Page 27 of An Uphill Battle

Drake

“Drake,son, could you get the door?” I hear Mama D yell from thekitchen.

“Already on it,” I yell back, opening the door, only to be struck dumb by the sight of Azalea on the other side of the threshold. She looks like something out of a dream, with her long blonde hair tamed into loose, tousled waves and her makeup a little heavier than usual, but stilllight.

But what really gives me pause is what she’s wearing. Her sweaterdress hugs her body like a second skin, and her boots come up to just over her knees, leaving a sexy-as-sin flash of leg below the hem of herdress.

Lifting a fist to my mouth, I bite down to keep her from seeing the need clouding my face. I probably should’ve told her we did things real casual around here, but I’m damn sure glad I didn’t, because...fuck.

“Hey, D. Can I comein?”

“God, yes! So sorry. Got distracted,” I tell her, clamoring to get out of her way. I watch her intently as she breezes past, admiring the curve of her ass as she walks toward the kitchen. My perving is interrupted by the sounds of Mama D’s squeal at the sight ofAzalea.

“Oh, sweet girl, come give me ahug!”

“Hey, Mrs.Collins—”

My stepmom looks at Azalea like she slapped her. “None of that, dear. You know better. Call me Didi. Or better yet, Mama D.” She winks. I sigh. Azalea shrugs her shoulders. Thankfully, Dad walks in and breaks up theawkwardness.

“Do my eyes deceive me? Are there two beautiful women standing in my kitchen on the second best eatin’ day of the year? Son, we musta done somethin’ right!”So much for dear old Dad cutting thetension.

“Oh, now, Mr. Daryl, you hush,” Azalea says, wrapping him in a hug. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen y’all. Thank you for havingme.”

“It’s been too darn long,” my dad says, just as Didi tells her, “You’re welcome here anytime.”

“Thank y’all so much.” Azalea beams as she rubs her hands together. “What can I do tohelp?”

“Not a single thing. You just go on out and have a seat, and we’ll get everything broughtout.”

“Okay, if you’re sure.” Didi shoos her away, and after two trips each, Didi, Dad, and I get everything broughtout.

Lowering myself into the seat next to Azalea, I take in the feast before me—roast turkey, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, and thensome.

“Drake, would you lead us in saying grace?” Didi asks, holding her hand out tome.

“Yes, ma’am.” I join hands with her to my left and Azalea to my right, winking at her before bowing my head. I lead us through a short prayer, and then we all digin.

Dad clears his throat and trains his attention on Azalea. “Did Drake tell you our Thanksgiving tradition?” Azalea’s mouth is full, so she simply shakes her head. “We go ’round the table, and we each say something we’re thankful for. I’ll start this year.” Dad pauses to take a huge bite of dressing before continuing. “This year, I’m thankful for our crops and all the peanuts we yielded last harvest. What’re you thankful for,Didi?”

“We certainly are blessed, Daryl. This year, I’m thankful for good health.” I tear up a bit at Mama D’s words. We had a small scare last year with a lump in her breast. Thankfully, it was benign. “What are you thankful for,Drake?”

“I gotta say, this year, I’m thankful for the view.” I deliver my statement with my eyes locked on Azalea, leaving no room for her to misinterpret my words. “What about you,Bit?”

She looks around nervously, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. Her silence seems to stretch on forever when she finally blurts out, “S’mores! I’m thankful for s’mores.” She looks down, seemingly embarrassed by heroutburst.

“S’mores, huh?” Dad asks, and it’s like I’m stuck in some out-of-body experience. Like watching a car crash—you can’t stop it, but you can’t lookaway.

“Yes, sir. Drake took me to FIRE earlier this week, and it was justmagical.”

Dad nods his head, like he totally agrees. “When Kelly came by ramblin’ on about it, it piqued my interestand—”

Azalea drops her fork, the sound of it hitting her plate ringing in my ears like an alarm. Danger! Danger!“K–Kelly? As in...” Her voice trails off as her eyes well withtears.

I reach for her hand, andthank God, she lets me take it. “Yeah,thatKelly.” No sooner are the words out of my mouth, than she’s yanking her hand from mine. “Azalea, it’s notwhat—”

“Mr. and Mrs. Collins—"Sniffle.“Thank you for this meal. Y’all have a—”Sniffle.“N–nice night. I have to go.” Right as her tears spill over, she turns and runs from the room, her boots clomping against the wooden floor with everystep.

“Azalea, wait!” I holler after her, but she just keeps on toward the door, not even bothering to lookback.

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