Page 149 of Reel Love

“I can’t believe you came.” Alana says, looking up at me.

“I meant it when I said I’ll always come for you.”

She stands on tiptoe and kisses me and I pull her in and hold her to me.

FORTY

Alana

I came here tonight because when you realize

you want to spend the rest of

your life with somebody,

you want the rest of your life

to start as soon as possible.

~ When Harry Met Sally

We’re walking up to Stevens’ childhood home. The news of our relationship spread like wildfire across America and international magazines, websites and television syndicates have picked up the story. My parents have gone radio silent for the time being. I’m not making the first move for once. They can come to their senses in their own time. I’ve got more important things to focus on tonight, like meeting Stevens’ family.

Stevens’ brother, Dustin, throws open the door when we walk up.

“Alana!” He shouts my name as if we’re old friends.

Stevens wasn’t kidding. They do look alike, butDustin must eat tree trunks for breakfast and bench used cars for exercise. He’s not as massive as Tank. But then again, who is?

“Come in, come in. We’ve got your favorite.”

“My favorite?”

“Mitzi’s tacos!” Dustin’s all smiles.

I turn to Stevens. “You told them about my secret obsession with your sister’s tacos.”

He just smiles down at me.

“You know, Alana, I’ve been told I’m the far cuter brother …” Dustin winks at me and then glances at Stevens, obviously waiting for his reaction.

Stevens reaches over, and in a totally unexpected move, pulls Dustin into a headlock and gives him a noogie on the head.

“Okay! Okay! Kidding!” Dustin says through his laughter.

I’m already in love with this family.

“What’s all the ruckus?” A woman in her later fifties or early sixties walks through the living room. Oh! Yes. She’s the woman from paint class. I forgot. I have met Stevens’ mom recently. I barely remember her from the times I saw her as a child. She looks a lot different now.

“Oh! Alana! You’re here. And you’re Alana. Graves. The Alana Graves. And you’re here. Oh. My …”

“Mom …” Stevens warns.

“Right. Right. Normal. I promise I’m normal, Alana. After all, we met at paint day. And I wasn’t weird then. Was I? Oh, I hope I wasn’t. Someone please help me stop talking.”

A tall man who looks like Stevens and Dustin but with distinguished salt and pepper hair walks up behind Stevens’ mom and wraps an arm around her waist.

“Give her a minute, will you, Alana? She’ll be much better once she gets over the initial rush. Boys. Go help your sister with the food.”

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