37. Isla

37

ISLA

I walk up the steps of my childhood home with Asher standing by my side. It has been days since the meeting with my dad, and I still don’t feel mentally prepared for this. I’m not upset about Dad suggesting that we have this dinner, but this also isn’t a relaxing experience for me, either.

I glance at Asher, who is putting on a better poker face than I am. He gives me a small smile as his hand finds mine. At least one of us can put up a front like we aren’t nervous.“The plan is still to stay here for a while and then head back to your place for the party?”

“That’s the plan,”he says without hesitation.

“Okay, cool.”I pull out my key and open the door. I’m immediately greeted by the smell of something delicious, and my stomach rumbles, confirming what my nose has already picked up on.

“Mom, Dad, we’re here,”I call out as I cross the threshold.

Asher follows me and shuts the door behind him. As we are taking off our coats, Dad appears from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dish towel.

“Welcome. Molly is talking to someone on the phone in the living room, and I was just helping her finish dinner,”Dad says, opening his arms to hug me.

I stay in his embrace for several seconds before I pull back. We share a small smile as I step out of the way for him to greet my boyfriend.

It’s still taking some getting used to referring to Asher as such again.

Speaking of, Asher steps forward, extending his hand to my dad.“Coach Johnson, thank you for having us over.”

Dad grasps his hand firmly, giving it a hearty shake.“It’s my pleasure. We could all use a delicious home-cooked meal every once in a while. Let’s hang up your coats, and then we can head into the dining room.”

We quickly hang up our things, and together, we walk into the dining room with Dad leading the way. Asher places his hand on the small of my back, and I can’t help but think that the last time we were dating, and he was in my house three years ago, he wouldn’t have dared do such a thing.

Oh, how times have changed.

As we enter the dining room, the first thing I notice is that the table is already set. It’s a bit more fancy than I was used to growing up, but I appreciate my parents making Asher feel more comfortable.“What are we having for dinner?”

Before Dad can answer, Grace walks in from the kitchen with a glass of wine. She looks at me for a second before her eyes drift to Asher.“Long time no see… to the both of you.”She punctuates her comment by taking a sip of her drink.

“It’s good to see you again,”Asher says as he holds out his for her to shake.

She returns the gesture without hesitation, but before she can respond, I speak up.“You’re ridiculous, you know that, right?”I say as Dad shakes his head with a small smile and slips past Grace to walk into the kitchen. Dad is used to how we act around each other, so I’m not surprised he took that as his opportunity to leave.

“I got it honestly if you check out the two people who are the reason why we both walk this planet.”

I can’t disagree with her there.“Touché.”

Grace’s lips curl into a smirk as she takes another sip of her wine, and the smell of deliciousness hits my nostrils again. Then, I remember that my question still hasn’t been answered.“What are we having for dinner?”

“Lasagna and a salad,”my sister says, putting me out of my misery.“Do you guys want anything to drink?”Grace puts her glass on the dining room table, and we follow her lead, selecting where we will also sit.

“I’m going to have water, but I can grab it. Asher, do you want anything?”

“Water works for me too.”

I nod and start walking toward the kitchen. I pause for a split second before I turn to look back at my sister.“Don’t say anything weird or embarrassing.”

She waves me off.“I’m not going to do a thing but sit here and enjoy my wine.”

I raise an eyebrow at her response but leave the room without another word. I give Dad a quick smile before he turns his back to me to pull what I now know to be lasagna out of the oven.

“You know, I feel like I should ask you how your classes are going, but we see each other and talk so often that I already know.”

That makes me laugh. “That’s true, but I appreciate the attempt at small talk.”

While I’m getting the waters for Asher and me, I can’t help but think that my sister is acting a little strange, not to mention that it’s weird that she’s even in town, anyway. Because of her work with the San Diego Sharks, an NHL team, her trips back have to be planned unless she’s traveling with the team for a game out here.

I debate with myself for a few seconds about whether I’m going to open that can of worms before deciding that I should.“Why is Grace home, anyway?”

Dad glances over at me once the baking pan is resting on the stove.“She took a couple of vacation days and decided to come here to enjoy the long weekend.”He turns back to the counter to slice the lasagna.

I stare at my father for a second, wondering if he’s going to continue because there’s no way that is the whole story. When he doesn’t, I say,“There’s no way that’s the full story.”

“She didn’t give any more details, so I didn’t press.”

“And Mom didn’t?”

Dad laughs at my quick response because he knows his wife. He understands how she is sometimes, especially when she senses that something is wrong with one of us.“As far as I know, Mom doesn’t know anything more than I do. Grace has been super busy, so I’m not surprised that she came back home during her downtime to recharge.”

Sounds reasonable enough, but I still don’t think it’s the full story. A voice draws my attention back to the doorway.

