“Fuck. This is turning into way more than just adinner.”
Gavin patted me on the back. “You have no idea, but meeting the family this early can be a good thing—at least you’re going to know exactly what craziness you’reinfor.”
Chapter12
Jordan
Igotto Dad’s place early to get a jumpstart ondinner.
“Dad, how does lasagna sound fortonight?”
He helped me carry the last of the grocery bags in from the car. “Sure. You know I love anythingyoumake.”
“So, I invited someone to join us tonight. I hope that’s allright.”
He cracked a beer open after putting the ricotta cheese in the refrigerator. “Yeah? Gavin coming over again? It’s been a while since he’s graced us with hispresence.”
I rubbed the back of my neck. “No, it’s actually one of histeammates.”
“Oh, nice. Who?” My dad flashed me a knowingglance.
“Crosby.” One word and my heart wasfluttering.
“Are you two dating?” I knew my father hated talking to me about my love life—or usual lack thereof—so it was nice that he was making an effort. It helped calm my nerves. I didn’t know why at nearly thirty years old, I was still nervous to tell me family about anythingpersonal.
“It is very new, but yes we are.” I enthusiasticallyadmitted.
He took another sip from his beer can. “Well, you must really likethisguy.”
“What makes you say that?” I asked while starting a pot to boil water for thenoodles.
“Because you’re introducing us to him. Throwing him to the wolves when it’s new is not your style,sweetheart.”
“Well, this one isdifferent.”
“I’ll make sure everyone is on their bestbehavior.”
“ThanksPop.”
With a quick wink and pat on the shoulder, my dad made his way to his usual spot in thelivingroom.
* * *
“Are you ready?”I asked after greeting Will on the front porch. I didn’t want him ringing the doorbell and taking a chance on one of my brothers getting to the door beforeIdid.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Crosby kissed my cheek. “Should I be nervous?” he questioned as my hand gripped thedoorknob.
I grabbed his hand. “No, don’t be. It’s going tobefun.”
I was sweating bullets, but I didn’t want Will to know that. I really wanted him to like my family and vice versa. I walked him into thediningroom.
“Everyone, I have someone I would like all of you to meet. This is Will.” Crosby sheepishly waved as I continued introductions. “That’s Noah and his wife Jennie. Then we have Liam and Alice, and at the far end are Jacob and Janet. Noah and Liam are twins and the oldest. I’m the baby of thefamily.”
My dad made his way into the dining room with a beer for Will. “Hi, I’m Wes, Jordan’soldman.”
Shaking my father’s hand, Crosby spoke to the group. “It’s nice to meet all of you.” His face, neck, and ears were a thousand shades of red as he took a seat next to me. “I thought there was a gang ofkids,too.”
“They’re all mesmerized by a new video game upstairs in the loft. Best decision we ever made, putting an X-Box up there. Gives us grownups a little bit of much-needed quiet time,” Aliceremarked.