Page 97 of The Torment of Two

I hope they like me.

Shutting off my Tahoe, I exhale a deep sigh. I consider calling Willa or Tate for a quick pep talk but decide to put on my big girl panties and go inside.

My gaze travels over to Two’s workshop. I know he’s been itching to get back in there. He’s spent a lot of time recovering from the beating he received from Owen and hasn’t had the energy for much else. Our time spent together lately consists of me picking him up and driving him to and from school, to his doctor appointments, or to meet with Tate.

As I approach the front door, I can hear raised voices inside the home. It sounds like an argument. I panic for a moment, worrying if it’s about me. Before I can rush back to my car to regroup, the door creaks open.

Two’s dad, Grant—a burly guy with a trim beard and a love for flannel—answers the door with a small smile. “Good to see you again, Gemma.”

I officially met them the day I was released from the hospital. I’d left my room to spend much of the day at Two’s bedside. His parents watched me with curiosity and were polite, but we didn’t exactly spend time getting to know each other. It wasn’t the right place or time.

Today, apparently, is the official meet-the-parents day.

“Hi,” I say, plastering on a megawatt grin. “How’s Two feeling today?”

Grant gestures for me to come inside. “Grumpy.” He chuckles. “He’s still upset over the loss of his car. We’ve been on the hunt for something vintage, but nothing compares to that Rover in his eyes. He loved that thing.”

“Maybe we should try the junkyard,” I offer with a laugh.

“I heard that,” Two bellows from the living room.

Leo, Two’s other dad, stands from the sofa and offers me a pleasant smile. “I told him we could get him a brand-new Range Rover with all the bells and whistles. He said it’s a soccer mom car.” Leo scoffs. “It’s a freaking Range Rover. Kids these days. I swear.”

We all snigger, but Two just grumpily shakes his head. I walk over to where he’s camped out on the couch, bright orange cast propped up on the coffee table, with his laptop on his thighs.

“You’ll find something,” I say as I stand near him. “Until then, I’ll drive you around. We both know I’m the better driver.”

Two grunts, grabbing my hand and tugging me onto the couch beside him. “You hit me with your car, babe. You suck.”

Before I can argue, he gives me a quick peck on the lips. Leo giggles—actually giggles—which makes me start giggling too. Okay, so maybe this meeting won’t be as awkward as I thought.

“Excuse our son’s lack of manners,” Leo says as he sits back down on Two’s other side. “We found him in a barn when he was just a toddler.”

I snort out a laugh.

“Don’t encourage him,” Two grumbles. “Dad thinks he’s hilarious.”

“I am hilarious,” Leo argues. Then he reaches over Two to grab my hand. “Gemma, hon, these are gorgeous.”

I blush at the compliment. I’d been trying to cheer my slightly depressed boyfriend up and did another design of Hemingford Hall nail art. I’d even made a copy of one of the handwritten love letters and used it as a background pattern on several of the nails. Vintage and meaningful, just like Two loves.

“She does them herself,” Two says, stealing my hand from his father’s to admire my art. “They’re badass.”

I catch Leo’s gaze and he winks at me.

Grant sits in a recliner and clears his throat. “So, Gemma, how’s school going for you?”

Two sniggers and I scowl at him. He thinks small talk is pointless, but I grew up learning from the best. My parents are the king and queen of small talk in our community.

“I’m enjoying my classes,” I tell him, ignoring Two. “My favorite is the one with this clown.”

“He says you two are nearly finished with your big project,” Leo cuts in. “I’ve barely heard of Cedarwood anymore. It’s always Hemingford Hall this and Hemingford Hall that.”

Two looks over at me to share a secret smile. One thing’s for sure. What we do in the hidden room of Hemingford Hall remains a secret. It’s been too long since we’ve had sex and I can’t wait until he’s well enough for us to do it again.

“Hemingford Hall is a special place,” I admit with a grin. “I want to buy it.”

Two’s grin falls and Leo cocks his eyebrow up.

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