“Okay, but I need to get back to dinner. We can talk tomorrow. Bye,”Mom says as she pulls the phone down from her ear. Her eyes land on me as soon as she walks into the kitchen.“Oh, honey, I didn’t know you were here!”

“We haven’t been here too long,”I say as I walk over to give her a hug. She leaves a kiss on my cheek as we’re breaking apart.“I was just telling Dad I’m shocked Grace is here.”

Mom gives me a look before she responds.“I’m a bit surprised too, but you know your sister. Regardless, having the whole family together for a meal is nice. It’s been too long. How are things going with you?”

“Pretty good,”I say, because I don’t really have much to complain about at the moment.“Asher’s in the dining room with Grace, and I fear I’ve left him in there for too long with her.”

“For his sake or hers?”

“His,”Dad and I announce at the same time.

I pick up the glasses of water that I should have brought back to the dining room eons ago, and as I get ready to walk, Mom grabs my elbow softly.

“And things with PCOS are still going well?”

Her concern makes me emotional because I’m grateful for her support through that and all the things she’s stood in my corner and helped me take on.“Yes, no complaints.”

“Thank goodness,”Mom says as she lets my elbow go.“Okay, I’ll help Dad bring the food out, and we can eat.”

That serves as my dismissal, and I walk back into the dining room. I notice that Grace and Asher are chatting, and neither seems worse for wear.

As I set the glasses of water down on the table, Asher looks up at me and it’s easy for me to pick up on what he’s telling me. About time you got back here . I can only imagine what kind of conversation Grace has roped him into while I was preoccupied with trying to find out more information about her.

“Everything okay in there?”he asks, gesturing toward the kitchen with his head.

“Yeah, just catching up with Mom and Dad,”I reply, sliding into the seat beside him. Beneath the table, his hand finds mine, and I squeeze his in response.

Mom and Dad take that opportunity to enter the dining room, carrying the dinner we are about to enjoy. Dad sets a baking dish with lasagna at the center of the table. Mom follows with a big bowl of salad. I’m not a huge fan of salads, but I’m convinced Mom makes some of the best ones ever.

As they take their seats, Dad clears his throat.“Well, it’s wonderful to have everyone here tonight. Shall we dig in?”

We all nod and dig into what I know is going to be a delicious feast. Once I serve myself the portion I’m planning on eating, I take a bite, and my eyes shut involuntarily. The layers of flavor have thrown my brain for a loop. It’s then I realize how much I’ve missed this dish—not just because of the nostalgia of us eating it, but because the taste of the tender pasta, the savory meat, and the creamy ricotta reminds me so much of home.

Beside me, Asher reaches for his water glass, and his arm brushes up against mine. I steal a glance at him as he takes a sip. Why is that one of the sexiest things he’s done today?

I tear my attention away from him and find Grace pouring herself another glass of wine. I tilt my head and narrow my gaze, and she just gives me a quick shake of her head, as if telling me not to say a word about it.

Between her and Selene, I don’t know who’s hiding more things from me at this point. Then again, who am I to judge?

“So, Asher,”Mom’s voice breaks the silence in the room.“How are your mom and sister?”

Asher finishes chewing the food that is in his mouth before he responds.“They’re doing well. Things have calmed down over the last couple of weeks, thankfully.”

“I’m glad to hear that,”Mom says with sincerity. I’m sure she’s thinking of when she offered to let Asher stay here so that he had the opportunity to play in the clinic and get more time on the ice before his freshmen year. “Have they been out to see you play this year?”

Asher shakes his head. “No, but I really wish they could. Mom works a lot and Avery’s high school schedule is pretty packed.”

I glance over at him and stuff some more lasagna into my mouth. An idea is forming of how I might be able to get his family to attend one of the Red Wolves’ games. I’ll probably need to have my parents involved at least.

The conversation continues, and I’m impressed with Dad’s ability to not say anything off the cuff. I don’t know if it’s because Grace and Mom are here, but if he has any hesitations about Asher being a more prominent feature in my life, he hasn’t let those show. My gaze turns to him when he starts laughing, and I realize it’s at something Asher said.

Is this a parallel universe? Why am I questioning things when it seems to be working out in my favor?

Instead, I choose to enjoy the fact that my family is getting along with the love of my life, and hopefully, their relationship continues to blossom. I focus on eating again once more, and it’s not until I feel a slight stiffness in my legs from sitting too long that I decide to stand up and stretch.

“Do you all want anything else? Maybe dessert?”Mom asks as she watches me from her chair.

“I don’t want to speak for Asher, but I’m good.”

“Same. I’m so full, and dinner was delicious. Thank you,”Asher chimes in as he looks up at me from his seat. I wonder if he’s trying to figure out what I’m thinking about doing since dinner is over.“We have to get back to campus soon, anyway.”

