When we walk inside, we kick off our shoes. I follow Nick through the entryway to the kitchen. I inhale the delicious smell of garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and roasted meat.
“You’re here!” Shannon steps away from the stove and hugs me. When she turns to Nick and sees the bouquet of flowers in his hands, she beams.
“Aww, thanks, sweetie.”
“You’re welcome.” He leans down to hug her. “I’ll put these in some water.”
“It smells amazing in here,” I say to Shannon.
“Oh, thank you. I made cabbage roll soup.” She stirs a massive pot simmering on top of the stove. “Now that fall is in full swing, and it’s getting chilly out, all I’m craving are hearty soups.”
“Thanks so much again for having me over.”
“Of course. You’re always welcome in our home. We love having you around.”
She gives my arm an affectionate squeeze before turning back to stir the soup.
“Anna didn’t ride with you two?” Shannon asks.
“No, her study group ran late, so she’s coming after that,” Nick says.
He opens the fridge and grabs a can of my favorite sparkling water. “Cherry lime is still your favorite flavor, right?”
I nod, surprised that he remembered. He fills a glass with ice, pours the sparkling water, and hands it to me.
“He ordered some from the grocery store and had them delivered to the house this afternoon,” Shannon says.
I blink at him, surprised that he went out of his way to make sure I had my favorite drink for dinner.
He did it because he’s trying to come off as a doting boyfriend in front of his parents. That’s not what he’s really like.
“Can I help you with anything?” I ask Shannon.
“Not at all. That’s what Nick is for. To do all the work,” she jokes, patting him on the back. He rolls his eyes good-naturedly before grabbing plates to set the table.
“You just make yourself at home,” Shannon says.
I sit at the kitchen island and sip my drink. A minute later, Scott walks in from the garage and says hello to me before washing up at the sink and hugging Nick.
“How’s the truck holding up?” Nick asks him.
“Still sparkling in the sunlight thanks to how well you cleaned it last month,” Scott says. He turns to me. “Nick cleans my work truck every month.”
My mouth parts in surprise. I turn to him. “You do?”
His cheeks flush as he nods.
Scott gives him another pat on the back. “My boy looks after me.” Scott’s smile is proud.
A warm feeling swoops through me. I had no idea Nick went out of his way to help his dad like that.
There’s a funny feeling in my chest. That doesn’t line up with the self-centered, obnoxious hockey bad boy image I have of him in my head.
Just then, the front door opens, and Anna walks in.
“Hey, guys. Sorry I’m late.” She runs over and hugs her parents, then hugs me.
“You’re good, sweetie. Soup’s still got a few minutes,” Shannon says.
