“No. No, I grew up in a different neighborhood. I bought this for my parents with my first big paycheck. They wanted a big house for us to fill with grandkids. So far, only Sophia has followed through on that.”
“How many does she have?”
“Two so far. Twins. A boy and a girl. She and Grady are trying for more, though.”
“Do you like Grady?”
He smiles. “Yeah, he’s a really good guy.”
I unbuckle my seatbelt and take a breath. I’m so much better one-on-one. Groups are so much harder for me. I just need to keep my focus on what I’m getting out of this. At the end of the week, I’ll have enough money to pay all the bills and keepfood on the table for a few months while I find another job. It’ll be worth it.
“You ready?” Dalton asks.
I give him a nod, so he turns the car off and pushes his door open. When I step out of the car, Dalton’s at my side with the coat I brought held up.
“Put this on,” he says. “I may not have ever brought anyone home with me before, but they know how I’d act around a boyfriend. Do me a favor and try not to resist too much when I take care of you this week.”
“I can promise I’ll do my hardest not to resist.” That’s probably going to be tougher than pretending we’ve been together for months. It’s been a really long time since someone took care of me. Nathan tries to watch out for me, but I’m his protector and provider, so it’s different.
“Is that the best I’m going to get?” Dalton asks as he buttons my coat.
“Yes. I hate this already. I can button my own coat.”
“I know. You’re perfectly capable.” He leans close and kisses my cheek. “My mom’s watching from the window.”
Oh. Of course.
He reaches back into the car and pulls my duffle bag out with his suitcase. Then he takes my hand with his free one and starts leading me up the walk. I take a couple deep breaths, trying to calm my nerves. I need to remember this isn’t real. I’m not actually meeting the parents of a guy I like. This is just a business arrangement.
“Just be yourself,” Dalton murmurs as we reach the front door.
It’s flung open the second our feet hit the porch, and a smiling woman. Dalton looks just like his mother. Same dark hair and eyes. Same high cheekbones. He even holds himself a little like she does.
But where Dalton is more reserved, his mother clearly isn’t. She envelopes me in a hug before I’ve even had the chance to cross a foot over the threshold.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” she says, putting a hand on my cheek when she pulls away. “I couldn’t believe it when Dalton said he was bringing someone. And you’re just so cute.”
“Mom.” Dalton’s voice is a warning mixed with exasperation, but I don’t mind it. It’s been years since someone other than Nathan has hugged me. It’s been years since I felt the last hug from my mom.
“I’m Ronnie,” she continues as if her son hadn’t even spoken. “I’m so excited you’re here, Sam. Come in. Come in.”
I move into the house and get hit suddenly with a blast of heat. The scent of cookies baking hangs in the air, and I can’t believe Dalton doesn’t come home more often. The warmth in this place is so obvious.
A younger woman around my age meets us in the foyer, her smile wide. She hugs me too, then moves onto Dalton. They hold onto each other for a while, and I think it might be the first genuine smile I’ve seen on Dalton’s face.
“Hey, Sophia.” His voice is low, bittersweet. “You look good. How’re the monsters.”
“They’ve missed you.” She pulls away and puts her hands on his shoulders. “I’ve missed you. I’m glad you came this year.”
Instead of responding, he reaches out to pull me closer. “This is Sam. We haven’t been dating long, but he bravely agreed to come meet you guys.”
Sophia turns to me again, tucking her brown hair behind her ears. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m glad my brother’s found someone who makes him happy.”
She and Ronnie both sound so genuine, like they really want Dalton to be with someone who’ll be there for him. Guilt tries to rise up in me, but I push it back down. I can’t feelbad about this. I need the money. And my lack of it is partially Dalton’s fault.
“You made it.” A new voice joins the foyer, and Dalton’s whole body stiffens. He wipes any emotion from his face before turning the man approaching. “Dad.”
Dalton’s father has his son’s height and build and none of the warmth Ronnie has. Both she and Sophia take a step back as he approaches, but it doesn’t seem to be from fear. More like this isn’t a moment they want to intrude on.
