Page 29 of On The Run

I eyedthe island in my parents’ kitchen for the fifth time, just making sure everything was good. Was I being crazy? Probably. But I couldn’t get Aiden’s hopeless expression out of my mind, and if I could give him even a few minutes reprieve, it would be worth it.

“Oh, chips!” There was a bowl of Tostitos, but no regular chips. From our lunch dates, I knew Aiden loved barbeque flavor, and I almost forgot to put them out.

“Wow, you’ve really lost it for this guy.”

Laura was leaning against the doorframe, her arms crossed over her chest, her expression amused.

I gave her a dirty look and poured the chips into the bowl. “Don’t give him a hard time, ok? He’s very jittery, so I don’t need you making jokes about him being my boyfriend or something because he’s not.” And I was terrified that one off-handed comment would have him running for the hills.

Laura threw her hands up in front of her, mock offended. “I wouldnever.”

I glared at her. “Ok, I would. But I won’t today. I can see how important he is to you, and I know he has a lot going on. I’m not actually a terrible person, Max. I know when to rein it in.”

I sighed as I straightened out the crock pot of meatballs so it was facing straight forward. It was placed next to the homemade mac and cheese I had cooked, but I wasn’t sure if that was the best placement. “I know, Laur. Sorry. I’m just nervous. He’s never been to a cookout before, and I’ve never met his dad. If you’d seen his face the other day . . .” I wasn’t able to finish the sentence.

I still didn’t understand Aiden’s situation enough, but he’d told me the gist of it, and there was no way I was going to let him handle that completely on his own. I was still so grateful I even happened to be there. I was usually never near the coffee shop at that time, but I had a meeting on the other side of town and something told me I should stop as I passed it. I was glad I listened.

I spent the last few days doing research on grants for medical procedures and bills as well as fundraising. Both my parents had some connections in healthcare, and I already put out some feelers. If I had my way, that man would get the treatment he needed without his son having to work himself to death, or sell a kidney, or whatever other plan Aiden had. Because while he didn’t say anything so drastic, I could see in his expression that he’d consider it.

Of course, there was the little matter of Aiden actually agreeing to my help, and I wasn’t sure he would. I planned on getting him alone and bringing it up to him today—another reason the cookout must be perfect. I was hoping he’d be relaxed and so impressed, he’d agree to at least let me try.

Laura was watching me intently, and it was making me uncomfortable. I had good relationships with both of my sisters, but Em was always the one I talked to about serious matters. When everything got serious, Laura resorted to banter and petty remarks, so I was a little shocked when her expression softened.

“Oh, ok, I see. I’ll lay off. And Dad knows to keep the reins on Mom so she doesn’t start planning your wedding like she did with Jana and me.”

Laughter escaped me before I could stop it. “Oh my god, I remember that.”

Laura rolled her eyes as she entered the kitchen and snagged a carrot from the veggie platter. “I was fucking mortified. Luckily, Jana took it in stride.”

“Didn’t seem to scare her off, either.”

Laura beamed in that goofy, over-the-top in love way that usually made me feel sick, but not today. She looked down at the silver infinity band around her finger, smiling softly. “Nope, not at all.”

“I can promise you it will not go the same way if she does that with Aiden. First off, we are not even close to dating. And well, you’ll see. But I can’t have him panic and run out, Laur. He needs to stay.”

Laura squeezed my arm in an uncharacteristically affectionate gesture. “Don’t worry, Max. We might all like to fuck with you, but we love you and have your back. We’ll be on our best behavior.”

I doubted that, but I appreciated the sentiment. “Thanks,” I told her quietly.

“Now come on, let’s go out back before you rearrange all this again.” Laughing, I allowed Laura to drag me out of the kitchen and to the backyard where Bronx was playing with Gray and Laura’s dog, Nova, on the grass. Mom and Jana were shoving veggies and various meats onto skewers, and Dad was getting the grill ready.

“Hello, my dears,” Mom said as Laura and I walked onto the back porch. Despite it being nearly May, there was still a strong breeze in the air, making it chilly. Luckily, Mom and Dad had a few outdoor heaters, so the patio was nice and cozy. “Do you mind bringing those to your father?” She nodded toward two trays loaded down with food.

I picked one up. “You know it’s only two additional people, right? Not forty?”

Mom waved me off with scoff. “I just want to make sure it’s special for them. That poor boy.”

I shook my head but dropped it and went to bring the tray over to my dad at the grill. Aiden and Manny should be arriving any minute now, and my nerves were starting to take over. Part of me was worried they wouldn’t even show up. I texted Aiden yesterday and gave him the address and time. He sent me back athanksand that was it. Thanks? Was that a,Yes, thank you, can’t wait.Or a,Thanks, I can’t believe I agreed to this, but I’ll be there.Or,Thanks for nothing because there’s no way I’m showing up.

I almost messaged him again, just to confirm that was a yes, but refrained. We weren’t dating, and I didn’t want to freak Aiden out any more than he already was. As simple as today was, I got a feeling this was a big deal for him, and I didn’t want to make it more stressful.

Just as I pulled my phone out to check yet again if Aiden messaged me, I heard a soft knock on the privacy fencing surrounding my parent’s property, followed by a tentative, “Hello?” as the fence pushed open.

A grin split my face. I told Aiden to just come out back since I knew we’d all be over here and was glad he listened. Hell, I was glad he showed up.

“We’re back here!” I called, hoping I sounded casual.

From the lawn, Gray perked up at the sound of new guests, his eyes as big as saucers when he saw Aiden walk into the yard.

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