Page 52 of Hooked on a Feeling

John’s stomach was full of nerves as he led Starr up the walk to his parents’ house. What was his father going to say? How would he act when he laid eyes on Starr? He pressed his hand to her lower back. “Would you like me to enter first? Looks like everyone is already here.”

“Yes, I would. I would really appreciate it if you would hold the dessert.”

John took the stack of pans from her. When he’d picked her up, it was all he could do not to dig into the apple crumb cake. She’d made a peach one and an apple one, but the apple had reminded him of his grandmother’s baking. He wasn’t a big peach fan. “Can you trust me not to eat it if I hold it?”

Starr laughed, but he could see how nervous she was about walking into the house. “I better be able to trust you with my goodies.” She let out a sigh. “Now or never. Let’s get this show on the road.”

“You going to be okay?”

“Yes. I’m just walking around like a live wire, but it’ll be fine. Your mom’s visit helped. I just hope your dad doesn’t kill me.”

“He won’t. Come on.”

John pushed open the door, and she followed him inside. His mom glanced up from the oven, and the second she saw Starr, she jumped to attention and met Starr in the middle of the kitchen for a hug.

“So glad you came.”

What was he? Chopped liver?

“You’re never that excited to see me.” John set the pans on the counter while Raven and Reed tried to lift the foil edges to see what Starr had brought.

“Eh. You’re old news.” His mother teased him. “Girls, have you met Starr yet? Johnny, where are your manners?”

“Starr, this is Raven. And this is Reed. This one is Ruby. My little sisters.”

Starr gave them both a big smile. “It’s really nice to meet the three of you. John has spoken very highly about all of you.”

“Don’t let him fool you. He’s never said anything nice about us. He doesn’t even know we’re here unless it’s to pick on us.”

“Hey. That doesn’t mean I’m not proud you’re my sisters.” John put his hands up. “So there’s that.” He shared a glance with Starr. “You ready to go and sit down?”

The second they turned into the dining room, his dad was standing there looking as grumpy as ever. John straightened his back. He did not want to get into it with his father. Not today. Not with Starr present.

“John.”

“Dad.” He squeezed Starr’s hand. “You’ve met Starr Young.”

“I owe you an apology.” His dad shifted so he was standing in front of Starr. “I am sorry for going to the marina unannounced and acting like an entitled know-it-all.”

John peeked at Starr.

“Thank you,” she said. “And I’m sorry I got your son in trouble. I’ll try to be a better influence.” She smiled. “Let’s not hold a grudge.”

His dad tilted his head. “Not hold a grudge? But we’re Davenports and Youngs. Isn’t grudge the word of the day?”

“Don’t you think that should all be a thing of the past? Let’s not let two people who are no longer in our lives dictate our actions. What do you say?” Starr held out her hand to John’s father.

It took his dad a full five seconds, but he finally reached out and shook her hand. Thank God. Judge, Jake, and Jersey started whooping for joy, bringing a new layer of blush to her cheeks.

“Time to eat.” His mother and two sisters came into the dining room, and John led Starr to where he usually sat. Now there was another seat between him and Judge for Starr. He swallowed at the emotions that clogged in his throat.

“You can sit here.”

She smiled up at him, and he was so fucking proud of her. She was brave. Nice. Unafraid to speak her mind. And those were a few of the things he loved about her. He gave her a chaste kiss before they sat.

“None of that at the dinner table,” Judge joked.

“At least I have a woman at the dinner table with me,” John pointed out. That comment got the rest of his siblings talking over one another about how none of them had dates, or if they were dating anybody, none of the people were important enough to bring to dinner.

---