Chapter Eighteen
Is It Too Soon?
Ender
These past two weeks have been exhausting to say the least. I hate to even think about how disappointed I was when the Bruins fell out of the playoff contention.
We haven’t missed the playoffs in almost a decade, but I guess it was bound to happen eventually.
I’m just relieved Gabe has forgotten we made that bet the night we met.
Given how our…relationship…has evolved since then, I’m not sure my condition of no personal questions would be fair—eventually I’ll have to open up more.
On top of that, Kaden’s ex, Tyler, went from being an asshole to an absolute psychopath.
I’ve spent most of my time with Kaden after he insisted on Luke going to work after the incident.
While Tyler didn’t seriously hurt Kaden, everything he did do was a mindfuck—so Kaden took some time off work to process.
Since I can work from anywhere, as long as I have my laptop and extra monitors, this was the best scenario.
Only downside to that was every time Luke was home with Kaden, Gabe was working.
Which means our limited time together was only a few sleepovers at his house.
Unfortunately, those have now made me nervous as fuck, knowing I’m talking in my sleep.
From what Gabe told me, I haven’t said anything too revealing, and I avoided what I could during our conversation about it all.
I don’t need to trauma dump all at once.
I must be doing something right, though, since he’s taking me to meet his parents today. No matter how much I protested that it was too soon, he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
When he pulls up and gets out to open my door, I feel completely overdressed. “Should I go get changed?” I say, looking down at my slacks and button-down and comparing them to his snug T-shirt and tight jeans that are doing his body tremendous justice.
“Ender, they’re not going to care what you’re wearing. I promise.” His lips are silky with balm—subtle hints of mint and lavender. “Wear whatever you feel comfortable in.”
With one last glance at my clothes, I get into the passenger seat, and we’re off.
As we pull up to his parents’ place, I realize I was not fully aware of how wealthy his family must be.
“Geez,” I say, and he squeezes my hand as we pull into the long driveway into the circular lot in front of the house—complete with fountain and professionally sculpted landscaping.
“Glad I didn’t change my clothes,” I mumble as I get out of the car.
“They’ll love you no matter what clothes are on your body.” I love his lips anywhere on me, but those soft kisses to my temple or forehead always make me melt a tiny bit. “Try to relax a little, please.”
Before I can complain about his nonchalant attitude about me meeting his parents, the front door opens.
A stunning brunette with a smile that could stop you in your tracks—who I assume from her familiar smile is Gabe’s mother—strides toward us with her arms wide open.
“Ender, I’m so delighted to finally meet you,” she says, ignoring her son and wrapping her arms around me, giving me the most comforting hug I’ve ever experienced.
“Whoa—already, Mom?” Gabe feigns insult. “At least give me a few weeks before you start ignoring me for him.”
His mother matches his energy when she says over my shoulder, “Nonsense. I’ll keep you on speed dial for when I need a light bulb changed.”
The three of us share a laugh before she releases me. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Williams. Gabe has told me a lot about you.”
“Don’t you believe a word of it. I promise, I’m far worse than the picture he painted of me.” Her playfulness explains Gabe’s personality to a T.
“Mom, you’re not supposed to say that. I want him to like you,” Gabe says as he embraces her, the adoration on his face mirrored in hers.
“I already know I couldn’t dislike her even if I tried,” I call back to Gabe when his mother hooks her arm into mine and walks me toward the house.
Gabe shakes his head and follows us inside, where we’re greeted by a tall, robust man who strongly resembles my boyfriend.
Is that what we are now—boyfriends? I’m not dating anyone else, but is he?
“Son, welcome home.” The in-unison back slaps echo in the high-ceiling and unusually wide foyer. Overlooking us, a second-floor balcony surrounding space. “And who’s this handsome man?” His striking blue eyes find mine, so much like Gabe’s cobalts.
His massive hand makes mine appear tiny as he squeezes a little too hard. “Ender Phoenix. Nice to meet you, Mr. Williams.”
“Full government name introduction, like a gentleman.” He looks at his son and continues, “I like him already.”
My heart stutters when Gabe and I share an uneasy look before he palms the small of my back. Did his father do a background check on me? Is he fishing for information?
