Page 56 of A Hard Fit

“Oh. Okay.” Rory smiled over at Thomas. “What about you?”

Roryhadto be trolling. Finn watched Thomas’ reaction with great interest.

Thomas froze, eyes the size of his plate. “Um…I don’t date much…since I move around so often.”

“Don’t you get lonely?” Rory asked, leaning forward and frowning with concern.

Brilliant. Finn tried not to laugh.

“Well… I—No. I mean, yes, but…” Now it was Thomas’ turn to flounder.

Rory chuckled. “It’s okay. You can let me know if you change your mind.” They scooped up a forkful of stuffing. “Either of you.”

Well, damn. Maybe Rory was genuine. Finn caught their eye and gave them a meaningful headshake.

A glimmer of understanding crossed their face. “Or not,” they added, hastily.

Luka gulped the rest of his wine while Thomas focused on scooping another helping of Brussels sprouts onto his plate.

Finn sighed.These two.

* * * *

“If they don’t hook up soon…” Finn whispered, tilting his head to see if he could get a glimpse of Luka and Thomas washing dishes together in the kitchen.

“Have you talked to Luka about it?” Rory asked, also careful to keep their voice low. The two of them had been banished to the living room with their wine while Luka and Thomas cleaned up.

“Sort of. He just immediately shuts it down. Says he’s not interested, Thomas is his boss, et cetera.”

“That’s too bad. There’s nothing better than being in love.” They pecked Finn on the nose.

Finn pulled Rory closer. “That’s for sure. And thank you for dinner. It was the best Thanksgiving of my life.”

Rory rested their head on Finn’s shoulder, breath warm on his neck. “You’re welcome.”

Unexpected tears pricked at Finn’s eyes. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too.” Rory put their hand on Finn’s chest. “You feel it, don’t you?”

Chapter Thirteen

Meet the Parents

Finn knew it was coming. It was inevitable.

They were making dinner when Rory said it. Finn was simply chopping cabbage, then…

“I’d really like you to meet my parents.”

Finn’s heart galloped around his ribcage like a wild stallion in its new pen. “Okay,” he said, managing to make the two syllables sound calm and collected.

“Yeah?” Rory turned their face up to Finn’s, bright and hopeful.

“Yeah.” He tried to give Rory a reassuring smile.

“Perfect.” Rory resumed their stirring. “They invited us over for dinner Friday. Does that sound good?”

“Just us and them?”