Laurel
Putting my car in park, I stare up at the lavish brick home Jason was raised in. It reminds me of my parents’ house, except Jason’s has a southern charm to its design.
This neighborhood is affluent, and as I glance around, I wonder if Jason’s parents will be accepting of me.
There was a time when I didn’t worry about gaining older adults’ respect. As soon as I would tell them my father was a physician, I had it.
Now, I see how stupid that was. An education and title doesn’t make someone respectable. My disgraceful father proved that.
The knock on my window causes me to jump. I turn my head and find Jason staring at me. His straight white teeth are showing behind his heart-stirring smile.
Exhaling a taxing breath, I open my door. The second I’m standing, he pulls me into his arms and stares down at me.
“I hope you weren’t already thinking of leaving.”
“No. I was taking in my surroundings and thinking about the home I grew up in. It seems like forever ago.”
“I’m sorry you’ve had a long day. I wish I could’ve been there with you this morning, but you’re stubborn.”
“Yes, I am, but right now, I’m mainly nervous. I’m usually proud to talk about my parents, but I don’t know what I’ll say if I’m asked about them.”
“I’ll change the subject until the day comes when you’re comfortable telling them. Besides, I think Colton and Summer are going to be the topic of the evening. I’m apologizing ahead of time for any embarrassing moments.”
“I’m sure they’re all great like you.”
“They’re going to direct you to the guest room, but if you end up in my bed, they’re not going to care, so I’m saying it now … please find your way into my bed.”
I giggle. “We’ll see.”
“If you don’t, I’ll find my way into yours.” Moving out of his arms, I take his hand.
“Come on. Let’s get the introductions over with so I can relax a little.”
Jason directs me into his childhood home, and I smell something delicious. It’s evening, so I imagine we’ll have dinner soon.
We walk down a hallway to a family room where I spot Colton sitting on a couch. An older man hurries to his feet from a recliner.
“Dad, this is Laurel. Laurel, this is my dad, John.” I shake his hand and notice how much Jason favors him. The man has aged well, hardly seeming old enough to have a child Jason’s age. His thinning hair is the only feature giving it away.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Laurel.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too.”
“And you’ve met Colton already.”
“Hi, Laurel,” Colton says with a faint smile.
“Hi.”
“I’m going to introduce her to Mom and Summer. Come on. They’re in the kitchen.” Before I can respond, he’s leading me down the hall again to the spacious kitchen.
It opens up to a dining room on the right, and I see Summer inside, setting the table. At least, I’m guessing that’s her.
“Mom, Laurel’s here.” The lady at the stove turns around and grins at me. I notice she has the same beautiful smile as her son’s.
Her hair is strawberry-blond, so I understand now how both Jason and Summer have such light hair.
“Laurel, it’s so nice to meet you. I’m Susan.”
“Hi, thank you for having me this weekend.”
She clutches Jason’s shoulder and gazes at him affectionately.
“I’m thrilled to see my son so happy. You’re always welcome here.”
“Thank you.” His sister bounces into the room with a grin on her cute face. Unlike me, she’s petite. Her long hair is in a high ponytail, and she’s in skinny jeans and a cream sweater.
“I’m Summer, and you must be the miracle worker. You bagged my brother, which is something I thought would not happen in this lifetime.”
“Summer, really? It’s not like I’m forty and still single.”
Gripping her hips, she shrugs, lifting both shoulders high.
“Still, she should get a trophy.” I giggle over that remark.
“Hi, I’m happy to finally meet you,” I say to her. “Jason’s had nothing but wonderful things to say about you and your mom. He’s always singing your praises.”
Summer’s eyes are suddenly coated with tears, and her mother’s mouth is agape. Shit, what did I do?
“Is dinner almost ready? I’m starved,” Jason says, changing the subject. Summer moves right in and wraps her arms around his waist, so I hurry and release his hand.
“I knew you loved me.”
“Yeah, yeah, let’s not make a huge production of it.” After giving her a light hug, he pulls away. His mother clears her throat, and her eyes are watery, too.
“Dinner is ready. Let your father and Colton know.”
Jason presses a kiss to the top of my head and strolls out. Well, at least he’s not mad at me for inciting that tender moment.
I help Susan and Summer carry food to the dining room table. The guys walk in, and I notice Colton’s face is as white as a sheet.
I recall that he and Summer are telling her parents about their relationship tonight, and I’m curious to see how it plays out. At least it will take the attention off me.
Colton appears panicked as his eyes dart around at the chairs. Summer takes a seat and nods toward the one next to her.
Hesitating, he sits down, and Jason and I take the seats across from them. His parents are at each end of the table, and this should be interesting.