AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Get a grip, Tanner. You’ve met guys’ families before. Why should this be any different?
I was about to find out, because oh, fuck, his parents had just come out onto the porch.
Isaiah hugged them both, then put a hand on the small of my back. “This is Tanner. My boyfriend. Tanner, my parents, Tom and Laura.”
Tom shook my hand, and Laura went for a hug.
“That’s a nice car you’ve got there,” Tom said. “Is that a Mercedes?”
I smiled, not sure why my cheeks were burning. “Yeah. It is. A GLS.”
He whistled.
Isaiah chuckled, squeezing my shoulder. “I wanted him to bring the Ferrari, but nooo.”
I laughed. “It’s fun to drive, but it guzzles gas.”
“A Ferrari?” Laura touched her chest. “My goodness. That’s quite a car. I had no idea hockey paid so much.”
“That, or he won the lottery,” Tom said with a laugh.
“No,” Isaiah said before I could. “But I think I did.”
Rolling my eyes, I elbowed him. “You’re a dork.”
He shrugged without an ounce of repentance.
They helped us with our things, and after we’d dropped our bags off in the guest room, Laura invited us into the living room to sit down and catch up.
“You told me you were dating a hockey player,” she said to Isaiah as we settled onto the couch. “You didn’t mention he was so young!” There was humor in the comment, but also a subtle edge to the glance she shot Isaiah. A hint ofno, really, he’s a kid.
“Nah.” Isaiah laughed nervously and put an arm around my shoulders. “He just has a great moisturizer.”
I snorted, giving him a playful shove. “You don’t have to give awayallmy secrets!”
Chuckling, he kissed my temple. To his mom, he said, “I’ve got nine years on him. It’s not that big a deal.”
Laura pressed her lips together.
“Give them a break, Laura.” Tom gently steered her toward the kitchen. “They’re both adults.”
Laura still didn’t seem thrilled, but she let the subject drop. For now, anyway. I suspected she’d have some words with Isaiah about it later.
She offered everyone coffee, and though the last thing I needed was caffeine, I didn’t want to be rude, so I accepted. It was good coffee, too. Just… more caffeine than I needed when I was this nervous.
Beside me, Isaiah sipped his own. He casually rested his free hand on my bouncing knee, and I settled. A little. I’d been nervous walking in here, and Laura’s comment about our age difference hadn’t helped.
“So what do you two have planned while you’re in town?” Tom asked.
Isaiah shrugged. “I figured I’d show him around town. Maybe meet up with some of the guys who still live here.”
“Well, don’t make any plans for Friday, all right?” Laura sipped her coffee. “Ella’s graduation was last week, so your sister is having a graduation party here on Friday afternoon, and of course the two of you are invited.”
Isaiah straightened. “Oh. I thought they’d have had the party already.” He smiled. “Guess that answers my question about when to give her my gift.” The smile faltered. “Is Brandi mad that I didn’t make it for Ella’s graduation?”
Laura grimaced faintly, but then made a dismissive gesture. “She wanted the whole family to be there, but she understands you can’t always get away. Especially at the end of the year.”
“I tried,” he said apologetically. “That last week or two, though, with exams and all…”
