“No, I know. Believe me, I realize you’re nothing like that ass.” I needed to explain more so I didn’t seem like a total weirdo. “He kept giving me these gifts in the beginning, you know? I think he wanted to convince me he had money or something. I’m not sure. It’s not like I ever cared. But he always liked to brag when we went out with his friends about how much he made and so on.”
“Wait a second. I thought his business was in trouble.”
“It was. It turned out he was maxing out credit cards. When I found out, I didn’t think much of it. A lot of people have issues managing their finances and credit cards. But when I didn’t want to give him that second loan, he said he’d wasted all this money on me, and I wasn’t worth it. It made me feel so small.”
“Fucking moron.” His voice was stern, and so were his eyes, though they softened when our gazes crossed. “Look, if it makes you feel better, you can transfer me the money for the phone. But I’d prefer if you accepted it for what it is, a gift.”
I bit my lip. “Can I think about it?”
“Sure.”
I did open it, though, installing all my personal information and shooting Dad a message to let him know I had a new phone but the same number. He texted back with a picture of his computer screen. He was playing one of his mystery games. That would keep him occupied all weekend.
Glancing out the window, I realized we were leaving the city. “Where are we going?”
"Tarrytown. The house is outside the city on the Hudson River."
"Wow, that's cool. So wait, this is their housewarming party?" My voice sounded more like a squeal.
“Exactly."
"Dylan, why didn't you say so?"
“I’d assumed it was obvious when I said we were gathering at the new house.”
“I didn’t put two and two together until now. I was still half asleep. I should have bought them a gift.” I had a panicky feeling inside me as I squirmed in my seat.
“No. They specifically asked everyone not to bring presents. And that if we insist on doing something for them, they gave us a list of charities we can donate to."
"Really? That's so thoughtful of them." I’d always liked Isabelle and Brayden, but now my respect for them skyrocketed. “Okay. I'll think about the charities I want to donate to. How many people will be there?"
"Not sure, honestly. My parents flew in for the occasion. They arrived last night," he said casually as if this wasn't a huge deal.
I gasped. I was meeting his parents. Why hadn't he said that before? When he said he was hanging out with his siblings, it sounded like a casual brunch or something. I'd assumed it was going to be like an extension of our meetings at the gym.
"And the Winchester clan will be here too. The cousins of Josie's husband."
"I know Tess. And I've heard about the rest," I said. My voice wasn’t just squeaky now but downright strangled.
He glanced at me. "Are you okay?"
"Why didn't you tell me your parents were coming? You make it sound like this is no big deal."
He grinned. "It is no big deal."
“Um, you just told me your parents are going to be there. And I'm still wearing yesterday's clothes, which, despite washing and tumble drying, still smell a bit like a swamp, and my shirt is way too short."
"We can make a detour and go by your apartment first if you want to change," he said.
I considered this and shook my head. "No, that will take us about an hour. I’ll ask Isabelle to lend me a T-shirt or something." We could have stopped at a mall to buy something, but that would take time.
I lowered myself in my seat, wondering how today would go. I was startled when Dylan took my hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing it. I realized he always did this when I was on edge, and it calmed me instantly.
"You don't smell like a swamp, Mel. Everything is going to be fine. I didn't tell you it was a big deal because I don't think it is. My family gets together all the time. Granted, my parents don't come as often, but it's still not going to be a big deal."
“I think you and I have different opinions on what’s a big deal, mister.” I pointed at the box with the phone, wiggling my eyebrows.
He laughed. “If I want to pamper you, I damn well will.”
Okay, that got me big-time. I racked my mind, but I honestly didn’t think anyone had wanted to pamper me before, except my dad. I smiled, glancing out the window.
“I haven’t introduced my parents to anyone since breaking up with Lina, so they’re going to be excited.”
“Want to tell me any more about you and Lina?” I asked.
His jaw tightened. “Not much to say.”
“What was she like?”
“Nothing like you, Mel.”
“Do you miss her?”
“Not one fucking bit.”
“Are you still in contact with her?”
“No. I’m done with her. I have no interest in her whatsoever. Honestly, that door is closed and locked. I always think a clean break is best. Never understood people who want to stay friends after a breakup.”
Oh no. I sighed, twiddling my thumbs in my lap.
“And after Ian told me she was cheating on me, I was pissed.”
“Understandably. So ever since, you’ve avoided relationships?”
“I even avoided dating. You?” He looked at me intently.
“Oh, I didn’t avoid dating at all. They all sucked. Which brought me to you.”
He burst out laughing, making me laugh too. “I’m feeling very special right now.”
I nudged his elbow. “Eyes on the road. We want to get to Isabelle’s in one piece.”
I wanted us to be friends after this thing between us ended. I wondered what I could do to change his mind on that.
When we entered the village, I looked around curiously. I'd never been here before, even though it was about forty minutes outside of New York. It was gorgeous, with a distinctively old-world, small-town feeling. There were quite a few shops along the main road, with gray stone or redbrick facades, colorful shutters, or striped sunshades. There were a few grand mansions off the main road, and Dylan drove until we reached a fence of evergreen plants and the gate. There was no house in sight, but Dylan looked at the camera mounted right on top of the gate, which opened the next second.
My jaw dropped.
This was a vast property, with an alleyway snaking between rose beds, leading up to a huge house. It had the same old-world architecture as the mansions we’d passed. It seemed entirely made of red bricks. There were already a few cars parked in front of it.
"Isabelle and Brayden live here?" I asked after we got out of the car. He took my hand, leading me up to the house. "Just the two of them?"
Dylan chuckled. "Yes."
"It's huge."
“I know, right? But they did say they want a big family, and they like the neighborhood."
"It's beautiful. Now I feel even more uncomfortable in my possibly swamp-smelling clothes.”
"Fuck, you're cute," he said, brushing my cheek.
"What? Why?"
"I don't know, because you're all nervous that you're about to meet my parents."