My entire face turns molten under Rowan’s gaze.
He gives my thigh a squeeze before looking at my dad. “And please call me Rowan.”
Mom grins. “Zahra told us all about the project you’re working on. It’s so nice that you want to celebrate the park’s anniversary.”
Rowan’s hand fists against his lap. “It’s what my grandfather wanted.”
“He was a great man,” my dad says.
Rowan nods. “I’m glad the people here appreciated him.” There’s a slight hesitation in his voice.
I grab onto his fist and spread his fingers out before locking ours together. “You don’t have to be nervous,” I whisper under my breath.
“I’m bad at small talk,” he whispers back.
I can only laugh and enjoy the show. Rowan being shy is such a welcome change compared to how he is around everyone in the office.
“How do you like Florida compared to Chicago?” Mom asks.
“It’s…hot.”
Everyone at the table laughs, and the tension dissipates from Rowan’s body.
“It must be a change compared to Chicago. We’ve always wanted to visit.” Dad nods.
“But we haven’t had a vacation in years,” Ani pipes up finally.
“Why not?” Rowan looks over at my sister with furrowed brows.
“Oh.” Her smile drops.
Well, shit. No one wants to be the one to break it to him.
The temperature in the room drops significantly. Rowan’s hand grips onto mine harder, like he’s afraid to let go.
“Because we can’t afford to take vacations even if we wanted to,” Claire offers in a neutral tone.
“Right.” Rowan’s voice sounds strained to my ears.
Mom, bless her soul, changes the topic and somehow salvages the dinner. Rowan seems more withdrawn than usual which says something. I don’t think my parents notice since they have only heard stories about Rowan, but I do. I’m plagued with nausea for the rest of the dinner, making eating my favorite food difficult.
Rowan scowls at me shoving my food around my plate like a child. Unlike me, he devours it all and asks for seconds, which only makes my mom happier.
My dad claps Rowan on the shoulder before giving him a hug. I’d laugh if I wasn’t already on edge, seeing as Rowan remains stiff as a board during the entire exchange.
Rowan unlocks his car and opens my door for me. I freeze, unable to get inside before I clear the air.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” I blurt out.
His hand holding on to the door tightens. “Why would you be sorry?”
“Because you were already nervous about talking and then that conversation happened.”
His jaw clenches. “It’s not your fault I’m an asshole, Zahra.”
I wince. “Don’t talk about yourself that way.”
“I thought you valued the truth.”