Page 76 of It Couldn't Be You
“That is not a thing,” Gabe said deadpan.
“You’ve semi-moved here, though, Gabe,” I said.
“Yeah, okay. Yeah, but that’s moretemporarydue to injury,” he clarified.
“Nah, it’s due to how badly you missed us,” I teased.
“Terrence wants to work here and live here sometimes. It’s simple as that,” Katie said. Her defenses were up.
“Also, because he misses someone.” I wiggled my eyebrows.
“I’m just curious about the long-term plan since this is a short-term rental,” Gabe said.
“We’re in the middle of figuring that out, Gabriel. This is the first step, the temporary fix. Though, I mean, with Terrence’s work, he’ll always be traveling around.”
Gabe nodded wordlessly, skeptically.
I said, “I’m excited for you two. I think this is a good next step.”
Katie breathed out a big sigh. “I’m just so happy he’ll be here more. I want to do normal couple things so badly.”
“Does any of this inspire you to move out of Mom and Dad’s?” Gabe said, picking at a sore subject like only a sibling can. I heard Katie take a quick intake of breath.
I quickly busied myself with the espresso maker. Did it need cleaning again? I decided it definitely did.
“What does that mean?” Katie said, her tone all sharp edges.
“It meant simply what I said. I’m curious if any of these changes and the boyfriend getting a place here make you want a place of your own?” Gabe said slowly, carefully. Or patronizingly. I couldn’t decide.
“Mom and Dad have all those empty rooms. It’s not like I’m taking up tons of space,” Katie said. Her voice was quiet, and she glanced around the coffee shop, aware of the customers. “Plus, it’s temporary. I’m saving up to get a house downtown. I’m saving up for a future business, too. You know that.”
“Katie, I didn’t ask about why you’re staying there or if you think you’re taking up rooms. God knows Mom will miss you when you go. That’s not the question. I just wondered if Terrence makes you want out of there?”
“I am fine there for now,” Katie said shortly. “I’ve liked being there.”
And for a moment, it felt like the conversation was ending. I turned from the espresso machine back to them.
“I feel likeyouwant me to move out more than I ever have,” Katie said like dropping something heavy she’d been hauling around. I turned back around.
“I don’t care if you’re living there.” Gabe raised his shoulders. “I was just curious. We don’t really talk about it.”
“I feel like you’re judging me. Like, you judge me for living at home because you don’t, and you judge me for staying in Sweet River because you didn’t.”
“You’re misunderstanding me,” Gabe said, his voice softer. “That’s not true.”
“Yes, it is. The other day when Terrence was here, you said, ‘Why make him get a place in Sweet River? You should be getting a place in Toronto or Seattle.’ You’re what? Judging me for wanting to live in this little town when I now have an opening to go somewherebigger and better?”
Gabe opened his mouth to respond. But then Katie added, “And don’t get me started on all the ways you whine about feeling like a child being at Mom and Dad’s again when you know I’ve been there since I graduated undergrad.”
Gabe was completely quiet now. I turned back to the espresso machine.
“We don’t talk about it, huh? Well, here it is, Gabe. I missed home, here, this town, every day I was at college. That’s just the truth. I have always loved it here. I have always loved family dinner nights and seeing my nieces and nephews grow up. I like knowing the city like the back of my hand and knowing my neighbors like family. I love being a part of the community. I like seeing trees grow in the neighborhoods. I like seeing the murals being added. I like my job, watching people grow and change as they come in and out of the shop. I’ve seen people fall in love. I’ve seen dads become grandpas. The girl I babysat is now in high school.” She kept her voice quiet but strong.
“Katie.” Gabe ran his fingers through his hair.
“Gabe, it’s different from you. I get it. But you need to get it, too. I never question why you want to ping across the country all the time.”
“Katie, I’m sorry that I’ve made you feel like you have to explain yourself to me.” Gabe’s voice was tender and shaky. “You know, I might like pinging across the country, as you say, but it’s knowing you and the family are here having family dinner that makes me keep coming back. That makes this place home to me. I get that we’re different. I more than get it… I like it, Katie.”
