Page 114 of Firsts

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I’ve been so on edge the past few days. I know my parents will find out about my relationship with Reid one way or another. Maybe Aunt Helena will let the cat out of the bag. I’m just nervous as to how they’ll react, especially Dad.

“If you’re too scared, why don’t we wait?” Reid suggests. He brushes my cheek with the back of his hand. “Maybe until winter break?”

“Um, no. Let’s just do it this weekend. We’re leaving on Monday, and I don’t want to pretend the last few days and not spend them close to you.”

He smiles at that. “Okay. Try to relax. I’m right here with you. Anyway, I’m the one who should be scared. Uncle Jeff might smack me.”

I sigh. “Dad wouldn’t hit you.” A frown forms as I consider it. “Wait. Would he?”

At the sound of the front door and boisterous chatter, we straighten from the sofa.

“Genevieve, my god!” Dad bellows happily in the passage.

I nervously pull away from Reid. Walking out of the living room, I find them in the middle of hugging the long-time housekeeper.

My heart hums with joy. I truly missed them after a few months.

Mom flicks to me, brown eyes sparkling. She no longer has faux locs, and I notice how much her curls have grown over her shoulders. “Hey, honey.” We meet halfway for a tight embrace. “Ugh. Missed you.”

“Missed you too, Mom.”

She kisses my cheek before easing back.

“Hi, sweetheart,” Dad says softly, seeming unsure. Perhaps he’s thinking about his lie and whether I’m still upset with him.

I move in for a hug to settle his mind, and he cloaks me in his burly arms. “How was your summer?”

“It was great. I had a lot of fun.” And so much more.

“Reid, look at you,” Mom gushes behind me.

I shudder a tad while slipping from Dad.

“Hey, Aunt Deanna. How’s it going?”

“Good, honey.” She throws her arms around him, and Reid laughs in return.

Once she lets go, Dad embraces him, playfully patting his arms as if amazed by Reid. “You’re way taller than me.” He cuts to Aunt Helena, quietly off to the side, smiling while observing us. “Kid’s a giant,” Dad adds.

She chuckles. “Hm. My pride and joy.” She motions to the living room. “Let’s settle down on the patio and catch up over lunch.”

“I’ve prepared your old bedroom,” Genevieve informs my parents.

Mom squeezes her hand. “Thanks, Gen. We truly missed you.”

“Oh.” Genevieve bats her lashes, her gaze glossy. “I’ve missed you all.”

“Come on,” Aunt Helena urges and strides ahead through the doorway.

As my parents follow, Genevieve veers into the kitchen for the food. Reid and I linger behind.

He lightly grazes my hand and offers a sweet, assuring smile before we walk outside.

I don’t even know how to ease into the reveal. Maybe I should wait until later or tomorrow. After all, my parents have just arrived. They haven’t been to the estate in seven years. And I’m sure Dad wants a moment of peace with his big sister before I drop the bomb.

It’s great to see Dad and Aunt Helena talk casually without tension. They’re even laughing.

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