Free Lucky Number Four by Amanda Jason

night. Now I live with three famous male models, and one
of them makes my stomach hurt. I know they just feel sorry for me.
They want to take this pitiful, short, red-haired, average-looking
dork under their wings,” I groan while gesturing to myself.
    “Oh, is that all? I thought something was
really wrong. Honey, those guys really like you. You’re funny,
loving, and beautiful all wrapped up in a petite package. I know
for a fact you make men drool.”
    “Yeah, right. Zombies maybe. And you’re my
mom. You have to say I’m awesome because it’s in the parental
contract.”
    “Let’s get back to the one who makes your
stomach hurt. It’s Colin, right? Tell me I’m right. I so hate that
I can’t read family.”
    “Yes, it’s Colin, but he’s been hurt, and by
a beautiful model at that. So what chance would I have?” I look at
her, feeling so inadequate. Even when I caught that SOB ex of mine
with his slut, I still didn’t feel this way. Why does there have to
be such perfect specimens in the world?
    “Have you given him a chance?”
    I shake my head.
    “Well then, you don’t know, do you? I have a
couple of things to tell you about Drew and Liam. Henry had a long
discussion with me the other night and made me miss my favorite
show, Rizzoli & Isles . And your dad forgot to tape it or
DVD it, or whatever it’s called nowadays. Anyway, they both need
your help. He said if you hadn’t blocked them with your negative
thoughts, you would see that. Honey, did you hear what I just said?
No, of course you didn’t. Now pay attention. Liam and Drew need
you. So you need to tune into them and figure out what they
need.”
    “Are you sure? I mean, is Henry sure? They’re
perfect. Perfect faces, perfect bodies, perfect life—”
    “Those are facades. Look below the surface
and you’ll see.”
    “How long have you been here, Sweet Pea?” My
dad’s voice makes us turn our heads to see him grinning at us.
    “Long enough to see your smooth moves, Daddy
Dear,” I say as we all break out into laughter.
    “It’s good to have you here early. Your job,
as usual, is to keep your mother out of my kitchen,” he says,
taking my mom by the hand and pulling her into his arms and
planting a kiss on her giggling lips. I swear, if I ever find a man
like my dad, I will definitely marry him. Though in my short life
experience, I know they are hard to find.

    So far, Thanksgiving dinner has had no
surprises. Altogether, there are twenty-five of us—cousins, aunts,
uncles and the grandparents all gathered at several tables placed
throughout downstairs. As usual, Dad’s dinner is amazing, though he
only cooks on Turkey Day and Christmas. I’m sitting at the kiddie
table with Mike, Bridget, and several other young ones. Being the
good cousin that I am, I’m keeping them entertained, even my
one-year-old cousin Sally. She has hair like mine, poor kid, and
the cutest dimples you’ve ever seen. She’s wearing more of her
dinner than ingesting it, but she’s happy and that’s all that
matters.
    After most of the house guests leaves, those
that remain sit around talking about the day and the gossip we may
have missed while sitting at separate tables. The grandmothers had
been on their best behavior, which isn’t saying much, but was a
relief to my mom.
    We’re watching a Christmas movie when the
doorbell rings and Mom says, “It’s for you, Dora.”
    Everyone looks at me and I jump up, nervous
because Mom would have told me if it was Julie. My palms start
sweating as I reach the front door and dread sits heavy in my
stomach at who might be on the other side.
    “Dora, it’s a little cold to keep them
waiting,” Mom’s voice prompts me to grab the door handle and open
it. It’s the roommates, sans smiles…normal for Liam, but for the
other two, not so much. They all look like someone just died.
    “Hey, guys. Happy Thanksgiving.” My greeting
sounds so lame.
    “Hello, Dora. May we speak with you?” Colin’s
proper