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“I didn’t terrorize her. I just asked her questions about the menu. That’s her job, isn’t it?”

He laughed. “Sure. So...that’s why you’re not allowed into some restaurants?”

“Some people just don’t get RJ, my mom, and me.”

Adonis shook his head.

“So...are you running?”

“No.”

“You promise?”

He smiled. “I promise.” He looked over at my dad as he ordered in an un-picky way. “So your dad is normal?”

I laughed. “No, it’s normal to get something exactly the way you like it.”

“If you say so, Aphrodite.” He pulled me closer to him.

My dad smiled at us.

But I quickly felt outnumbered without my mom here. The conversation turned to basketball. I knew enough about the game from watching Adonis play. But I didn’t know all the terms. I liked the way Adonis seemed to fit right into my family though. And I especially liked the way he kept me tucked into his side.

“Don’t you think, Aphrodite?” Adonis asked.

“What?” I hadn’t been paying attention.

“That dime that RJ threw. Wasn’t it perfect?”

I laughed. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Why did RJ have loose change on the court?”

Adonis gave me a weird look.

“I told you she doesn’t really like basketball, man,” RJ said. “A dime is an assist,” he said to me.

I shrugged. “Good to know. And great dimes today.” I hoped I’d said that right.

Adonis chuckled. “Did you lie to me about liking basketball, Aphrodite?” he asked with a smile.

“I mean...I like it now,” I said.

“And before?”

“Honestly? I was hoping you’d join and embarrass yourself, but still join the team and become super unpopular.”

Adonis laughed. “That’s cold.”

“You were annoying me.”

“You love when I annoy you.”

I was very aware of my dad smiling at me. “Stop it.” I hit Adonis’ chest with the back of my hand. He caught my hand and intertwined his fingers with mine.

This should have been tense. Him meeting my dad for the first time. Or at least a little awkward. But I felt so comfortable. Adonis had this way of making me feel at ease. I was pretty sure it extended to everyone around him.

The waitress walked over. “Are you interested in dessert this evening?”

“Actually...” my dad started.