Page 30 of You’re The One (Saints Hockey #2)
I avoid it by taking in Dom’s space, or what I can see of it from the dining room. It’s just like he described: clean and a little sterile. The charming architecture that Hannah and Ryan have in theirs is evident, but it’s hidden behind modern furnishings and a whole lot of bright white paint.
I wipe my sweaty palms on the skirt of my dress.
Why am I so nervous? Caring about what others think of me is a new experience, but then again, I’ve never done this meet-the-parents—or parent, in this case—thing.
Dom flashes me a reassuring smile. It works, sort of. Is he worried about this, too?
Ryan and Hannah sit across from us. Their familiar faces should provide me with some security, but instead, I’m wondering what they thought of the other girls. If they’re noticing anything different between Dom and me.
Of course they are. You’re not biting his head off.
The main source of my stress, his dad, is at the head of the table on my left. He’s given me no reason to be nervous. Quite the opposite, he’s just as warm and laid-back as Dom is. I can see where he gets it now.
The chef brings out our first course: a summer salad. I’m grateful. It gives me something to do with my hands besides wringing them under the table.
“This all looks great,” Charlie comments as he digs in. “So, what do you do, Mia?”
Okay, we’re just diving right in then. Starting with the question I hate most.
Why is “I have no idea” not an acceptable answer? I’m still young and have my whole life to “do something .” But also, who decided you have to find fulfillment in work? That what you do is who you are? I have a feeling it’ll never be that way for me.
It’s great for Ryan and Dom, who found something they loved as kids and turned it into careers. But they’re the exception, not the rule.
For some, it takes time or a bit of trial and error to find their thing . Look at Hannah. She only recently took the leap into pursuing her passion for animal rescue.
I shift in my chair, catching Dom’s eye. His small nod gives me the push I need.
“I’m sorta in between things right now,” I start, but it doesn’t feel right.
I blow out a soft breath. “Actually, to be honest, I haven’t figured out what I want to do long term. I’ve mostly been traveling, taking odd jobs here and there… and my brother helps when things get tight.” I flash Ryan a grin. “Thanks, bro.”
Ryan chuckles. “Anytime.”
My answer, not unlike my life, is messy and not fully formed.
Charlie probably thinks I’m a directionless mooch.
I’m sure the other women had the perfect answer to his question, and all the others that are coming. It’s just another reminder of how much I don’t fit in, but at the same time, I’m going to own it. The only thing worse than feeling inadequate is letting other people know it.
“That’s okay.” Charlie smiles warmly. “You’re still young. Quite a bit younger than the other girls?—”
“Dad,” Dom cuts in sharply.
“Well, she is.” Charlie turns back to me. “Are you ready to settle down?”
And I thought the career question was going to be the hardest one.
“Umm…”
“You don’t have to answer that,” Dom interrupts again, shooting his dad a look.
I wonder what Dom told him before this date. Does he know I’ve been playing matchmaker? That Dom and I have a rocky history? Has he already made up his mind about me?
“No, it’s okay.” I hope he can’t see how stiff I’ve gone.
Am I ready to settle down?
If anyone asked me a few weeks ago, the answer would’ve been a resounding no. But now? Settling doesn’t feel like quite the right word… but could I see sharing my life with someone? Opening myself up to the possibility? I think so. Maybe.
“I’ll stick with being honest and tell you I didn’t anticipate finding love here, but I think I’ve always wanted to find it.”
“That’s news to me,” Ryan mumbles, and Hannah shoots him a look that says shut up .
Charlie nods. “It’s important to be at the same place emotionally when you build a life with someone.
To want the same things…” He trails off, caught in a memory.
Then he shakes his head and chuckles. “Sorry. Nine years is just a big difference. Dom’s mother was a handful of years younger than me when we got together.
“I know. Dom told me?—”
“He did?” Ryan blurts, raising his brows at Dom.
Dom ignores him and turns to his dad. “All right, Pops. How about we don’t dredge up the past?”
Charlie doesn’t take offense, only smiles lovingly at his son.
“Don’t they say men mature more slowly than women? The way I see it, he’s the one with some catching up to do,” I tease, aiming to steer the conversation into less tumultuous waters. I think I succeed, because everyone laughs.
“I like your attitude. It’s refreshing.”
Did I just win dad points? Huh. Go me.
Dom’s hand lands on my thigh, and I freeze. I look down, needing confirmation that it’s really happening. Judging by the sudden hush at the table, I’m not the only one who notices.
“Since we’re all about honesty tonight, I’ve got to say this is really fucking weird,” Ryan says.
“I think they’re kinda cute together,” Hannah adds.
“I knew I liked you,” Dom tells her, right as I blurt, “Oh, we’re not together.”
The second the words land, Dom’s hand tightens on my thigh and he clears his throat.
Ryan turns to Hannah. “Don’t you want to know what’s happening here? We have no idea what’s going on between them. I thought they hated each other. Why is he touching her like that?” he whisper-shouts.
Hannah huffs a laugh—used to my brother and his inability to go with the flow on anything—and kisses his cheek, which at least distracts him for the moment.
“Let’s toast.” She lifts her glass, and my brother can’t help but follow with a fond smile.
I silently thank her for knowing when to shift the spotlight.
“To unexpected beginnings and happy endings,” Hannah declares.
“Let’s not talk about happy endings,” Ryan sputters, and she laughs.
Before our glasses can clink together, another sound fills the space: Dom’s doorbell chimes. We share a look but brush it off as someone from production.
We smile as our glasses come together.
But then everything falls apart.