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Chapter Thirteen
Saylor
“Are you sure your parents are okay with me coming to dinner?” I rub my hands across the thighs of my jeans for the tenth time since he picked me up.
The two-story white house is on a corner of a cul-de-sac. It looks homey but imposing. It’s not a normal cul-de-sac as there are only two other homes on the street, and they’re spaced apart from each other in a way that makes each one feel like it’s isolated from the neighbors.
“It’s fine. You already know my dad, and my mom can’t wait to meet you.”
“I know who your dad is, but it’s not like we chat at the water cooler about our favorite TV shows and when we got our last Starbucks coffee.”
He puts the vehicle in park as I swipe the sweat off again. Lord, it’s hot in here. I fan my top away from my chest.
“He’s harmless. If my mom likes you, you’re in. My dad follows her lead. Besides, he spends most of his time in his office prepping for game day.”
My stomach churns. “What about your siblings? What if they don’t like me?”
He grabs my hand and squeezes it. “They’re going to like you. Stop worrying so much. The twins won’t be here because they have an away game this weekend. It’ll only be my sister, and she’s sweet. You’ll like her. I promise.”
“Fine.” I inhale and straighten my back. “I’m trying not to worry, but I’ve spent so much time avoiding social interactions, it’s going to take a bit of time for me to be confident that people like me.”
After my parents died, I avoided getting close to people to protect myself. Eventually, the other kids made fun of my awkwardness. In college, I went to counseling to work on it, but it’s still not a natural thing for me to walk up to people and start up a conversation.
“Babe.” He cups my cheek and smiles. “It’s fine. That’s what I’m here for. I’m your biggest cheerleader, and I’ll be in your corner. If anyone talks shit to you, they’ll have me to answer to.”
It warms my heart to have his support, but someday, I want to do it independently. To walk into a room and know people will appreciate my unique qualities and to hell with the rest. Baby steps.
“Let’s go.” I lean over and kiss his lips. “Thank you for giving me a pep talk.”
“Anytime.” He winks and opens the door.
As we stand in front of the entryway door, I roll my shoulders and take a deep breath. I can do this.
The door swings open, and a woman wearing a floral top and black pants smiles widely at us. “Come in. I can’t wait to hear about you.” She waves me inside. “Let’s go to the kitchen. Mia, my daughter, is also in the kitchen.”
Knox arches his eyebrows. “Hello, mom?”
“Don’t be a baby. I know all about you. I want to find out about Saylor. Now, go off to the living room and leave us women alone.”
He clasps my shoulder as his mom shuts the door. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” I nod. His mom appears down to earth and excited to have me around. Those are both positive signs.
“Good.” He kisses my cheek and whispers, “Be yourself. They’ll love you.”
Heat fills my face. Both from his supportive words and from getting kissed in front of his mom.
“Come on.” His mom grabs my hand and drags me behind her. “He’s not going to monopolize your time.”
Their home is clean, with large open spaces. The interior is white with light wooden floors. As we near the kitchen, the scent of vinegar and bacon mingles with the fresh lemon cleaner fragrance.
“Mia, this is Saylor,” she calls out before we get into the room. “Saylor, this is Mia, my daughter. She’s two years younger than Knox.”
Mia grins the same smile that’s frequently on Knox’s face. She’s a younger version of their mom. Her hair is dark and pulled back into a loose ponytail down her back. “It’s great to meet you.” She races forward and clutches my hand. The scars on her knee remain pink and puffy from her surgery.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well.”
Mia rolls her eye. “Let’s cut with the formality.” She hauls me against her and gives me a quick hug. “If you’re going to marry my brother, we need to skip the bullshit.”
