Sophie’s widened eyes find mine once my dad lets go. “Well, someone had to take a needle and deflate his head. His ego was so inflated I’m surprised he didn’t suffer from a brain aneurysm.”
My parents both laugh.
I roll my eyes while fighting a grin. “Please ignore her. Sophie’s jokes get worse the more nervous she gets.”
Sophie hits me with an icy glare I want to kiss away.
“Please don’t be nervous. We wish we could spend all night getting to know you, but it’s a busy one with everyone coming to visit Liam. Maybe we can spend time with you both before you leave. Liam’s always too busy to visit during his breaks, so we need to take advantage.” My mom sends me a heavy dose of side-eye.
“I visit when I can. You know, like Christmas?” I try to hide my annoyance.
Sophie’s eye bounce between me and my parents. “I heard Christmas in Germany beats every Hallmark movie combined.”
“You’re always welcome to come and visit. Christmas is amazing. And don’t get me started about New Year’s. Our town has a huge firework show to celebrate. Maybe if you come, it would give Liam a reason to stay.” My dad’s telling glance is enough to set off alarms in my head.
Sophie blinks up at me. “Oh, yeah. Maybe depending on school and if Liam and I…” Her voice trails off as she taps her sneaker nervously.
“Liam’s welcome to bring a friend for the holidays.” My mom smiles at Sophie.
Fuck, she really is bringing her A-game today. Never in my life have my parents been so obvious.
“Right, his friend. Well, I’m going to go grab drinks to make it through the night. Be right back!” Sophie glides through the backyard, leaving in a rush of pink and glitter.
My dad grins at me. “So, she’s nice.”
“A real gem, that girl.” My mom nods along.
“And you got that in the few minutes you spoke with her? I’m surprised you could speak with all your Cupid-level scheming.”
My mom pinches my cheek. “You’ll thank me for it later. You used to love coming home for the holidays.”
“Yeah, things change.” I take a chug of my beer.
My dad excuses himself with a wary glance, leaving me alone with my mom.
She nudges me in the ribs. “Lukas told me you planned a day with him at the track tomorrow.”
Blame Sophie and her fake therapy sessions for my bravery. I can’t deny my fear of spending time alone with him after years of circling around each other, never talking about Johanna or spending more than the necessary amount of time with him and my nieces.
“My brother duties are long overdue. He’s going to love what I planned.”
“He told me about it multiple times this week. I haven’t heard him sound this excited to spend time with you in a while. And we’ll all be there on Sunday to cheer you on. Your dad tried on his old shirt to make sure it fit over his recent weight gain, but I told him beer bodies are still in.” She waves at my dad across the patio. His eyes follow her everywhere, still obsessing over her after thirty-one years together.
I lift a brow. “I think you mean dad bods. You know I can send you all new gear.”
“We don’t like to fuss over those kinds of things, especially if you may not be there for much longer. Any news about next year?”
I’d rank her transition as smooth as driving an F3 car.
“Some news.” I leave it simple, not sure if now is a good time to talk about it.
My mom tugs on my earlobe like I’m three years old again. “Spit it out.”
“Ay. No need to get physical. McCoy offered me an extension with similar pay.” I battle between a smile and a scowl.
“Then why don’t you look happy?”
“Because the stipulations include staying away from Sophie.” I let out a deep breath, the heavy weight of my secret sitting against my lungs, accompanied by guilt.
My mom looks at me with wide eyes and pursed lips, making soft wrinkles on her face more apparent. “Didn’t you tell me she’s going to go back to school anyway?”
I don’t know what to make of the burn in my chest when I think of Sophie leaving. Spending time with her has kept me sane this season, providing me with a steady friendship and a fuck ton of laughs.
“Right. She is. But…I mean, I don’t know. I can’t help feeling bad about signing a deal with that type of expectation. Sophie isn’t some dirty secret, she’s my friend…”
“And more.” My mom says it like a statement rather than a question.