“Lesson went well then?” Eden’s mom says, chuckling.
Standing up straight, I do my best to smooth down my clothes, but it’s no use. I’m a complete mess. “Very informative,” I reply.
“She’s a fast learner,” Eden adds.
“Well, how about you get cleaned up and come inside for some food. I’ll go grab you some clothes to change into.”
She’s already gone before I can agree. It’s getting late, and I hadn’t intended on staying for dinner, but it would be rude to say no now. And let’s be honest, I want as much time with Eden as possible. Plus, I haven’t officially met her dad or sister yet.
“Do you want to stay?”
Turning to Eden, I snicker. She’s covered from head to toe. “I thinkyoumight be my finest piece of art.”
“Right back at ya, babe.” She winks.
Before I can latch onto her lips, Liz pops her head around the door. “You both need a bath, but dinner is ready so just wash up best you can in the sink and get changed. You’ve got ten minutes.”
Things get silly again as we wash the paint off our arms and face. Eden is just so easy and fun to be around. I doubt there are many people outside her close social group who get to see this side of her. I’m just grateful I get to be one of them. Hopefully she’ll show me a lot more of herself as we get to know each other. That sounded sexual, but I meant emotionally. Although I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to seeing more of her…you know…
Washed and changed, we join the rest of the Sawyer family at the table. Mr. Sawyer beams at me and offers his hand. I shake it and smile back. Jenna flicks her eyes up for a second and then drops them back down to her plate without saying a word. That’s cool. I remember what it was like to be fourteen.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Sloane,” Mr. Sawyer begins. “Eden hasn’t shut up about you for bloody ages. Nice to put a face to the name.”
I turn to Eden, who is now scarlet and glaring at her dad. He is none the wiser, or he doesn’t care.
“Call me Rick, by the way. None of this Mr. Sawyer crap.”
“It’s lovely to meet you too, Rick,” I say politely.
“That’s our Jenna,” he barrels on. “Don’t take it personally if she doesn’t speak. She hates life at the minute.”
That earns him a scowl from daughter number two. Rick just chuckles at them both. Both Rick and Liz are in band t-shirts. Eden told me he is a banker, so this outfit is surprising. Same goes for Liz, the lawyer, actually. They’re not who I imagined at all. They’re so laid back.
“How did the art lesson go? Oh, how was gym?”
He’s like an excitable puppy.
Eden helps plate up what looks like vegetarian chili. My mouth waters at the smell.
“Sloane got more paint on me than the canvas.”
“I got a lot on myself to be fair, babe.”
I notice the smile Liz and Rick exchange when I call Eden babe. My gut feeling is they are as involved in Eden’s dating life as my parents are in mine.
“That’s true.” She laughs. “As for gym, it was okay. I did two sessions on the app. Sweated like a pig, but it wasn’t terrible.”
Rick leans over and high-fives Eden. He then turns to me and holds up his hand. Smiling, I give him what he wants.
“Good job. Both of you.”
“What about you, Sloane? You’re the cheer captain, right?” Liz asks. Everyone starts to eat. Jenna still hasn’t said anything, but I see her tilt her head slightly my way at the question. If my observational skills are correct, Jenna is interested in cheerleading.
“I am. I love it. We have a fantastic squad.”
“Will you continue in college?”
I feel Eden stiffen slightly.
