“He’s literally terrible at opening up.”
“I know, but it’s worth a shot.”
“Yeah.” I twist my lips to the side.
She rubs my back before pulling away. “Come on, let’s get pizza.”
CHAPTER 35
JJ WOODFORD
I’ve never met anyone like Andrea and James. Take away the fact they’re Ivy and Finn’s parents; they might as well be the fun older auntie and uncle.
We order pizza and sit around the kitchen counter as we discuss their latest travels. It seems they go away often.
“You guys are too old to be going to clubs.” Finn covers his eyes with embarrassment. “Let alone being kicked out of them.”
Ivy is sharing the same amount of shame as she flicks her eyes between her parents. “What did you guys do to get kicked out?” she asks.
“You are never too old to go clubbing.” James points at Finn.
Andrea covers her mouth to suppress a laugh. “Nothing bad.” She shrugs with a cheeky smile. “Nothing bad at all.”
Finn rolls his eyes. “Yeah, like I totally believe that.”
“We might be older than you, but we’re still allowed to have a good time,” Andrea exclaims and grabs her glass of water.
Ivy snorts. “Having a good time or being menaces and getting kicked out?”
“When did we adopt two teenagers?” Finn directs to his sister.
James swats his son’s shoulder gently, but his expression is comical. “When did we have two children who might as well belong in the old people’s home?”
Finn wrestles back with his father gently until they’re laughing. As I watch them, it makes me miss my family dearly. I wish I could hold my mother through her treatment and be there for my father.
But being here with Finn and Ivy’s family heals a tiny hole in my heart. It makes me feel like I belong.
“So, what’s been going on around here then?” Andrea asks as she looks between us all. “Enjoying your summer, I presume? The weather is delightful today.”
Ivy hums softly. “It’s been nice being home. Weather is definitely a bonus.”
She gestures between Finn and me. “These two have been looking after you, I hope?”
Her throat bobs and I tear my eyes away, focusing on Finn as he smiles. “Of course,” he says.
Andrea slides her hand over the counter and squeezes her daughter’s fingers. “How have you been holding up?”
“Fine,” Ivy murmurs. “Just looking forward to going back to university now. It’s been long enough.”
James chuckles gently. “Trust you to be excited to go back to school.” He flashes her a grin. “Always been so proud of you, sweetheart. Reach your dreams, don’t let anyone stop you.”
“Thanks, Dad.” She shares a genuine smile.
That comment meant a lot to her. Anyone could see it.
If only my father felt the same.
When the bell rings, Finn jumps off his stool to answer the door and retrieve our pizza. I listen to James as he starts talking about a moment from their trip, a scholar they met who wrote one of the world’s most incredible theses on the galaxy.
