Page 61 of The Ghost of You

“Hmm. He hasn’t ever brought afriendover for dinner here before at least when I’ve been around.”

“I’m friends with Mason too. We write music together. They both thought I should come here. Didn’t have plans today.” I keep it nonchalant as possible. I don’t know Tiffany at all and I don’t want her coming to any conclusions she doesn’t need to.

“What about your family? Are they close?”

I start to feel agitated by the twenty questions game I wasn’t aware I was playing but luckily Noah cuts in and shuts the conversation down.

“My grandparents just pulled up. Want to meet them?”

“Sure.”

Noah holds out a hand and I take it as he pulls me up from the couch. “Sorry about Tiffany. She likes to get in everyone’s business.”

“It’s fine.”

“I heard her say something about your family. Figured you needed to be rescued.”

“Thanks.” I can’t help but swoon a little bit over that. Typical Noah, bringing out his protective side.

As we walk to the foyer, a tall man with gray hair walks down the hall. “Noah, is this your neighbor?”

“Hi, I’m Anna,” I say to the man I can tell is Noah’s father.

“Warren. Pleasure to meet you. I heard you have been helping Mason out at his studio.”

“Not so much helping. I go there and play music. We wrote some songs together.”

He nods. “Well, it’s good to have a woman there. Might keep his business running and not crash to the ground.”

I freeze at his statement. Not sure what to say.

“Dad,” Noah says sternly.

“Just an observation,” Warren states. “I’m going to go see if your mother needs help.”

Warren walks away and I turn to Noah, a questioning glance in my eyes.

“Mason and Dad don’t always see eye to eye.”

Grams and Pops get to the door and Noah lets them in, helping them with the things they brought.

The next few hours are a whirlwind. Mason and Warren keep clear of each other. Tiffany talks my ear off. Dottie is a handful but stellar in her own right. I try to help Marlene with cooking but she won’t have it. I see Asher and Mason sneak away to take shots more than they should.

The entire house is loud and rambunctious. Even more so when Warren’s brother shows up. Between Noah’s aunt, Dottie, and Tiffany, I feel like I am being bombarded with questions. And for the first time in a long time, they don’t bother me. I keep my past a secret but freely talk about myself.

When Hunter finally shows up, Marlene escorts us all to the table for dinner. I take a seat across from Noah and next to Mason. Before we eat, the family talks about Rosie. Each family member bringing up a recent memory they had of her. When it’s Noah’s turn he talks about Everett too and how he hopes one day soon he will come home.

Dinner is delicious. Marlene is an amazing chef. I would eat her cooking every night if I could.

After dinner, Asher and Dottie convince me and Mason to play some music. And where I would normally decline for the fear of playing in front of others, I gladly agree.

I thought I would be uncomfortable here but this family is welcoming. I feel at home. Like this is any other day.

It gives me hope that I will be comfortable enough to see my own family soon.

16

Noah

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