“They’re excited to see you too.”
I smile.
“Are your parents coming?” Blake asks.
I shake my head, my smile fading. “Nope. We haven’t spoken much since that night at the diner when my mom and I got into that argument. I didn’t even tell them about it.”
I’m quiet as I put my empty wrappers and napkins into the bag. I wish my parents and I were on better terms. I’d love to see them, but not if they’re just going to tell me off for leaving Chicago for the millionth time. We’ll just end up arguing the whole weekend.
Blake wraps his arm around me and pulls me into a hug. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. It’s for the best. We could use some space from each other.”
I cuddle into his chest while we watch the rest of the episode.
“Parents weekend will be fun. I’ll make sure of it,” Blake says, kissing my temple.
I melt into him. He issoamazing.
The episode ends, and he looks down at me. “Wanna watch another?”
I smile up at him. “Definitely.”
Chapter 32
Briar
“Blake, honey! Oh, it’s so good to see you!”
Blake’s mom walks up the porch steps of his house and hugs him.
He chuckles as he wraps his massive arms around him. “Hey, Mom.”
I smile at how Blake’s broad, muscled frame dwarfs his mom. She’s around my height, so she’s almost half his size.
When they break apart, she pats his stomach. “Are you eating enough?”
He blushes and rolls his eyes, but he’s smiling. “Yes, Mom. I’m eating plenty.”
“You’re sure? You’re looking a little skinny,” she teases.
“Oh, Angie. Give the poor guy a break,” Blake’s dad says good-naturedly.
Blake’s mom steps to the side so father and son can greet each other. They hug.
Every time I see Blake and his dad, Jerry, together, I’m blown away at how similar they look.
Same height, same lean build, same blonde hair, same striking blue eyes. Same nose. Even the same smile. Both of them have dimples in their right cheeks when they grin.
Blake’s mom turns to me. “Briar! Goodness, it’s been forever since I’ve seen you.”
She hugs me tight. “Almost a year, right?” I say.
When we break apart, she grabs both my hands. “You look so lovely.”
“Thank you. So do you. You cut your hair since the last time I saw you. You look so pretty.”
She beams and runs a hand over her wavy, light brown hair. “You think so? I was nervous to chop it all off, but my hairdresser said a bob would suit me.”
