Page 96 of Penalized Love

“You’re telling me, but now we have to face dinner with your parents and sister.”

“That’ll be a breeze compared to this.”

I hope she is right.

37

ISLA

Iwalk up the steps of my childhood home with Asher standing by my side. It has been days since the meeting with my dad, and I still don’t feel mentally prepared for this. I’m not upset about Dad suggesting that we have this dinner, but this also isn’t a relaxing experience for me, either.

I glance at Asher, who is putting on a better poker face than I am. He gives me a small smile as his hand finds mine. At least one of us can put up a front like we aren’t nervous.“The plan is still to stay here for a while and then head back to your place for the party?”

“That’s the plan,”he says without hesitation.

“Okay, cool.”I pull out my key and open the door. I’m immediately greeted by the smell of something delicious, and my stomach rumbles, confirming what my nose has already picked up on.

“Mom, Dad, we’re here,”I call out as I cross the threshold.

Asher follows me and shuts the door behind him. As we are taking off our coats, Dad appears from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dish towel.

“Welcome. Molly is talking to someone on the phone in the living room, and I was just helping her finish dinner,”Dad says, opening his arms to hug me.

I stay in his embrace for several seconds before I pull back. We share a small smile as I step out of the way for him to greet my boyfriend.

It’s still taking some getting used to referring to Asher as such again.

Speaking of, Asher steps forward, extending his hand to my dad.“Coach Johnson, thank you for having us over.”

Dad grasps his hand firmly, giving it a hearty shake.“It’s my pleasure. We could all use a delicious home-cooked meal every once in a while. Let’s hang up your coats, and then we can head into the dining room.”

We quickly hang up our things, and together, we walk into the dining room with Dad leading the way. Asher places his hand on the small of my back, and I can’t help but think that the last time we were dating, and he was in my house three years ago, he wouldn’t have dared do such a thing.

Oh, how times have changed.

As we enter the dining room, the first thing I notice is that the table is already set. It’s a bit more fancy than I was used to growing up, but I appreciate my parents making Asher feel more comfortable.“What are we having for dinner?”

Before Dad can answer, Grace walks in from the kitchen with a glass of wine. She looks at me for a second before her eyes drift to Asher.“Long time no see… to the both of you.”She punctuates her comment by taking a sip of her drink.

“It’s good to see you again,”Asher says as he holds out his for her to shake.

She returns the gesture without hesitation, but before she can respond, I speak up.“You’re ridiculous, you know that, right?”I say as Dad shakes his head with a small smile andslips past Grace to walk into the kitchen. Dad is used to how we act around each other, so I’m not surprised he took that as his opportunity to leave.

“I got it honestly if you check out the two people who are the reason why we both walk this planet.”

I can’t disagree with her there.“Touché.”

Grace’s lips curl into a smirk as she takes another sip of her wine, and the smell of deliciousness hits my nostrils again. Then, I remember that my question still hasn’t been answered.“What are we having for dinner?”

“Lasagna and a salad,”my sister says, putting me out of my misery.“Do you guys want anything to drink?”Grace puts her glass on the dining room table, and we follow her lead, selecting where we will also sit.

“I’m going to have water, but I can grab it. Asher, do you want anything?”

“Water works for me too.”

I nod and start walking toward the kitchen. I pause for a split second before I turn to look back at my sister.“Don’t say anything weird or embarrassing.”

She waves me off.“I’m not going to do a thing but sit here and enjoy my wine.”

---