“You deserve it,” Auntie Kiki said. She turned to the guys. “I’m watching you.”
“As am I,” Max added. He was only here for a day or two.
The guys were staying until Sunday. Which gave me time to show them around and spend time with them before they went back to Nashville to wrap everything up.
They’d already contacted a realtor today about a short-term rental, so they could stay until my graduation. I’d probably spend most of the off-season with them, but I still had my room at Auntie’s for when I needed to come back.
We’d figure out where I lived for the school year later.
After we finished dinner, Jake and Pika took Steven and Ashton off for a tour.
Max cornered me in the kitchen. “You’re sure this is what you want.”
“It is. Also, it’s not like we bonded yet. We will, but we wanted to have a little more time first,” I replied.
“Good. I like them.” He hugged me. “They can’t come on our trip, but they can visit LA with you.”
Oh, that was a thought. It might be easier to visit home with them.
“I’m looking forward to our trip.” I hugged him back. “Thanks for coming out.”
“Always. I might be busy and semi-broke, but I love you. And Auntie paid for my ticket.” He grinned. “They seem like really good guys. Steven’s a giant goofball. Hockey players. Do you even know anything about hockey?”
“I’m about to learn,” I laughed.
“Long distance is going to be a bitch, but they seem like they really mean it when they said they’ll make it work,” he added.
“They do.” I looked out the window. “Do you think Jake and Pika have scared the daylights out of them yet?”
“Probably. But if they can’t take it, I’m not sure they’re right for you.” Max chuckled. “I know they’re here for a few days but maybe we can have lunch or something before I leave?”
“I’d love that,” I replied. Him coming out was everything… as was his and Auntie’s approval of my guys.
While I waited for my cousins to return Steven and Ashton to me, I got some things from my room. I’d stay at the hotel with them until they left.
We all had dessert and coffee, and finally, giving everyone a hug, I left with Ashton and Steven in their rental car.
“How was it?” I asked as we drove back to the hotel.
“It was nice to meet your brother,” Ashton replied.
“I love your family. Jake and Pika know a lot about cars… including how to modify mine to make it faster.” Steven looked giddy.
“That sounds fantastic.” I figured they’d get along.
“I’m really happy you have a great family,” Steven added, his expression becoming sad.
“You never heard from them, did you?” That was so awful.
Steven shook his head. “My grandma saw the video and wants to meet you. She’s the one who taught me to cook and about flowers.”
“I’d love to meet her at some point,” I replied. “Fish in the walls it is then?”
I’d gotten Pika and Jake to take the fish out of the walls since my ex had left and the new people weren’t anyone I knew.
“Yes,” Ashton agreed. “My parents saw it, too. They can’t wait to meet you.”
“I’m excited to meet them, too.” Though it probably wouldn’t be until after graduation.
