Page 49 of Fire

“It’s not them I’m worried about. You know how Dad is, he’s a dork, tells stupid dad jokes all the time. And Mom, she’s the biggest hoverer and will nag at him to eat his peas.”

“Come on, Gwen. You don’t even know she’s cooking peas.” Allie smirked.

Gwen sent her another glare, being careful not to touch her wet lashes to her cheeks and make more of a mess. “You know what I mean. What if he decides after meeting them that he wants nothing to do with me because I come from crazy stock?”

She hit the tip of her nose with the mascara wand. Allie chuckled and threw a piece of balled up toilet paper at her. “Thanks.” She ran it under some water and wiped it off.

“You don’t come from crazy stock. Your parents are adorable. Your dad’s jokes are funny, and your mom doesn’t hover—she cares.”

“You only think Dad’s jokes are funny because you have a screwy sense of humor.”

Allie shrugged. “Maybe Blake does, too.”

Gwen glared at her again.

Allie held up her hands in surrender. “I’m just saying, I think you’re worrying for nothing.”

Gwen took a deep breath, twisting the cap on the mascara and tossing it on the counter. “I hope you’re right.”

“I’m always right.”

That earned her another eye roll. “So, what are your plans for the night?” Eyeing Allie’s ratty leggings and baggy tee, she added sarcastically, “Hot date?”

“Har, har. You, my friend, are not as funny as your dad.”

“I thought it was funny.” The doorbell rang. “Oh shit, that’s Blake, and I’m not even dressed yet.”

Allie stood from the toilet. “Relax. I’ll entertain him while you finish. I’ll tell him a few jokes and get him primed to meet your dad.”

Gwen groaned. “Just don’t tell him the one about the penguin.”

As Blake turned on to her parents’ street in the heart of Encino’s foothills, her nervousness hit an all-time high. Her finger shook as she pointed out the two-story contemporary she’d grown up in. “It’s the gray one, there.”

Blake grabbed her finger and brought it to his lips as he pulled to the curb. She gave him a weak smile, and he responded with a chuckle. “It won’t be that bad.”

“I’m afraid you’ll never want to see me again after tonight.”

He laughed harder.

“I’m serious. This is so stressful. You’ll know what I’m talking about if I ever meet your parents.”

The humor left his face, and she felt like kicking herself. Why did she assume because he was meeting her parents that she would eventually meet his? Obviously, that hadn’t been his plan anytime soon—if ever. The expression on his face—or lack of one—spoke volumes.

She couldn’t take back what she’d said, so instead, she ignored it. Popping her seatbelt, she turned to him. “You ready to get this over with?”

He smiled, taking her lead. “You sound like you’re going to your execution.”

She moved to open her door, ready to get out of the suddenly claustrophobic car, when he stopped her. “I’ll get it.”

“Right. I forgot.”

He kissed her knuckles before opening his door and getting out. She sighed while she waited for him to round the car, thinking, if she kept putting her foot in her mouth, she was going to ruin all her shoes—and she loved her shoes.

“Mom, Dad, we’re here,” Gwen shouted as they walked through the front door, her hand holding Blake’s in a death grip. She heard a bang in the vicinity of the kitchen as her dad made an appearance coming from the direction of the family room.

“Carrot Cake!” he exclaimed, holding out his arms to offer his usual bear hug.

“Dad, please, no pet names.” She walked into his embrace and got a big squeeze.

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