Chapter Four: Family Dinner

Novalee adjusted the strap of her seatbelt as they drove down the street toward her parents' house, James' hand comfortably resting on her knee. The excitement of seeing their both families together played in her head, the happy buzz of family, the laughter of her brothers and their wives filling the air like the sound of a familiar song. Her family gathered for their weekly Friday night dinners, a tradition that stretched as far back as when they were engaged.

“Don’t forget to ask Mom for more of her mashed potatoes,” James teased lightly, squeezing her knee before his hand slid back to the steering wheel.

“I’ve got a plan,” she replied with a grin, reaching over to take his hand briefly before pulling it back, feeling a flush settle over her. “Maybe we can ask for extra to take home. You know how much we both love them the next day.”

They pulled into her parents' driveway, greeted by her mom’s familiar scent of baby powder in the air. Her father was at the grill, still sporting his usual apron that read "Grillin' It Like A Boss," a phrase he always used despite making only the occasional batch of burgers. Her siblings in law were already inside, the place warm with conversation and the scent of garlic bread wafting from the kitchen.

As they entered, James’ little sister, Lilliana, spotted them first and waved energetically. "James! Novalee!" she cheered, giving James a dramatic hug like she always did. “You’re just in time to help eat all the food before the new addition arrives!” she teased, gesturing toward her two brothers. 

Henry and his wife Tory were expecting a baby. Tonight they were going to announce if it was a boy or a girl they were having. Taylor and his husband Ray lounging on the couch as they waited for everyone to arrive. 

The whole family had gathered: Parents Carl and Andrea, his little sister, two younger brothers Henry and Robert with their partners Tory and Amanda was James' family.  Novlee’s parents, Daniel and Diann, Novalee being their only child. It was a tight-knit family—a small but proud group who always showed up for each other's sense being joined in marriage. She was just happy to feel normal in this setting. One week at James’ parents for dinner, the next would be Novalee’s. Dante’s presence, though faint, never seemed to completely leave her, but tonight, her mind felt more at ease. This was her escape.

Dinner passed in a blur of laughter, stories from their childhood, and the typical friendly sibling bickering. Everyone was in a good mood, which Novalee was thankful for—no talk of work, of anything other than joy. When dinner was done, her brother-in-law Henry raised a glass for a toast, smiling warmly at his wife as she beamed beside him.

“Now for the news we all have been waiting for!” Henry’s voice had a slight tremble of excitement as he looked at his wife, a look of pure adoration on her face. “We’re having a baby girl!”

“Another girl!” their mother, Andrea, exclaimed, standing up to hug her son and his wife. “I’m going to spoil her rotten! That’s what grandparents are for!”

The room erupted in applause and cheers. Everyone stood and gathered around, congratulating the soon-to-be parents. The excitement was palpable. For a few moments, everything felt pure—untouched by outside pressures. Even Novalee and James couldn’t help but share a quiet smile at the news, their arms around each other as they absorbed the energy of the family.

It was perfect, she thought. This was how it was supposed to be.

After a few more rounds of celebratory drinks, the table eventually emptied out. Dessert was eaten, pictures were taken, and more laughter filled the air. When it was time to leave, James and Novalee bid their family goodbye, thankful for the joy of the evening.

“See you next Friday?” Her mom gave them both a lingering hug, ruffling James’ hair as though he were still her young son.

“I’ll bring the mashed potatoes,” James teased, winking as they headed out toward the car.

On the way home, they slipped into a quiet conversation about plans for the weekend—getting some rest and maybe taking a walk by the lake on James’ vacation period. Everything felt calm, settled in the simplest ways. But, as the freeway stretched ahead of them, something caught Novalee’s eye in the side mirror: a black SUV a few lanes over behind them.

Her heart gave an involuntary, erratic thud in her chest as the SUV seemed to adjust its position, following them closer than she liked. Her breath hitched, but she didn’t say a word. She glanced at James quickly, but he was humming softly along to the music, seemingly unaware.

They took an exit onto a quieter road, making their way toward home. She expected the SUV to pull off with them. It stayed behind, following them for miles down the surface streets, staying with them as they navigated turns and exits like some persistent shadow.

She wanted to speak up, to ask James to drive faster, to take another route—but what would it change? If it was Dante, as she feared, all it would do is make her seem more paranoid. She clenched her hands in her lap, her fingers trembling slightly.

Finally, as they took a sharper exit near their home, the SUV didn't follow. It peeled away deeper into downtown, leaving them alone on the empty roads.

James still hummed as he made the turn onto their street, clueless about the paranoia coursing through Novalee’s veins. She sat still, staring ahead, trying to keep her composure. Once the lights from the car faded into the darkness behind them, Novalee exhaled slowly, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

But for tonight, there was nothing she could do except try to hold on to this brief sense of normalcy, of peace, before everything else might once again change.

“Good evening?” James smiled as he parked the car and turned the engine off. “Glad to be home.” He reached over and took her hand gently, rubbing his thumb over her skin. “Let’s have a quiet night in, okay?”

She squeezed his hand in return, offering a small but sincere smile. “That sounds perfect.”

Even as that black SUV lingered in her mind, she let James lead her into their home, grateful for him, and praying for a little peace—for both of them.