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BY THE THIRD TIME someone refers to me as Holden’s girlfriend, I stop correcting the mistake. It’s not like I’m entirely against the idea of being in a relationship with him. Besides, the way he smiles every time it’s said is more than worth it.
“Alright. Food’s ready.” Heather announces.
We all start to make our way to the dining room, and I mentally start to panic. This is the moment I’ve been dreading.
“Oh, and Kayleigh?” She lightly grabs my arm to stop me, getting my full attention. “Holden told me you’re a really picky eater, so don’t feel like you have to eat anything you don’t want to.”
I quickly look at Holden and he winks at me subtly. I smile, shaking my head in disbelief. He really did cover everything, didn’t he?
The amount of love at this table is overwhelming. They’re the picture-perfect family. Heather and Dan love their children with everything they have, and looking at their parents, I can see where they get it from. I’d be jealous but I don’t need to be. They’ve opened their arms and welcomed me in the same way they did with Holden all those years ago.
“So, Holden, how are things going for you at school?” One of the grandfathers asks.
“It’s great. I still love it there. I can’t believe I’m over halfway done.” He answers.
“Holden’s made the Dean’s List every single semester.” Dan adds.
My jaw drops while my head whips toward Holden. I knew he was smart, but I had no idea he took his academics so seriously. I guess it shouldn’t surprise me. He’s good at everything he does.
“I’m also becoming Captain of the hockey team next season. I’m really excited.”
I smile brightly at him, feeling a sense of pride for my not-boyfriend.
“Wow! Well look at you. Is there anything you can’t do?” The grandfather questions.
“Mmm, probably not.” He responds jokingly.
I roll my eyes while smiling. “Please, the last thing he needs is a bigger ego.” I quip causing the entire table to laugh.
“She’s just bitter cause I beat her in a video game.”
I scoff. “Says the guy who played the first three levels repeatedly until you maxed out your lives, so you wouldn’t get a game over.”
The family watches our banter with wide grins on their faces. Though, out of everyone, Brandon’s seems the brightest.
“I like her. She calls you out on your shit.” He tells Holden.
Holden chuckles. “You have no idea.”
“She’s a keeper.” Grandma Reese declares. I find myself beginning to feel uncomfortable with all the attention on me, but as soon as I feel Holden’s hand rest on my knee, my anxiety dissipates.
“She definitely is.” He says with such honesty, and a blush instantly covers my cheeks.
LATER THAT NIGHT, BRANDON mentions a get together with all their old friends. Everyone seems to be in town for the holiday, so it’s a perfect time to reunite and catch up. Holden looks to me for approval and I nod, getting up and starting to get ready.
The three of us head over to a guy named Craig’s house. They must be used to coming here, because we immediately go into the backyard and down the stairs to a sliding glass door. As soon as Brandon opens the door, the smell of weed barrels out.
“They smoke?” I quietly ask Holden. He stops and turns to me.
“I know they used to, I just didn’t know they still do. Do you want to leave?”
I shake my head. “No, it’s fine. I just didn’t expect it, that’s all.”
As soon as we get inside, Holden introduces me to everyone. I can’t, for the life of me, remember all their names, but there are four guys other than Holden and Brandon. Thankfully, I’m not the only girl. There are two others, one of which is Holden’s ex from high school. She’s not a jealous ex though – she’s pretty cool.
Holden and I take a seat on the sofa, his arm instantly landing around my shoulders. I smile, feeling completely content just hanging out with him and his friends. There are a few blunts being passed around. When one of the guys tries to pass it to Holden, he shakes his head.
“Have you ever done it?” I ask.
