Page 70 of Home Coming

Unlike last time, he’d called home to give them a heads up when he’d gotten to the gate at the airport in California and saw the plane there waiting to be loaded and no weather that might delay him on the horizon.

He figured by then chances of disappointment were low and it was safe to get his mom’s hopes up.

“Quinn!” his mother squealed and wrapped him in a hug.

“Hello, son,” his father said, joining them in a group hug that Quinn couldn’t enjoy because they had an audience.

“Hi, Mom, Dad. Can we go inside?” he tried to sound upbeat. Meanwhile he wanted to throttle a couple of people with their own cameras.

“Of course. Come on in. Let me get your breakfast.” As his mom ushered him inside, she actually stopped and waved to the paparazzi before she straightened the wreath hanging there and shut the door.

Quinn’s eyes widened. “Mom! Don’t encourage them. They’re practically trespassing.”

She dismissed his concern with the wave of one hand. “Oh, they don’t mean any harm. They’re just doing their job. Besides, Bailey’s famous, honey. I think it’s wonderful they want to take her picture and help her career.”

His mouth dropped open but he decided to choose his battles. Standing opposite his parents for the first time in a year, next to a Christmas tree bedecked with all the ornaments he remembered from his childhood, was not the time to argue.

Lips pressed tight, he nodded, then received a sharp swat in the arm from his mother.

“Ow. What was that for?” he asked.

Setting his bag down by the door, he fought the memory of his last homecoming and Bailey tripping on top of him. As full and warm as it was, the house still felt empty without her in it.

“That was for sneaking home last month and not telling us,” his mother explained.

He breathed out a sigh. “I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to ruin your trip.”

“Thank you for that, but next time say something, son,” his father reiterated. “Trips can be changed. Family is more important.”

Duly chastised, Quinn nodded. “Yes, sir.”

After that exchange it seemed all was forgiven. Steak and eggs with a side of pancakes were waiting for him with fresh hot coffee and hot spiced apple cider, both served in Christmas mugs in a kitchen decorated with greens and bows.

Holiday music streamed in the kitchen and as his parents launched into tales and photos of their trip, it felt like no time had passed. Like he’d never been away. Except…

“Where’s Josie?” he asked.

“Chamber of Commerce meeting, I believe,” his mother said.

“Not Rotary?” his father asked.

“No, dear. Rotary meets at night. Chamber is in the morning.”

His father nodded. “That’s right. Can’t keep it straight.”

“Wait. What?” His sister? On the Chamber and the Rotary? “Josie’s a member?” he asked.

“Is she officially a member or is she just doing work for them?” His father turned to his mother.

“I think she might have joined recently,” his mother said. “But she’s been helping them for years. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if she got the community service award at next year’s Chamber dinner. But it was so nice to see Bob get it this year. He works so hard organizing the Santa parade.”

His father nodded as Quinn’s head spun.

What was happening here? Paparazzi on the front lawn. His sister, a respected member of the community.

“Oh, honey, next time you’re out. I need more gummies. I’ve only got a few left,” his father said.

His mom nodded. “Right. I’ll put them on my shopping list.”

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