Page 51 of Home Town Advantage
Momma shrugs. “You know the deal. We don’t discuss Maddie or Francesca. It was the only way for us all to remain friends. We were at the ranch for dinner before you came home.” She wipes her eyes again and lets out a small laugh. “You should see the TV Vance just bought for them. It covers an entire wall. It’s like a movie theater in there.”
I pinch my eyebrows together. “Why so big?”
“MeeMaw’s vision is slipping, but she loves to watch him play. His solution was to buy them a giant screen. It’s ridiculously large, but MeeMaw loves it.”
I smile. “That was nice of him.” I lick my lips nervously. “I see him, Momma. Vance. I see him all the time.”
She looks at me as she tilts her head to the side. “I didn’t realize. You’ve never mentioned it.”
I nod. “I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to upset you. Our friends are friends. He’s been very welcoming to me. Are you okay with that? With me seeing him?”
She shrugs. “Whatever makes you happy. I’d never ask youto turn your back on Vance. While I’m not conflicted on my feelings for Maddie, I am with Vance at times. I loved him like a son for all his life. Jane and Michael are family to us. I hate what he did, but I don’t hate him. I care too much about him to ever feel hatred for him.”
It’s quiet for a few long beats before I admit, “He’s building the house. The one from Finn’s sketches. The ones you sent him after Finn died.”
Her eyes widen in shock.
“I’ve been there. It was just cement foundation at the time, but I saw the finished designs. They’re perfect.” I can’t help but smile. “He’s bringing Finn’s final vision to life. He placed a few of Finn’s belongings in the foundation before it dried. He said he wanted to feel his presence in the house. He’s still hurting over the loss as much as we are.”
Her tears start flowing again, and I squeeze her hand. “I’m gonna go see it when it’s done. You should come too. It’s going to be beautiful. Everything Finn imagined it to be. Vance is even naming the property after Finn. It’s really important to him to make this happen.”
She lets out a sob before straightening her shoulders. “I’m so sorry, Sulley. I’m ruining your Christmas.”
I shake my head. “You’re not. We shouldn’t be afraid to talk about Finn. While we mourn for what we lost, I find it helps keep his spirit alive. I thought being around Vance would be a painful reminder of things lost, and sometimes it is, but it’s mostly been a reminder of the happy times. We had so many.”
She stands and smiles. “You’re right. Let’s get dressed and open presents. Fill this house with happy cheer. And we should get started in the kitchen before the McCaffreys arrive.”
Momma and I have both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day cooking traditions. It’s been our special time together for as long as I can remember.
I head up to my room and grab my phone to check it beforegetting in the shower. My Beavers’ team chat has seemingly been blowing up all morning with Christmas cheer.
After scrolling through all the well-wishes, I see the conversation turns.
Palmer: I have a new red flag. Men whose favorite restaurant is Texas Roadhouse. Ugh. Gross. What man would want steak from there? Maybe I really do have a food fetish.
I giggle.
Kennedy: LOL. I have a new one too. He uses three-in-one shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Why so lazy?
Layla: I went to my local gym yesterday, and there was a tool carrying around an entire gallon water jug. Is that entirely necessary? Is he trying to flex that he can drink a lot at one time? Why not a regular water bottle? There are refilling stations everywhere.
It goes on and on with all the girls happily chiming in. It’s become our team thing, and it really is very funny.
After closing my team chat, I see a text from Vance.
Vance: Merry Christmas, Gully Sulley. The house is done. I’m going to move in as soon as our season is over. I hope you’ll come see it when you get back into town. He’d be so proud. I’m not going to send pics. I want you to experience it in person. Have a good day with our families. Wish them all a Merry Christmas.
Sulley: Same to you. I’m sure it’s amazing. I’m going to stay a few extra weeks. I’ll reach out when I get back.
THIRTEEN
SULLEY
New Year’s has come and gone. I’m anxious to get back to Philly.
The Camels were upset in the playoffs a few days ago. They lost on a Hail Mary at the end of the game. It was heartbreaking. Seeing the devastation on Vance’s face was hard to watch. He thought this was their year. He played his heart out. Beau got hurt at the beginning of the game, and the defense wasn’t nearly as strong without him. In the end, the defense broke down, and the Camels’ season has come to an end.
I was planning to fly back tomorrow, but there’s a snowstorm forecasted, and my flight was already canceled.