Because of all this, I almost forgot about the party. I reach for my plate before Mom’s voice stops me.

“While I wish you two were staying longer, why don’t you go on ahead? Your father and I can handle the cleanup.”

“But you guys cooked.”

Dad reaches over and grabs my plate so I can’t take it into the kitchen.“We have enough people here that we’ll have this cleaned up in no time. You kids have fun tonight. But not too much fun, you hear?”When he says the last part, his eyes are firmly on Asher.

“Yes, Coach,” Asher replies.

Grace walks over and hugs me before grabbing her plate and wine glass. Her eyes are slightly glazed over, and I can’t help but wonder if she’s about to cry. Mom notices immediately and says,“Sweetie, why don’t I take those from you, and you head upstairs?”

“I can agree with that plan. I’ll see everyone later.”Grace gives everyone a quick wave before she jets out of the room.

Mom stares at the space my sister just vacated before she turns back to me. “I’ll check on her soon. You guys go on and enjoy your night.”

“We will,”Asher says for us.

“And Mom, I’ll text you and Dad later about something I need to get done.”

That makes Mom smile. “I’ll look out for it.”

I make a note to also text my sister later as Asher and I make our way to the front hall closet to grab our coats. Once we’re protected from the weather, we leave the comfort of my childhood home to go back to my car.

It is almost time to let loose.

The drive back to Asher’s place is quick and quiet as we both choose to sit in silence versus reliving dinner with my family. I glance at the man sitting next to me and watch as his profile is illuminated by the streetlights we’re flying by. The best way I can describe his expression is that he's at peace.

And I love it.

Soon Asher’s parking the car and we stroll up to the front porch of his house. Before Asher can put his key into the lock, the door swings open.

"Well, well, look who finally decided to grace us with their presence," Wilder teases as Asher and I cross the threshold.

Asher shakes his head at his roommate. "Blame it on me being fashionably late. You know I like to make an entrance."

I can’t help but chuckle at Asher’s quick-witted response, all the while rolling my eyes. I place a hand on his chest before turning my head to speak to Wilder. “He couldn’t wait to get back here to hop on the mic.”

“Is he going to sing about his sorrows after Coach handed him his ass at dinner?” Wilder wiggles his eyebrows as if he’s so proud that he came up with that on the fly.

Jade approaches us and pokes Wilder in the shoulder. “Really? Can you at least let them walk in before you start?”

I throw Jade a big smile before I lean over to give her a hug. As I pull back from Jade's embrace, I feel Asher's hand on the small of my back. I glance up at him and watch as the smile on his face grows.

"Come on, let's show them how karaoke should be done." He takes my hand, intertwining our fingers as he leads me toward the karaoke setup.

We all walk into the living room and find the rest of our group there. Levi and Hailey are cuddled up on the couch laughing at Knox and Blaise, who are having a debate over song choices.

“Isla and I are going first.”

I do a double-take and narrow my gaze at my boyfriend. “We are?”

Asher gives me a firm nod and intertwines his fingers with mine. “You’re going to do great, and I know the perfect song for us.”

He guides me up to the makeshift setup in the living room before selecting the song he wants us to sing. My stomach is threatening to leave my body as I wonder what song he has in mind for us. The debate between Knox and Blaise comes to a halt while Levi, Hailey, Wilder, and Jade all turn their attention to us.

I know what the song is as soon as the first notes play out. I don’t need the lyrics that appear on their television screen or any help from our audience. “Rewrite The Stars” by Zac Efron and Zendaya holds a special place in my heart and reminds me of the journey that Asher and I have been on.

As the familiar melody fills the room, I meet Asher's gaze, and I swear the world around us fades away as he begins to sing. My emotions get the best of me as his eyes never stray from mine. I almost forget that he’s finished the first verse and the chorus and that it is now time for me to join in.

My voice trembles slightly as I begin to sing. Although I cannot sing, you wouldn’t be able to tell that by watching Asher. His gaze never leaves mine as I continue the song, and it’s almost as if he’s staring right into my soul. When we begin the chorus together, goosebumps appear on my skin because I can see and hear every ounce of love that he has for me in his eyes and in his voice.

As the final notes of the song fade away, applause breaks out around us. Asher pulls me close, his forehead resting against mine as we catch our breath. He gives me a kiss on the lips.

"I love you, Isla," he murmurs, his words a secret meant only for me.

"I love you too, Asher," I whisper back.

We take the moment for ourselves before Asher turns to everyone and says, “I’m not done. It’s time for ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’.”

Wilder groans. “He’s never going to let the rest of us get up there and sing. I’m grabbing another beer.”

The whole room erupts into laughter, and I’ve never felt happier or more invincible. Asher has given me so much in the short period of time we’ve been back together. I know that whatever challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together.

Always.

For now though, I can’t wait to share the surprise I’m planning for him.