The alarm sounded, and Vivian removed the cookies from the oven. As we
began putting them on racks to cool, a loud sound filled the air outside. It sounded like a helicopter above the house.
“They’re here,” she exclaimed. Checking her reflection in the window, she cried, “Oh my, I’m a mess. I better go change.”
Five minutes later, Vivian returned. Not only was she wearing a different outfit, but she had also styled her hair and refreshed her makeup.
“How did you do that so fast?” I asked, not hiding my surprise.
“The stage, darling. Remember, the show must go on, and the audience must
never wait.” She bowed with a flourish. When she came back up, she looked at
me and gasped, “Oh my, you’re a mess.”
Peering down at myself, I was grateful I wore an apron. I was covered in all
the ingredients of our baking. Taking off the smock, I said, “I’ll be fine. Thomas and Jacob have seen me in much worse condition than this.”
When we stepped outside, I was met with frantic waves from my best friends as
they exited the helicopter. My mother walked behind them at a more cautious rate. I hadn’t considered how she would do flying. She was always a nervous traveler. When she saw me, her face brightened, and it was her turn to frantically wave. I had been so focused on reuniting with my family that I hadn’t realized
they were not alone. My mother was walking with someone.
I smiled brightly at the unknown guest until I realized he was not a stranger.
My hazel eyes met his silver for a moment. Then, I looked him up and down.
Jeans and a tight-fitting black t-shirt replaced the suit I last saw him wearing.
Suddenly, my heart stopped.
“Grant, come give your mother a hug,” Vivian called. When he reached us,
she said, “Caitlyn, this is…”
“Jack,” I said softly.
“Oh, that’s right. I give you the beautiful name of Grant Jackson, and you go
by Jack.” She frowned.
“It’s good to see you, too, Mom.” He picked up the tiny woman and wildly
kissed her cheeks. After he set her down, he nodded his head at me. “It’s nice to see you again, Caitlyn.”
I was stunned. No words formed.
“Cat!” Thomas interrupted the awkward exchange. He swooped in and
wrapped me in a bear hug.
“Are you in on this deception?” I hissed.
“Oh, Caitlyn, there is no deception.” Thomas set me down and looked at me
with pity in his eyes.
“I can’t believe this. Was this all a set-up? Did you plan this with him?” I pulled Jack aside.
“No, that’s not what this is at all.”
“Then, what is this, Thomas? Save the poor divorcée?”
“Don’t be like that. It’s Thanksgiving,” Thomas begged. “Right now, I’m just
so glad to see you. I haven’t seen my girl in a long time.” He held me out, looking at the length of my body. “Cat, you’re glowing. I’ve never seen you so
beautiful and healthy.”
I had changed since I came here. There was no need to put on a show anymore. I wore jeans and t-shirts without feeling judged, even though the tshirts I owned were mainly Marc Jacobs. I felt beautiful – more real, more alive.
“There isn’t much need to get dressed up here.” I would rip him a new one
