Page 59 of Feel It All

“I sure did, buttercup,” I place my hands on her shoulders and plant a kiss to her nose.

“She cheats,” Owen walks over the group.

“No, you just suck,” Waverley jabs.

“Enjoy walking back to Aster, Wav,” Owen winks at her, and she sicks out her tongue.

“We are probably going to head out,” Jace says while holding a nearly asleep Sage in his arms.

“Yeah, if it’s okay, could we too? Someone has to keep Crossroads open,” Ivy jokes and gives Winry a nudge with her elbow.

“Hey, sorry not sorry,” Winry gives her a little kick back.

We all say our goodbyes, and the girls give each other a bunch of hugs. We decide to call it a night ourselves and head for the car.

“Have you had a good birthday, Win?” I ask as we walk.

“Yes, I did. Thank you, Graham. It really means a lot to me.” She holds my hand and squeezes.

“I plan on planning your birthday for the foreseeable future, buttercup. They are only going to get better.” I mean it, I plan on being here for all of her birthdays. I bring her hand up and kiss the back of it.

Chapter 16

Winry

Wearedrivingtomeet Graham’s mom at the restaurant. I have felt sick with worry all morning. I was able to forget about the incident with his mom yesterday for a little while, but this morning all my worry and doubt came rushing back, and it’s making me nauseated.

Yesterday was a trainwreck of a meeting. Graham has apologized nonstop and assures me that this morning will go better. I’m not sure whether he means I’ll be better, or she will. I don’t want to dwell on that thought. He says he loves me, but what if his mom doesn’t? What happens then? He doesn’t act like they are close, but I can’t imagine her not liking me will go over all that well. Again, I don’t know who for, me or her.

We arrive and I take a deep breath, in and out. Graham takes my hand and squeezes.

“No need to be nervous, baby, what happened yesterday will not be happening today.” He gives me an encouraging smile.

“Phew, okay. Let’s go.” I hop out of the car and look down at my outfit. I really wish I thought more about this. I have on some light wash mom jeans, a white button up, and white converse. I dressed it up some with some fun daisy earrings and the G necklace Graham bought me yesterday. I check my hair and makeup in the mirror. At least I did semi-good on that end.

“Winry, hey.” I look up at him and he cups my face. “I love you.”

A quick wave of relief floods me for a moment. “I love you too.” I smile and he squishes my face, placing a kiss on my nose.

“Come on, buttercup.” He tangles his hand in mine and leads me to the restaurant.

Deep breaths. In. Out.

We enter the restaurant; it has a country farmhouse style décor that matches the exterior vibe. I follow him through the dining room toward the back, where we spot his mom. She is sitting at the table with her nose in her phone.

“Hey, mom,” Graham says pulling her from her phone.

“Oh hi,” she stands and gives Graham a big hug. She turns to me; her face turns unreadable. “Winry, right? How are you?”

“I’m good, thank you. I have really enjoyed getting to see Rosewood with Graham.” I give my best smile, but she doesn’t return one.

“That’s nice, dear. Let’s sit,” she says flatly.

Graham pulls out my chair; I give him a thank you smile, and he takes the seat next to me.

“So, how was the carnival?” Ms. Taylor asks, looking at her menu.

“Great, we rode all the rides and Winry kicked butt at the games,” Graham rubs my back.

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