Page 126 of True Colors

She gestures with her hands as she talks, explaining something to Theo about why certain assumptions in predictive modeling are invalid.

Later, when the plates are cleared, and we’re lingering over port, letting the evening taper off instead of ending it, Anouk makes no move toward the door.

Finn leans closer, his voice low. “She’s usually scanning for exits by now. Guess I’m going to have to pry her out of here.”

Anouk is across the room, listening to my mother, nodding, relaxed in a way that’s rare for her—shoulders loose, hands still, no tension pulling her inward.

My family matters to me. So, seeing them welcome her without hesitation makes this night more than just a successful dinner.

“Annie, I have the early shift tomorrow, so chop-chop,” Finn finally ends the evening.

They say their goodbyes. My parents, Ria, and even Theo hug her. We’re huggers in my family.

“Here. You said you liked the farro salad.” Mom hands Anouk a container of leftovers she absolutely did not ask for, but has no choice but to politely accept because refusing Hannah Grant is a losing battle.

At the door, she turns to me, and then, because the universe is smiling at me, she rises on her toes just enough to bridge the space between us and presses a kiss to my cheek.

My entire body stills.

I don’t reach for her. I don’t crowd the moment. I meet her eyes, let her see exactly what that small gesture did to me.

“Goodnight, Luther.” Her eyes sparkle with delight.

“Goodnight,” I manage to say steadily despite the riot inside my chest.

Finn clears his throat loudly. “Alright”—he claps his hands once—“we’re outta here before this gets weird.”

Anouk looks chagrined. “Finn.”

“What? I’m being supportive.” He shoots me a look. “Good work.”

The door closes, and I breathe out the tension that’s been holding me in one piece.

“Well,” my father says mildly from behind me, “that was encouraging.”

I turn to look at my family.

My mother lets out a satisfied hum. “Very encouraging.”

Dot nods appreciatively. “That kiss may have been a quick one, but I do feel it had substance.”

Ria grins like she won…something. “You’re welcome, Luther.”

Theo raises his glass. “You owe us.”

Neil chuckles. “He definitely does.”

I cock an eyebrow in mock exasperation. “For what do I owe you?”

“For emotional labor,” Ria says promptly.

“For the seating arrangement alone,” Mom adds. “That took strategy.”

“For not embarrassing you any more than we did,” Dad interjects.

I know my family, so I tilt my head. “Sounds like you all…conspired.”

Dad shrugs. “Family meeting. Took five minutes.”