It takes a few minutes for Jose and Gloria to help Aiden out of the van and into his wheelchair. After he is settled inside, the rest of us unload the two cars. Katie and Kennedy take their bags and run up two flights of stairs to seek out their rooms. I’ve never seen two more excited kids.
Thirty minutes later, introductions have been made, cars are unloaded, and bags are unpacked. Mom and Gloria are in the kitchen with a glass of wine, discussing tomorrow’s feast. Aiden is situated on one couch with his leg propped up. The rest of us are enjoying a snort of bourbon. Aiden is still taking some meds that won’t allow him to drink. He’s handling everything better than he was a week ago when Isaac and I talked to him. He was pretty down then but is all smiles today. Isaac was right to book this place. The change of scenery will be good for Aiden.
“What time should we plan to eat tomorrow?” Mom asks, walking into the living room with Gloria.
“Either during halftime of the first game or before the four-thirty game,” Isaac responds.
Mom stares at him like she doesn’t know how to respond to that. My parents aren’t football fans and don’t understand the importance of Thanksgiving games.
“Why don’t we have it ready around two and we can watch the game while we eat,” Gloria suggests.
Everyone agrees, even my parents. I guess Mom realizes she’s outnumbered with this bunch.
“Who’s playing in each game?” Dad asks. I appreciate him showing interest in something the Flores family loves.
“Packers/Lions at twelve-thirty, Cowboys/Giants at four-thirty and Bills/Saints at eight-thirty,” Isaacs rattles off.
“It’s a packed day. Can’t wait to watch my Giants kick some ass,” Aiden cheers.
“Ew, you’re a Giants’ fan?” I ask.
“Yeah, you gotta problem with that?” he asks in his best mobster voice.
“A little. Why aren’t you a Dolphins’ fan?”
“I am, but they aren’t playing tomorrow.”
“Good point. What about you, Owen? What’s your team?” I ask.
“Other than the Dolphins, which we all hated until Isaac got drafted, I like the Texans by default because Dad loves them and then the Jets.”
“We’re all Texans and Jets fans except Aiden. It’s always the youngest who’s gotta make things difficult,” Isaac adds.
“What can I say? Giants over Jets any day. I stick by Dad and watch the Texans, too.”
I don’t disagree completely. The Giants definitely have a better overall record, but I’m not a huge fan of either. I don’t watch the games except for the Dolphins and if it wasn’t for Isaac, I wouldn’t even go to every home game.
Watching our families talk about the Thanksgiving games and witnessing how well they mesh, causes a lump to form in my throat. This is everything I need – the man I love and our families blending as if we’ve known one another our entire lives. If the past few hours are any indication, by the time the weekend ends, Mom and Gloria will be best friends.
THIRTY
ISAAC
“Evan,” I call softly. It takes him a minute to wake up.
He blinks a few times then shoots up in the bed. “What’s wrong?” he asks, panic lacing his words.
“Nothing’s wrong.” Isaac rubs his hand down my back, soothing me. “Come with me. I have a surprise for you.”
“But it’s still dark. What time is it?”
“Early. Trust me. Come on.”
I stand up and walk to the closet, returning to the bed a few seconds later with a pair of thick sweatpants, a long-sleeved shirt, a pair of wool socks, and a heavy hoodie. Evan looks over my similar outfit, shrugs, and gets dressed quickly. A smile plays at his lips and I can feel his excitement. He trusts me to surprise and doesn’t question me further.
As soon as he’s dressed, Evan pulls on a pair of Vans. I take his hand and lead him downstairs where a small cart is waiting for us by the back door. With my free hand, I pull the cart behind me and lead us outside and down to the beach.
The air is freezing and there’s a cold breeze on the beach this morning. I stop long enough to pull two wool hats out of the cart, putting one on Evan’s head, making sure to cover his ears. Then I do the same with my hat.