Page 113 of I Don't Need Your Love

“I win.”

He laughs softly. “Okay.”

We’re quiet again. He turns to the window, as if he forgot for a second that he’s supposed to be anxious.

“It’ll be okay,” I reassure him. “Whatever happens, you’ll be fine.”

He nods slowly. “I just wish things were different.”

I pat his arm. “They might be.”

The song switches to one we know very well and the car is filled with my bad singing and his decent one.

We eat snacks, sing some more, play games, watch some videos when we stop because of the traffic. But we finally make it. It took an extra hour than it usually does to get here, but the point is that we’re here.

“Wow,” I say as we enter our town and zoom down the streets. “Feels like ages since I’ve been home, but it’s only been a few months. Although everything looks the same, it’s still a little foreign. At the same time, it feels like home.”

He nods. “I’m definitely hit with many memories. Some good, some bad.”

I take hold of his hand. “Maybe you’ll make new, good memories today.”

Swallowing, he nods.

I texted my parents last night that we’re coming, so they’ll be ready for us. They know Ryder hasn’t had the greatest relationship with his parents and that he’s coming to see them. They also know not to ask many questions, which I know he’s thankful for.

The car pulls up in front of my house and we get out. Hand in hand, we make our way to the front door. Ryder gives me a brave smile, and I return a wide one.

After unlocking the door, we walk inside, and I call, “We’re here!”

Even though we just saw my parents and brother yesterday, they rush to the front door and pull us into their arms.

Mom drags us to the kitchen table, where she laid out lots of food for lunch. Ryder and I ate tons of snacks in the car, but we’re still starving.

“Thanks so much, Mr. and Mrs. Simmons,” Ryder says, an expression of pure appreciation in his eyes. “This looks delicious.”

Mom smiles. “Thank you. Please eat as much as you want. There’s more than enough.” All five of us sit down and start eating as well as chatting. We mostly talk about the dance and how amazing our duet was.

“I went to the grocery store this morning and couldn’t stop showing all the neighbors your performance,” Mom tells us. “They were in awe of you and wish you the best at the next competition.”

“That’s so sweet of them,” I say. “Tell them thanks for me.”

Dad grins at me. “I know I told you this already, but I’m extremely proud of you. You put together an amazing performance and you’re keeping up with your classes. You, my amazing daughter, are super woman.”

I laugh. “I know I grumble and complain a lot, but the advanced class isn’t that bad. And it also helps that my boyfriend is in the class.”

Mom and Dad exchange a glance, while Blake gapes at us. “Boyfriend?” Dad asks.

I slip my hand in Ryder’s. “I didn’t say this on the phone because we wanted to tell you in person. We’re together now.”

“I’m not surprised,” Dad says with a light laugh. “All that bickering between you sure had some romantic tension underneath.”

“I’m not surprised, either,” Mom says. “You had so much chemistry on stage, I honestly thought you were in love.”

Ryder gives me a wide smile, and I’m sure he’s telling me he has strong feelings for me. Maybe he even loves me.

Just like I’m pretty certain I love him, too.

“I’m happy for you,” Blake says.