Page 77 of Racking Up Penalties
I slide a pile of diced tomatoes into a serving bowl. Debbie stands next to me, her hands moving with practiced ease as she seasons the roast before it goes into the oven. Our elbows occasionally brush, and each time they do, she offers me a bright, encouraging smile.
“Your technique is getting better by the minute, Tessa,” Debbie says, her voice warm like the melted butter we drizzle over the fresh green beans. I feel a swell of pride at her words.
“Thanks, Debbie. You make it look so easy.”
“Darling, it’s all about love. Put that into your cooking, and everything turns out wonderful.”
As we work side by side, our movements become a dance of sorts, one filled with laughter and shared glances. The room smells like garlic and rosemary.
“Debbie, this food is going to be divine,” Tristan chimes in from the other side of the kitchen where he’s peeling potatoes with a concentration that’s both adorable and comical.
Once the feast is prepared, we carry dishes to the table, setting them down with care. We gather around the table and I end up between Liam and Ethan.
“Tell me about your studies, Tessa. Fashion, is it?” Debbie asks as she ladles gravy onto her plate.
I nod eagerly, diving into an explanation of my online boutique and how well it’s doing. Liam looks on, pride evident in his eyes, while Tristan and Ethan interject with playful jabs about my ‘obsession’ with bright colors.
As the meal unfolds, Debbie asks each of the guys about their sports. She’s excited to hear that Tristan plays football and she can hear about something other than hockey. I know she doesn’t mean it when she asks for every little detail of the team from Liam and Ethan.
The laughter from dinner lingers in the air as we retire to the living room, settling into the deep cushions of Debbie’s plush sectional. The soft glow of lamplight casts a warm hue across the faces in the room.
“Thank you, Debbie,” I murmur, my voice a soft echo in the quiet of the evening. “For having us, this has been more than I could’ve hoped for.”
Her smile is tender, a silent acknowledgment that speaks volumes. “You’re always welcome here, Tessa.” She looks to Ethan and Tristan next. “Both of you, too.”
“What time should we be up to help you cook tomorrow?” I ask with a smile.
Debbie laughs and shakes her head. “No, no. Helping with dinner tonight was enough. I’ve got everything handled for tomorrow. You all sleep in and we will have an early dinner.”
My mouth drops open in shock but Tristan beats me to saying it. “You can’t do it all by yourself! Let us help!”
Liam shakes his head. “She always makes Thanksgiving by herself. Don’t fight it.”
Tristan, Ethan and I both nod our heads in acceptance and thank her for being so generous.
“Shall we call it a night?” Debbie suggests after a final round of thanks.
“Sounds like a plan,” Liam agrees, standing and stretching his arms overhead.
“Goodnight, Debbie.” I embrace her, surprised by the strength in her slight frame. She kisses my cheek and whispers, “Sleep well.”
“Night,” the boys chorus, their voices a harmonious blend of affection and respect.
Tristan and Ethan head off to the guest room they’re sharing, a quiet solidarity in their stride. Liam takes my hand, leading me down the hallway to his childhood room. The walls are adorned with hockey posters and medals.
“Home sweet home,” he quips, a playful glint in his gray eyes as we change into pajamas. I grab one of his large t-shirts and use that.
“Feels like it,” I reply, the truth of the statement resonating deep within me.
Liam pulls back the covers on his queen bed, gesturing for me to climb in. “I hope you don’t mind sharing with me. Having my girl in here with me is a sexy dream.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” I say, a smile tugging at my lips as I slip beneath the sheets.
He joins me, wrapping an arm around my waist, the warmth of his body a stark contrast to the coolness of the room. I snuggle close, the steady beat of his heart a soothing rhythm against the backdrop of the night.
“Thanks for being so amazing today,” he whispers, his breath tickling my ear.
“Thanks for bringing all of us here.”
