Page 97 of Penalized Love

I raise an eyebrow at her response but leave the room without another word. I give Dad a quick smile before he turns his back to me to pull what I now know to be lasagna out of the oven.

“You know, I feel like I should ask you how your classes are going, but we see each other and talk so often that I already know.”

That makes me laugh. “That’s true, but I appreciate the attempt at small talk.”

While I’m getting the waters for Asher and me, I can’t help but think that my sister is acting a little strange, not to mentionthat it’s weird that she’s even in town, anyway. Because of her work with the San Diego Sharks, an NHL team, her trips back have to be planned unless she’s traveling with the team for a game out here.

I debate with myself for a few seconds about whether I’m going to open that can of worms before deciding that I should.“Why is Grace home, anyway?”

Dad glances over at me once the baking pan is resting on the stove.“She took a couple of vacation days and decided to come here to enjoy the long weekend.”He turns back to the counter to slice the lasagna.

I stare at my father for a second, wondering if he’s going to continue because there’s no way that is the whole story. When he doesn’t, I say,“There’s no way that’s the full story.”

“She didn’t give any more details, so I didn’t press.”

“And Mom didn’t?”

Dad laughs at my quick response because he knows his wife. He understands how she is sometimes, especially when she senses that something is wrong with one of us.“As far as I know, Mom doesn’t know anything more than I do. Grace has been super busy, so I’m not surprised that she came back home during her downtime to recharge.”

Sounds reasonable enough, but I still don’t think it’s the full story. A voice draws my attention back to the doorway.

“Okay, but I need to get back to dinner. We can talk tomorrow. Bye,”Mom says as she pulls the phone down from her ear. Her eyes land on me as soon as she walks into the kitchen.“Oh, honey, I didn’t know you were here!”

“We haven’t been here too long,”I say as I walk over to give her a hug. She leaves a kiss on my cheek as we’re breaking apart.“I was just telling Dad I’m shocked Grace is here.”

Mom gives me a look before she responds.“I’m a bit surprised too, but you know your sister. Regardless, having thewhole family together for a meal is nice. It’s been too long. How are things going with you?”

“Pretty good,”I say, because I don’t really have much to complain about at the moment.“Asher’s in the dining room with Grace, and I fear I’ve left him in there for too long with her.”

“For his sake or hers?”

“His,”Dad and I announce at the same time.

I pick up the glasses of water that I should have brought back to the dining room eons ago, and as I get ready to walk, Mom grabs my elbow softly.

“And things with PCOS are still going well?”

Her concern makes me emotional because I’m grateful for her support through that and all the things she’s stood in my corner and helped me take on.“Yes, no complaints.”

“Thank goodness,”Mom says as she lets my elbow go.“Okay, I’ll help Dad bring the food out, and we can eat.”

That serves as my dismissal, and I walk back into the dining room. I notice that Grace and Asher are chatting, and neither seems worse for wear.

As I set the glasses of water down on the table, Asher looks up at me and it’s easy for me to pick up on what he’s telling me.About time you got back here. I can only imagine what kind of conversation Grace has roped him into while I was preoccupied with trying to find out more information about her.

“Everything okay in there?”he asks, gesturing toward the kitchen with his head.

“Yeah, just catching up with Mom and Dad,”I reply, sliding into the seat beside him. Beneath the table, his hand finds mine, and I squeeze his in response.

Mom and Dad take that opportunity to enter the dining room, carrying the dinner we are about to enjoy. Dad sets a baking dish with lasagna at the center of the table. Mom followswith a big bowl of salad. I’m not a huge fan of salads, but I’m convinced Mom makes some of the best ones ever.

As they take their seats, Dad clears his throat.“Well, it’s wonderful to have everyone here tonight. Shall we dig in?”

We all nod and dig into what I know is going to be a delicious feast. Once I serve myself the portion I’m planning on eating, I take a bite, and my eyes shut involuntarily. The layers of flavor have thrown my brain for a loop. It’s then I realize how much I’ve missed this dish—not just because of the nostalgia of us eating it, but because the taste of the tender pasta, the savory meat, and the creamy ricotta reminds me so much of home.

Beside me, Asher reaches for his water glass, and his arm brushes up against mine. I steal a glance at him as he takes a sip. Why is that one of the sexiest things he’s done today?

I tear my attention away from him and find Grace pouring herself another glass of wine. I tilt my head and narrow my gaze, and she just gives me a quick shake of her head, as if telling me not to say a word about it.

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