”
“It’s true.” I take Nyah’s hand and squeeze it. “She used to cook five meals a day to keep up with how much Aspen and I ate.”
It’s not until I see my mom’s expression that I realize what I’ve said. I hardly ever talk about Aspen and even then it’s been a long time since I've said something that wasn’t about his death.
“It’s like you two would wake up starving,” my dad says gently as he comes into the kitchen with us. “You were both so skinny I didn’t know where it went.”
“Fraser? Skinny?” Nyah says with wide eyes. “I can’t picture it.”
“Hey, I was a growing boy.” I poke her in the side, and she smiles at me. “I still am.”
“Then it’s a good thing I made so much,” my mom says as she fusses over the dishes and doesn’t make eye contact with anyone.
“Let me help you with that,” Nyah offers, and together they get the food ready as Dad and I carry plates to the rarely used dining room.
Once it’s set, I call the kids to come take a seat, and we all sit down together. That’s when the real questions start.
“So, Nyah,” my dad says casually as he serves the kids cinnamon rolls. “Tell us all about yourself.”
CHAPTER 13
NYAH
“Ah.” I take a sip of my orange juice, not sure what I should say.
I’m guessing I shouldn’t start with I’m on the run from a man that can be violent to get his way. Or My presence might be bringing trouble to your son's door.
“How about where you came from,” Fraser’s mom offers to help me along.
She’s so nice, and I’m not making a great first impression.
“I’m from the East Coast,” I offer, and Fraser’s father’s brows pull together. My answer must make me suspicious. I should really be better at this, but in my defense, Mina and I have stayed away from people as much as possible.
“Are you used to this kind of weather?” Thankfully Grandma skips over my awkwardness trying to give me a break.
Fraser drapes his arm around my chair, and I feel his thumb stroking my back lazily. I relax at his touch because it feels like he’s trying to silently tell me that he’s here. A rush of emotions starts to come over me, but I push it back for now. I’m not used to having someone’s support.
“No.” I shake my head. “We might get a few random inches, but this kind of snow is crazy.”
“It’s beautiful,” Mina chimes in. “Can we play in it?” She perks up in her seat.
“Maybe after breakfast,” Fraser tells her.
“Oh, man. Maybe means no.” Mina’s bottom lips puffs out but she’s not wrong. Any time Mina asked for something, her mom would tell her maybe, and then it never happened. She eventually stopped asking for things because it was always maybe or a flat no.
“Well, my maybe is only because I need to make sure you have stuff to wear to keep you warm out there,” Fraser tells her thoughtfully.
“She can use some of mine,” AJ offers, and Mina gives him a bright smile.
“I have some things in one of our bags,” I offer.
“Yay!” Mina claps then asks AJ about snow angels.
“Are you going to be staying for Christmas or do you have to get back to your family?” Grandma asks. Mina is thankfully in a full conversation with AJ about what all they can do in the snow and isn’t listening.
“My mom’s not in our lives. It’s only Mina and me,” I say, leaving off my stepfather and potentially hard questions.
“Oh, you’re so young.” She glances down at Mina, putting together that I’m not only her sister but her parent at this point.
“I don’t mind it. Mina and I have been a duo since she came into this world,” I say, and Grandma’s eyes soften.
“Then you’re staying for Christmas?” I can tell from her tone she wants us to, and I would love that. But I also don’t want to invite myself or overstay my welcome.