Chapter 14.03

On Friday, Jenny drove home after school, pulling into my parents’ driveway just before dinner. The scent of home-cooked food drifted through the open windows, and as she stepped inside, the family was already gathered, waiting with expectant smiles.

“Come in,” Brad said, opening the door. “Dinner’s just about ready.”

“Good evening,” Jenny greeted everyone and sat across from me at the table—her usual spot. She seemed a little nervous, which was unusual for her lately.

“Everything okay, dear?” Dad noticed.

“Messyhair said everyone’s coming to visit our apartment tomorrow, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to be there,” she blurted out.

“No problem, dear,” Mom reassured her. “Yes, I could only make time now.” So she took responsibility for the visit.

“I—it’s not that I’m being rude. I just have work,” Jenny clarified.

“Yes,” Dad said. “My son already told us last week, but my wife could only make time now, and we wouldn’t want to disturb you during exams.”

“And in the summer, you’ll already be spending it here at home,” Amber said with a smile.

“We never thought of it as rude,” Mom said, smiling at Jenny.

“I hope you like the apartment,” Jenny said, smiling back. Then she turned to Dad. “Mr. Simmons, I prepared lunch—it just needs to be heated up.”

“Thank you, dear,” Dad said.

“So, how do you handle my brother?” Amber asked during dinner. “He’s not easy.”

“No, he’s not,” Jenny laughed. “But once I figure out how to handle him, he eats out of my hand.” She smiled at me mischievously, her teasing gaze incredibly attractive.

“I’d say ‘the hallway,’ but I’ll wait until Sunday,” I teased back. She touched her nose.

“I’d say ‘you’re the boss,’ but I’m not convinced yet,” she laughed, making me want to climb over the table toward her.

“I’d say ‘we’ll see on Sunday,’” I countered.

“You lost, Messyhair,” she laughed. “That wasn’t a good ‘I’d say.’”

“Smart one,” I grinned, touching my nose. I loved her wit.

“Looks like the power dynamics haven’t changed,” Dad laughed.

After dinner, I walked her to her car, and she drove off quickly.

“I’d say you two should’ve gone to a room,” Amber teased when I returned to the living room. “But only she would’ve been embarrassed—you wouldn’t.” My parents just grinned.

“You guys think she’s happy, right?” I asked, sounding like an idiot.

“Julie and her husband said last week that she’s practically floating,” Mom said. “But I wanted to see for myself.”

“They were right,” Brad agreed. “She couldn’t hide it if she tried—she’s completely in love.”

“Just like you,” Amber teased. I threw a pillow at her.

“Son,” Dad said, “I think all the walls are down—you can start planning.”

“That would be great, because we’re both exhausted,” I laughed. Mom smacked me lightly on the head this time.