Page 19 of Ember Meadow
It reminds me of all of the birthdays I’d sit by the phone when I was younger, waiting for them to call. Most of the time they would, sometimes they wouldn’t. It almost worked out better if they just forgot to call altogether.
At least then I could make up some sort of event they were at, or the reason their phone wasn’t working. I wouldn’t have to hear the absentminded tone of my father, barely paying attention to the conversation. Or the way my mother not-so-subtly digs at my appearance. I could make up a new conversation where they were interested in my life in Juniper Ridge. I could tell myself they wanted to hear about my favorite class, or what Hazel and I did over the weekend.
The memories make it hard to want to reach out now. I’m not in that place anymore, I’ve long since moved on from the hurt they caused me. But still, now that I’ve seen how amazing my aunt was at stepping into their roles, even unprepared, it’s hard to give them the time of day. Somewhere deep down I feel like they don’t deserve me.
I click on the message icon, typing up a text to let them know I made it to Jackson safely and started work on the Old Cabin. If I don’t want to do it for me, I can at least send it for Aunt Millie. It’s the least I can do for her after all she does for me.
Chapter 7
The Damn Oven
This time when Istep into the Autry’s home for Sunday dinner, I’m prepared. Prepared to stand my ground with Miles, not react to his disdain, and smile no matter what happens. No more being caught off guard. He may not want me here, but I’m here to stay. At least until the cabin is finished.
I walk through the short hallway to the kitchen, following the soft, warm glow of lights and smell of roasted chicken. Walter sits at the counter watching Isabella take a dish out of the oven, 1960’s country music playing quietly on a small radio, the kitchen island completely covered in all sorts of sides from rolls to salad.
This time, however, there are two additions. Miles stands in the other doorway perpendicular to mine, leaning up against the door frame as Parker grabs two beers from the fridge.
I immediately feel too dressed up in my yellow, off the shoulder sundress and heeled boots. Miles and Parker are in dusty jeans and t-shirts that look like they’ve been baking out in the sun for a few years. Smoothing down the sides of my dress, I dig deep for a confident smile and step into the kitchen. I make it exactly one step before Isabella yells out.
“Katie! There you are. We are so glad you could come, with your busy schedule,” she beams.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” I smile. “I’m so grateful you asked me back.”
“Oh of course, of course,” she says, taking off her oven gloves. “I think the boys are just watching the baseball game in the living room. You’re welcome to join them. I’m afraid Walter and I won’t be very interesting company today.” Walter looks much more subdued than last time I saw him. His eyes droop a bit like he’s tired, and his breathing is a little labored.
“Okay, sounds good,” I say, turning to Miles and Parker.
“Yeah, come sit with us, Kate,” Parker says, grinning. “We’d love the company.” I try my hardest not to look over at Miles, but I can feel him standing in the doorway, looking at me. I nod at Parker, who grabs another beer and transfers them all to one hand.
“Mac,” Miles offers as a form of greeting. His voice is low and gravelly. His shoulders are slumped, and I can just make out dark circles under his eyes. And yet, fireworks still pass between us the second he utters his nickname for me.
Parker offers his arm to me to escort me into the living room, so I take it. By the time we turn to the doorway to the living room, Miles is turned around. I breathe a sigh of relief.
“So, how goes the cabin construction? No other wildlife related obstacles, I hope?” Parker asks, sitting on the long leather sofa. I sit on the other side, while Miles opts for the chair furthest away from me.
“No, no more animals barging in. Although, I wouldn’t exactly call ranch cows wildlife,” I say, relaxing a little into the couch. I’m not sure what it is about Parker, but I feel like I can let my guard down a little bit. It feels like I’ve known him for years. I get the feeling he’s everyone’s best friend around here.
“They’re pretty wild. And they are definitely alive,” Parker shrugs.
“That’s possibly the dumbest thing that has ever come out of your mouth,” Miles grumbles from his solitude, fighting back a smile. It almost makes me smile too, hearing him joke for once.
“Hey, don’t act like you’re not the dad joke king over there,” Parker snaps back.
“Oh really?” I laugh. “King of dad jokes, huh? I’m not sure I believe that. I don’t think I’ve seen him so much as crack a smile since I got here.”
“Well see, you’ve got to catch him in the right mood these days. He likes family dinners, so he lightens up a bit. Trust me, he used to be much less of a stick in the mud in his youth. You and I are still young and spry, much more fun than senior citizen Miles and his get-off-my-lawn ways.” Miles rolls his eyes as Parker laughs at his own jokes. I’ve got to say, I’m a big Parker fan after our last couple of interactions.
“They say it comes with the AARP membership,” I joke, earning another cackle from Parker. I look over at Miles just in time to see the corner of his mouth twitch ever so slightly. Got him.
“So Katie, you hail from mighty Idaho?” Parker takes another swig of his beer, eyes still glued to the baseball game on tv.
“I do,” Miles must have told him where I’m from. I wonder what else he said about me. Nothing good, I’m sure. “I’m from a small lake town called Juniper Ridge. On Bear Lake.”
“I’ve heard of it. Never been though, always wanted to. Is it true the lake is clear and turquoise?” Parker asks.
“Yep, the rumors are true. It’s my favorite place in the world,” I say as flashes of Juniper Ridge light up my mind. Turquoise lake, purple mountain wildflowers, blue skies.
“Is that where your family is?” Parker asks.
