Page 98 of Penalized Love

Between her and Selene, I don’t know who’s hiding more things from me at this point. Then again, who am I to judge?

“So, Asher,”Mom’s voice breaks the silence in the room.“How are your mom and sister?”

Asher finishes chewing the food that is in his mouth before he responds.“They’re doing well. Things have calmed down over the last couple of weeks, thankfully.”

“I’m glad to hear that,”Mom says with sincerity. I’m sure she’s thinking of when she offered to let Asher stay here so that he had the opportunity to play in the clinic and get more time on the ice before his freshmen year. “Have they been out to see you play this year?”

Asher shakes his head. “No, but I really wish they could. Mom works a lot and Avery’s high school schedule is pretty packed.”

I glance over at him and stuff some more lasagna into my mouth. An idea is forming of how I might be able to get his family to attend one of the Red Wolves’ games. I’ll probably need to have my parents involved at least.

The conversation continues, and I’m impressed with Dad’s ability to not say anything off the cuff. I don’t know if it’s because Grace and Mom are here, but if he has any hesitations about Asher being a more prominent feature in my life, he hasn’t let those show. My gaze turns to him when he starts laughing, and I realize it’s at something Asher said.

Is this a parallel universe? Why am I questioning things when it seems to be working out in my favor?

Instead, I choose to enjoy the fact that my family is getting along with the love of my life, and hopefully, their relationship continues to blossom. I focus on eating again once more, and it’s not until I feel a slight stiffness in my legs from sitting too long that I decide to stand up and stretch.

“Do you all want anything else? Maybe dessert?”Mom asks as she watches me from her chair.

“I don’t want to speak for Asher, but I’m good.”

“Same. I’m so full, and dinner was delicious. Thank you,”Asher chimes in as he looks up at me from his seat. I wonder if he’s trying to figure out what I’m thinking about doing since dinner is over.“We have to get back to campus soon, anyway.”

Because of all this, I almost forgot about the party. I reach for my plate before Mom’s voice stops me.

“While I wish you two were staying longer, why don’t you go on ahead? Your father and I can handle the cleanup.”

“But you guys cooked.”

Dad reaches over and grabs my plate so I can’t take it into the kitchen.“We have enough people here that we’ll have this cleaned up in no time. You kids have fun tonight. But not toomuch fun, you hear?”When he says the last part, his eyes are firmly on Asher.

“Yes, Coach,” Asher replies.

Grace walks over and hugs me before grabbing her plate and wine glass. Her eyes are slightly glazed over, and I can’t help but wonder if she’s about to cry. Mom notices immediately and says,“Sweetie, why don’t I take those from you, and you head upstairs?”

“I can agree with that plan. I’ll see everyone later.”Grace gives everyone a quick wave before she jets out of the room.

Mom stares at the space my sister just vacated before she turns back to me. “I’ll check on her soon. You guys go on and enjoy your night.”

“We will,”Asher says for us.

“And Mom, I’ll text you and Dad later about something I need to get done.”

That makes Mom smile. “I’ll look out for it.”

I make a note to also text my sister later as Asher and I make our way to the front hall closet to grab our coats. Once we’re protected from the weather, we leave the comfort of my childhood home to go back to my car.

It is almost time to let loose.

The drive back to Asher’s place is quick and quiet as we both choose to sit in silence versus reliving dinner with my family. I glance at the man sitting next to me and watch as his profile is illuminated by the streetlights we’re flying by. The best way I can describe his expression is that he's at peace.

And I love it.

Soon Asher’s parking the car and we stroll up to the front porch of his house. Before Asher can put his key into the lock, the door swings open.

"Well, well, look who finally decided to grace us with their presence," Wilder teases as Asher and I cross the threshold.

Asher shakes his head at his roommate. "Blame it on me being fashionably late. You know I like to make an entrance."

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