A Thousand Letters(36)

Of course, the second I opened the door to Mary's, I was invisible again. I found everyone in the living room, sisters and father on the couch talking while Charlie sat in his armchair, chatting with his friend Jack, who lay on the ground on his back covered in giggling children.

I smiled at the scene, and Sammy chanted Uncle Jack! until Jack tickled him. Dad shot him a look at the burst of noise, but Jack didn't seem to mind, making punching sounds as he tickle-assaulted the little boy. Jack smiled when he saw me.

"Hey, Elliot."

Maven squealed and ran over to me, and I picked her up.

"Hi," I said before kissing her on the cheek. Jack sat up, and Sammy proceeded to climb up his back.

"How's Rick?" Charlie asked, and my sisters and father quieted down to listen.

"He's good. His speech has improved, and there was a lot of excitement today. A friend of Wade's flew in from Germany to stay for a while and help out. Rick seemed so happy to have everyone there."

Jack's eyes softened. "I'm really sorry to hear what happened, Elliot."

"Thank you," I answered politely as I took a seat on the floor with Maven, who toddled off, picked up a Barbie from her little toy box, and brought it to me with a new dress to wear. Dad started talking to Mary again, still without acknowledging me, and I was thankful for Charlie and Jack's company at least. "What are you doing over, Jack?"

He smirked at Charlie, eyes darting to Mary for a flash before landing on me. "Charlie called in the cavalry," he said under his breath.

"Ah," I said with a chuckle. "My condolences."

"The things I do for love."

He smiled a handsome smile from his long face, his blue eyes twinkling. I'd known him for years, and though he'd never paid me much attention, he'd always been kind, providing friendly conversation and sometimes a safe haven from the exhaustion of socializing with my sister. When it was the four of us, it was easier — Mary was outnumbered. Rather than argue with us, she drank.

"So your friend's dad, he's really doing okay?"

"He's in good spirits," I answered as I worked the Barbie's stiff hands through blue, sparkly dress sleeves. "We're just spending as much time with him as we can. We came up with a plan today to bring the world to him, starting with an indoor camping trip. I've got a list of things to get for it."

Jack perked up. "Oh yeah? I've got a ton of gear, what do you need?"

"A tent, sleeping bags, camping chairs, that sort of thing. I want to get some other stuff too, like there's a shop that sells candles that smell like pine trees, and I need to find a star projector for the ceiling. We want to turn the library into the Adirondacks."

Jack smiled with appreciation. "That's brilliant. I've got a lot of the gear, and I think I know where we can get what I don't have. When were you wanting it by?"

"Tomorrow is the day to get everything together, if we can. Then I think we're planning on actually setting it up the next night."

"Well, I'm off work tomorrow. Want to go together? We can go shop, then swing by my place and grab everything."

"Oh, that would be so great." Relief settled in at the thought of having a little help and company.

He winked at me. "It's a date. I'll be here at ten."

I felt myself blush with surprise, certain he didn't mean it like it sounded. "Thanks, Jack."

"Anytime."

Dad and my sisters were quiet, listening to us. Dad looked approving with wall-eyed Rodrigo on his lap shivering, and Beth looked at me like she couldn't understand why anyone would even be talking to me. Mary had an unreadable expression on her face, which she hid behind her wine glass as she took a long pull.

Jack cleared his throat. "Well, I really should head out."

Charlie shot him a look. "Please. Stay for dinner."

"Oh, I don't know. I wouldn't want to impose." He flipped Sammy over his shoulder and into his lap to commence his tickling again.

"It wouldn't be an imposition," Mary added sweetly. "We're having roasted chicken, and I'm sure we'll have leftovers for days if you don't stay and eat."

He shrugged. "Twist my arm."

Mary smiled. "Great. Elliot, since you're home, do you mind cooking?"

I smiled back, ignoring the fact that she'd placed that responsibility on me deliberately. I was grateful for another room I could occupy, complete with four walls and no father. The no father part was certain — I didn't think he even knew how to use an oven.

"I don't mind at all," I said as I stood, depositing Maven in Charlie's lap.

"Need some help?" Jack asked.

"Oh, I'll manage."

"You sure? I make a mean herb rub, and I love to help."

I laughed. "Well, if you really want to rub herbs, I won't be the one to stop you."

"Thank you for not dashing my dreams. Lead the way." He extended his hand for me to go first as my immediate family watched, gaping, even the dog. Well, all except for Charlie, who looked pleased as punch.

The kitchen was quiet, and I turned on music as Jack retrieved the chicken from the fridge, making it do a little dance once he got it into the dish. He rolled up his sleeves and melted butter to go along with those mysterious herbs, chatting with me as he rubbed the bird down, all while I peeled potatoes and carrots.