Chapter Thirty-Six

"That was amazing, Mr. Stiles. I literally can't eat another bite," Alison says as she sits back in her chair. "Seriously. It's been a long time since I've had a meal that good. Actually, I'm not sure I've ever had a meal that good."

My dad beams at Alison as she compliments him. One thing about my dad is he is not a humble cook. In everything else, yes, but with his cooking, he's good at it and he knows it. He also loves nothing more than when people brag about it.

I lean over towards Alison. "Suck up," I whisper in her ear. She elbows me in my side.

"Ouch," I huff in defeat.

My dad looks at me and smiles. "That's right, Alison, you need to make sure you keep this one in his place."

"Oh, I'm trying. As I'm sure you're aware though, it seems to be a full time job. One way more time consuming and exhausting than my singing profession."

My dad and Alison share in a joint fit of laughter. Juliet eventually jumps in, sticking her tongue out at me. I stick my tongue out right back at her and stand up, grabbing mine and Alison's plates. "Alright, that's enough entertainment at my expense. What do you guys do for fun when I'm not here?"

"You know, now that you mention it, it is kind of boring now that you're here," Juliet chimes in.

"You're lucky I have my hands full, you stinker. If I didn't, it'd be go time," I threaten Juliet. She puts on a fake scared face. I roll my eyes and start towards the kitchen.

"Let me help!" Alison shouts as she starts to jump up.

"No, no, you're the guest. You don't partake in any of the cleaning. Just the eating. Plus, I had two kids for this very reason." Dad looks at Juliet and points towards the dirty dishes on the table and then towards the kitchen, a serious look on his face.

Juliet rolls her eyes. "Fiiiiiiiine. But can we do presents after this?"

"That'll depend on whether or not the dishes are sparkling after you guys are done cleaning them."

"Daaaaad, you have a dishwasher. We won't be done with the dishes for hourssssss," Juliet whines.

"Oh, you're right." Dad turns towards Alison."So Alison, tell me more about your hometown," Dad says ending the conversation with Juliet.

"Ugh, you people are impossible," Juliet mutters as she starts walking towards the kitchen.

"You know, you could always skip college and go into full time whining. You seem to be really good at it," I tease Juliet as we walk into the kitchen. I'm trying to balance multiple plates in my hands while holding back laughter.

"You're insufferable. Just because you're dating a famous popstar now doesn't mean you're cool," Juliet retorts as she sets the dishes in the sink and then leans against the counter crossing her arms.

"I'm pretty sure that makes me the very definition of cool." I start rinsing the dishes. "Load." I point to the dishwasher.

Juliet rolls her eyes again, then grabs the dish from my hand and puts it on the rack. "Just wait until Alison realizes just how much of a loser you actually are. She'll be running from you. You'll see."

We finish loading the dishwasher in silence. Once it's full, I put a soap tab in it and start running it. I lean against the counter facing Juliet.

"Do you really think that of me?" I ask, holding her gaze.

She looks away, staring out the window over the sink. "No. You're actually pretty cool most days. And it is pretty awesome that you're dating Alison." She quickly turns towards me and pushes her finger against my chest. "But if you tell anyone I said that, I'll hurt you. And that's a threat." She raises her eyebrows up at me in a menacing manner. I throw my hands up as if in surrender. She races out of the kitchen towards the living room where Alison and Dad have retired.

"Presents!" I hear her scream from the other room. I chuckle as I head out towards the people who mean the world to me.

"There's one more present under the tree!" Juliet shouts as she dives for it before I can stop her. It's a small little box wrapped in gold wrapping paper with an iridescent bow. Juliet pulls it out from under the tree and holds it up in the air, shaking it.

"It says that it's for Alison from Archer. Oooooooooh what did you get her lover boy?" Juliet makes kissy faces at me.

I quickly snatch it from her and slip it into my pocket. "That would be none of your business. And I'd like to give it to Alison in private, if you don't mind."

"Actually, I do mind. Give it to her now, please."

"Hey, Dad, I think it's time we put on our yearly Christmas movie, don't you think?" I ask, pleading with my eyes for my dad to help bail me out of this.

He looks at his watch. "Oh, definitely. Go on Juliet. Get the popcorn going while I pull up the movie."

Juliet gives me a narrowed look letting me know that I'm only getting away with not sharing the gift now because she's allowing me to. She skips into the kitchen singing Christmas carols as I hear the microwave start going.

Alison and I follow Dad to the TV. Alison goes towards the big couch but I grab her hand and pull her towards the love seat. "Believe me, you'll be safer here."

"Juliet?" Alison questions.

"Yup, she'll practically be in your lap for the entire movie."

Alison giggles. "I wouldn't mind."

"I would," I answer as I grab her by the legs and drag her closer to me.

She hesitates for a second, glancing towards my dad. He's busy pulling up the movie on a streaming service. He's biting his lip as he tries to remember the password to log in. I figure I'll give him a few minutes before I tell it to him, try to let him keep some of his dignity.

Alison finally caves and snuggles in next to me. I breathe in her scent and let her warmth take over my body. My dad looks at us and smiles. I'm sure I'm grinning like an idiot but I don't care. Everything is perfect in this moment.