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“Yep. Jon, Allison, and I all grew up in Andrews.”
The small urban town played a role in my decision to become a child counselor. It’s full of troubled kids from bad homes—much like the kind I grew up in. The stress on a low-income family can be overwhelming and defeating. Sadly, it tends to be the children who end up suffering the most.
Her smile brightens. “It’s so neat how the three of you have been close friends almost your whole life.”
“That reminds me…” I say with a snap of my fingers, walking her over to the blanket. I gesture for her to take a seat as I do, then I begin unpacking the food. “Allison is throwing Jon a surprise birthday party at the house in a couple weeks. I’d love for you to come. His parents are dying to meet you.”
“Of course.”
Her tense posture is a dead giveaway that the idea makes her nervous. I’ve told her how much his parents mean to me, so she knows this is a big deal for me—wanting her to meet them.
“It’s about time you meet some of my family too,” she says, fidgeting with her necklace.
“It is?” Surprise is evident in my tone.
Lizzy’s made it clear she isn’t ready for me to be around her kids. It’s something I understand and respect, while knowing our relationship can’t move forward until she’s ready.
“Yeah. I mean…if you want,” she adds. “Everyone will be at Sean’s birthday party. It’d be a good time to meet everyone. What do you think?”
I inch closer to her, saying, “I think that’s a fantastic idea. I also think…”
She lies back, allowing me to position myself over her before placing a light kiss on her lips.
“The food can fucking wait,” I declare. “I want my dessert right now.”
