Page 100 of My Favorite Sin

My palms are sweating. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

Dan kisses my forehead. “Relax. We’ve got this.”

“I hope you’re right. You ready?”

“Yeah.” He squeezes my waist. “We’ll get through this together.”

Dan raises his hand, not even getting a chance to knock before the door opens and we’re face to face with Mom and Josh.

“Hi,” I say, taking in the sight of them.

They look how I suppose I do. Nervous smiles. Yet there’s no mistaking the relief in their eyes. Their focus shifts to Dan’s hand at my waist. My cheeks flush, feeling awkward. I won’t hide my relationship with Dan just because it makes them uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean I want to flaunt our physical affection in front of them when everything is so uncertain between all of us.

Being on the same page as me, Dan drops his hand. I press my lips together, rocking back and forth on my feet,wondering if some harsh comment is about to come our way.

“Dan, Ally, it’s good to see you both,” Josh says with genuine warmth. “Thanks for visiting us this afternoon. Come inside.”

Dan clears his throat. “It’s good to see you too.”

I let out a breath of relief and we enter the front door, into the penthouse living room. It’s been about eighteen months since I’ve stepped foot in this place, since before Paris. Despite the circumstances, it’s nice to be back in the home I used to live in. Mom and I moved in here when I was fifteen and it’s the first home I ever felt like I had a real family to live with.

“Take a seat. Can I get you two anything to drink? Cake?” Mom asks. It’s so formal and unlike us. I don’t like it at all.

“Mom…” I start, not having planned to delve straight into this speech, but I can’t stand all the pleasantries. I swallow hard, forcing myself to remain strong. I won’t crumple and hide like the girl I was a few months ago. “You don’t need to tiptoe around us. I know we haven’t spoken in a long time and the last time we did speak it was ugly, but it’s still me. It’s still Dan. We just want to have a calm and honest conversation with you two. No cake needed.”

She nods. “I know it’s still you, honey. It’s just… I’ve been sick over this. It means a lot to me that you two are here today. Josh too.”

Josh gestures to the couches. “How about we all take a seat and chat.”

Dan and I sit together, not too close—again, wanting to be respectful. Mom and Josh take the opposite couch.

An awkward silence lingers between all of us before Josh opens his mouth. “I’d like to start by saying?—”

“Wait.” The word escapes me, nervous and high in pitch. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to say something first.”

“Of course. Go ahead.”

I look at Dan and he gives me an encouraging nod that calms me. “Dan and I have spoken a lot about what we hope to achieve with this visit. We’re both sorry about the way our relationship came to light and the damage it’s caused. We know things will take time to mend but we’ve come here today to make peace with you both and work toward some kind of normality. I want to be upfront and clear, though, that nothing you say will stop me and Dan from being together.”

Josh takes Mom’s hand. I can’t read either of their expressions, other than they don’t look angered over my words, which I’ll take as a win.

Dan leans forward, resting both elbows on his knees. “I want you two to know how serious I am about Ally. Given my past reputation with women and poker and God knows what else, I’m sure I don’t appear to be a good fit for Ally. It’s never been stated, but you both know my poker games haven’t been exactly legal. I’ve gotten into some shit over them and have thrown shade on Forever Families. It’s going to stop, to prove to you both that I have Ally’s best interest at heart and that she’s safe with me. I’ve been beside myself with guilt since the night Ally was attacked over a game I won. From now on, I’ll only be playing professional. And I’ve decided I’m going to donate a percentage of my winnings.”

Dan finishes speaking, and I feel good about all that we’ve said. If our parents aren’t happy with this, I don’t know what more we can do. I gauge their reaction, relieved to find them both nodding with what looks like approval.

“Thank you, both, for everything you’ve said. We trulyappreciate it.” Mom brushes out the skirt of her dress. Despite telling her to relax with us, she’s jittery. Her chin is trembling. She’s more nervous than I am. “I think Josh and I are the ones who need to do most of the talking. We haven’t acted right toward you two and we’re appalled at ourselves. That night at the benefit was such a shock. Then there was the pressure of the media. But it’s not an excuse. You were right, Ally, when you said Forever Families was our priority over you and Dan. We both knew as soon as Daxton took you from the house that we’d messed up. I spoke terribly to you. I wasn’t treating you like an adult. I’m beyond embarrassed over what Josh and I did with your phone. I’m so sorry.”

“We both are,” Josh adds. “We’ve had a lot of time to reflect on everything. It’s taken us a while to get here, but we’re going to do our best at embracing your relationship.”

“Really?” I’m shocked and yet comforted by their words. It doesn’t fix the pain they caused but it’s the foundation needed for us to move forward. “That means a lot to us. Thank you.”

“Dan,” Mom says. “You’ve always been a son to me. I’m sorry I haven’t acted as more of a mother to you recently.”

“Hug it out?” Dan rises to his feet, bringing a much-needed touch of lightheartedness to the conversation.

She smiles. “I’d like that very much.”

I watch, pleasantly surprised as Mom stands from the couch and hugs Dan.

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