Two weeks ago, I would’ve said that was pathetic of me. She was avoiding me at all costs, for one reason or another. I’d made up my mind that I wouldn’t try to get closer to her. I was convinced she wouldn’t contact me again. But the moment I saw her name on my phone, with the sweet image of her Christmas tree decorated in a simple but glittery fashion, I knew I was done for. It was the smallest of signs, but it was all I needed to start hoping again. I never would’ve gone to her on Christmas night if I’d thought she didn’t want me there, but the fact that she’d texted me first told me maybe, just maybe, she missed me too.

And I’m so glad I went.

After the evening we spent together, which fast became one of my favorite to date, she didn’t text me. I didn’t text her either. The ball was in her court if ever she wanted to see me again. After a week of radio silence, I thought that was it.

But here she is, sitting in front of my dad, between my mother, sister, and cousin-in-law, a smile on her lips as she’s going through my baby pictures.

“Oh, come on, Aarón. We’re just showing Wren and Violet here a bit of our history,” my sneaky mother says.

“More like showing them all the times I was humbled.”

To my surprise, Wren is the one who answers. “Just shut it and let me go through these.” She’s trying to keep a straight face, but I can see her lips twitching.

I fake an annoyed huff. “Sure, whatever.”

Triumphant, she returns to her browsing, with Ma and Callie commenting. Meanwhile, Dad looks at them, not speaking with them like he usually would on New Year’s Eve, but still looking happy to be here with all of us.

“Hey, man,” Will says to my right as he comes out of the bathroom.

“Hey,” I greet him before hugging him and tapping his back twice. It’s so good to see him. We don’t travel to each other’s places as often as we’d like, but I know whatever happens in my life, I can always text him and he’ll answer as fast as he can. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Me too,” he says, pulling away. “Violet felt bad about making us miss New Year’s with Sam and my mom for her exposition in Boston tomorrow, but being able to come here and see you makes it better.”

I couldn’t imagine not spending this time with my family, but I guess for Will, Violet is his family.

“Maybe next year we can all spend the holidays in New York,” I say, already thinking about how to arrange a trip like that for Dad. “I miss everyone.”