Maybe I will.
Ispend the entire drive to Rowan’s house tapping my hand against my thigh to the beat of my racing heart. Lana spares me a few glances through the ride, but I keep my eyes focused elsewhere, not wanting to burden her with my thoughts.
I’m not worried about her.
I’m worried about how I will manage my family around her. My two brothers don’t mind embarrassing me and finding a way to mention my flaws on a continuous basis. It’s fucked up to think the worst of Rowan and Declan, but I’ve spent enough of my life dodging their jabs to expect anything less.
The drive to the house ends all too soon, forcing me to push aside my reeling thoughts.
Lana tugs on my elbow and stops me a few feet away from the front door. “Is everything okay?”
“It will be.”Once I have a drink or two.
Regret hits me instantly, making my stomach churn.
Her eyebrows draw together. “What’s wrong?”
“Just nervous about being around everyone.”
Lana doesn’t hesitate before speaking up. “We don’t need to go.”
I blink. “What?”
“If you don’t want to go, then don’t. We can take the cakes and sneak away before they even know we’re here.”
“Just like that?”
She snaps with a smile. “Yeah, just like that.”
“What about all the time you put into getting ready?”
She drags her eyes down my body, making my skin burn beneath my button-down. “I’m sure you’ll make it worth my while.”
My grin stretches to its limit.
The temptation to ditch my family and spend time with Lana is nearly impossible to dismiss.
Running has never solved any of your problems before.
As if my family sensed my urge to flee, Iris opens the front door and steps out on to the porch with Zahra on her heels.
Iris doesn’t even acknowledge me, her eyes immediately landing on Lana. My best friend doesn’t hesitate before throwing her arms around her.
“Hi?” Lana’s voice tips up.
Iris releases her. “Sorry. I’m just so excited to finally meet you and put a face to the name that Cal has spoken so much about.”
Lana’s cheeks flush. “Hopefully good things.”
“Please. As if Cal would ever say anything but the most flattering things about hisLana.”
My face turns red. “Iris.”
She tosses her braids over her shoulder with a smile. “I’m just teasing.”
“Oh, by all means, keep going. There is nothing I like more than seeing him get all flustered and embarrassed.” Lana winks at my best friend.
“Serves him right for what he puts everyone else through,” Iris quips.