Gabe interjects, saving me from stumbling over words I couldn’t even find right now. “You think I’d be dumb enough to bring my first boyfriend home if he wasn’t a gentleman?”
Well, that answers that question. I feel my cheeks flush when Gabe’s gaze returns to me.
The past two hours went better than I thought they would. Gabe’s father, Noah, has an incredible sense of humor. Not the kind of humor like Mr. A’s amusing dad jokes. Noah is clever and charismatic, his delivery matching his appearance—immensely powerful and wildly confident.
His wife, Layla, while just as good at cracking jokes as her husband, embodies elegance with everything about her—even cleaning up after dinner is as graceful as an eagle in flight.
The simple fact that his parents cooked and are cleaning up after dinner themselves, instead of a professional chef or housekeeper handling everything, surprised me.
When we pulled up to the house, I almost expected a full staff on duty.
I’ve never been friends with—much less dating—someone who grew up in a family as wealthy as the Williams. I’m no stranger to feeling like a fish out of water, but this was next-level unfamiliar territory.
Despite my serious misconception, both of Gabe’s parents were down-to-earth and treated me with warmth and respect—I like them more than I thought I would.
“Ender, do you like artwork?” Layla’s eyes are wide, eagerly awaiting my answer.
“I haven’t really taken an interest before—at least not enough to know any artists—but I can appreciate talent.”
She clasps quietly, then heads my way, clasping my hand and saying, “Come with me.”
“Mooooomm,” Gabe calls after us as we walk down the hall toward the other side of the house.
“Don’t worry, Gabe! I won’t keep him long!” she shouts back to him, giggling with excitement.
For the next forty-five minutes, we walk around from room to room as Layla tells me everything about each piece of art she’s bought and displayed throughout their home.
I really enjoy her company, and every time she hooks her arm through mine or asks my opinion on a piece, it’s comforting—like she values my presence.
And for the first time in years, I can say I’m… happy.
As much as I fought letting down my guard with Gabe or getting close to anyone other than my friends, I’m glad he’s still here with me. He makes me feel special…important.
Loved.
Even though neither of us has said we love each other, I don’t know how to explain it, but he makes me feel loved. And his parents have been so welcoming that I can’t help but feel part of something momentous.
Gabe’s footsteps behind us startle his mother. “Oh, honey. Don’t sneak up on us like that.”
“Maybe if you didn’t steal my boyfriend from me for so long, I wouldn’t have had to come looking for you,” he says to her, hugging me from behind, causing my body to hum with contentment. His lips skate across my ear as he whispers, “Are you having fun, or do I need to save you?”
His mother quickly glances at us and then back to the current artwork she was telling me about.
“Don’t tease your mother like that, Gabe. She’s lovely.” She smiles at my compliment. “You’re lucky I don’t ask her to adopt me and become your brother.”
The room fills with laughter—my own somehow feeling more genuine than I’ve ever felt before.
As she walks us to the front door, meeting Noah with his curious eyes, Layla says something I was not prepared for.
“Ender, you are a really special person. Allowing me to monopolize your time with my out-of-control hobby was very kind of you.” She leans in and whispers, “Their words, not mine. I just appease them sometimes.” She winks as she pulls back from me.
Special.
Before Layla, I’ve never heard someone call me special, and for the first time in my life, I almost believe it.
On our way home, Gabe makes small talk—laughing about his mother’s artwork obsession and his father’s “weird” sense of humor.
I mostly listen, giving him a smile and nodding when necessary.
All the while, my mind is spinning with all the firsts I had today.
It’s like the clouds are parting, and the sun is finally appearing above me.
I love my friends—they mean everything to me—but this just feels different.
The pressure on my hand grabs my attention, Gabe’s questioning stare making me catch my breath, stopping me from spewing all the thoughts running through my mind.
“You okay, Bean?”
“Yeah, Blue. I’m good.”
That award-winning smile graces me with its presence, making my chest swell until it hurts to breathe.
I quickly turn away and look out the window so Gabe can’t see the tears welling in my eyes.
He doesn’t need me to fall apart on him while he’s driving.
I bite the tip of my tongue, forcing myself to concentrate on something other than the emotions trying to break free.