Swoon.
Chapter 23
Tate
I
t’s been nearly a month since we became officially us. Well, to Amaya. To me, we’ve been official since our first dance class together. Since Halloween we’ve been inseparable. Any free time we get, we’re consumed by each other. I want to tell her I love her, but I know that will scare her off. She’ll say it’s too soon, and then probably run away to a pizza place.
Even after warning my parents to make sure there was enough food, I’m still worried there won’t be enough for Amaya.
I look over to her before shutting off the car. I drove Amaya’s since I don’t have one. Since we started dating, I’m really rethinking the whole no car deal. “My parents are weird, and they will come on strong. If it’s too much, just tell me, and we’ll make a run for it.”
She smiles at me. “I’m friends with Courtney. Trust me, honey, it will be okay.”
I lean in to kiss her when I hear shouting outside. “Get your ass in here, Tate. I must meet your Twinkle Toes!” My dad.
/> I groan.
Getting out, I walk around to open her door and we walk into the house, hand in hand.
I can’t believe I let Amaya agree to this shit. I shake my head as my parents all circle her like damn vultures. She can’t even get her jacket and shoes off.
“So, tell us all about how Tate is romancing you,” Mom inquires.
Jesus, this is going to be brutal.
My woman just smiles and laughs it off as she hands me her jacket. Everyone ignores me like I’m not even here. They are all focused on Amaya. I hope she can take the heat.
I gave Amaya a brief history on my parents and their marriages, so she was prepared on the drive here. Most people find it strange as fuck. I didn’t want her to get spooked by their friendship.
The rest of the family embraces her. Uncle Rob has her cornered telling her all about his stamp collection. He’s my mom’s youngest brother. He’s autistic and it’s sort of amazing that he is talking to her. He never talks to strangers and hates meeting new people.
Amaya just smiles and asks questions. She’s the best.
Raul pats me on the back. “You did good, son.”
“Yeah, I did.” I grin and take a seat on the couch. Amaya smiles at me and continues talking to Rob. Mom and Cindy are busy in the kitchen. They better not embarrass me today. Knowing them they will bust out my naked baby pictures or some shit. Dad comes into the room with a tray of veggies and ranch dip.
I take control of the remote and start flipping. My Uncle Eddie takes up the seat next to me. “Those refs really screwed you that last game. Lousy call.”
I shrug, does no good to rehash it. Yeah, we were robbed, but it’s over. I’ve had time to move past it. If I don’t get drafted come spring, I’ll still have a shot at try outs. Even though Coach is a dick, he swears I’ll get snatched up quick.
I smile at my girl as she takes a seat across from me on the loveseat. I’m waiting for everyone to get busy eating and talking, so I can steal my Twinkle Toes away to my room for a minute alone.
Dad pats me on the shoulder. “Not gonna happen.”
“What?”
“You really think she’s gonna go to your room with all of us here to hear.” He shakes his head and laughs.
“I wasn’t...”
“Yeah, you were, son. I would too, but you know how those two in there are. After dinner, they’ll be getting out the movies and albums.”
“Typical,” I grumble. My whole family is nothing but cock blockers. I should go hide the family albums. There is some embarrassing shit in there. Naked baby pics are only the half of it.
I wink at Amaya and she takes my breath away when she smiles at me. It’s genuine, and I can tell she is having a good time.