Never Tied Down (The Never Duet #2)(31)

“You should talk.”

“No fighting,” Ma said, coming to stand between us, one arm around each of our waists. “My babies,” she said, her voice soft and quiet. “It’s been too long.” I looked at Halah and she rolled her eyes, but more in a loving than sassy way. We both knew our mom would be emotional if we were in the same room together—it’s the way of mothers. After a long embrace, Ma pulled away and headed into the kitchen, which was only divided from the dining room by an island. “Riot, Kalli, are either of you hungry?”

“We ate on the road,” I said, sitting down at the table.

“Oh,” Ma said, her voice deflated.

“But I’d really appreciate something to drink,” Kalli said, reading my mom like a freaking book. Ma needed to fuss over us. Kalli walked to the island and even though she was just a few feet away, I wanted her back by my side.

Ma took great pleasure in getting Kalli a glass of water and I watched as Halah joined her at the island, both of them sitting, seeming to start up a conversation.

“She’s a looker.”

I turned to see Pops nod toward Kal. I couldn’t help the grin that spread over my face.

“Yeah, I know.”

“She important?”

“Yeah.”

“Then treat her right, son. Give her the world and treat her right.”

“On it, Pops. Got it covered.”

“You happy? With her, I mean. She makes you happy?”

“Yeah.” My dad had always been present, always been involved, but we’d never had a serious talk about someone I dated. That was largely due to the fact that since I’d moved out, I’d never brought a woman home, but even in high school, all I’d ever really gotten out of my father was the safe sex talk, followed by the “respect women” lecture.

He nodded at my response. “Don’t let her go then.”

I laughed a little and rubbed my hand over the stubble on the underside of my chin. “Noted.” I didn’t bother telling my dad that I’d already let her go once before, holding out hope that she’d return. Luckily for me, she had. I didn’t have any intention of doing it again though. Once was more than enough for me. I was in this for the long haul. It was going to be forever this time.

“Riot,” I heard my mom call from the kitchen. “Are you sure you don’t want a sandwich?”

“Your mother wants to feed you. Humor her,” my dad said under his breath, making sure it was low enough she couldn’t hear him.

“Sure, Ma. I’d love a sandwich.”

Eventually the women moved to the dining table and my mom brought me a sandwich. I ate it, even though I wasn’t hungry, but I didn’t mind because Kalli sat right next to me and took bites when I offered them to her. I had one hand on her thigh under the table, one hand on the sandwich Ma had made for me, and my eyes on my little sister. The evening couldn’t have ended any better. Or so I thought.

After about an hour of small talk, Kalli and I made our way out to the car, promising we’d be back early enough the next day to help set up for the big party. I could tell my mother and sister were anxious to get Kalli away from me, to talk to her about our relationship and find out more about her, but I pried her away, telling them I was exhausted.

I wrapped my fingers through Kalli’s as soon as we were back on the road.

“Your family is really nice.” Her voice was soft again, thoughtful.

“They seemed to like you a lot.” She turned her head toward me and smiled.

“I’m not going to lie, Riot. It’s a little strange to be around a family.” Her smile faded and her voice was suddenly heavier. Something inside my chest tightened and I gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

“Babe, whatever you need, just let me know. If you want to stay in the hotel tomorrow, I can go to the party by myself. If you’re there and you need a minute to yourself, just tell me. I’ll find a quiet place for you.”

This time it was Kalli who brought my hand up, kissing it sweetly.

“I don’t think it’ll come to that, but just so you know, if I’m quiet, I’m not trying to be rude.”

“Just promise you’ll let me help you if you need it.” The last thing I wanted was for her to be uncomfortable. I loved my sister, but I’d leave her party in a second if it was causing Kalli pain being there.

“I promise.”

We pulled up to our hotel at nearly midnight. Kalli couldn’t stop yawning and I was trying hard to stifle them as well. I handed the valet her keys and took both our bags out of the trunk, waving off the attendant. Kalli threaded her arm through the crook of my elbow and leaned heavily against me as we walked to the front counter to check in. Just before we got there, she pulled on my arm and stopped me, turning me to face her. She was biting her bottom lip and was obviously worried about something.

“What’s wrong?” Her eyes met mine, but I couldn’t read what was bothering her.

“Did you reserve two rooms?”

“Yeah,” I said softly. “I told you I would. Don’t worry, Kalli, I’m not going to pressure you in any way. I promise.”

“No,” she said quickly, interrupting me. “I’m not worried about that. I just, well, I think I only want us to get one room.” She said the words as though she was worried about how I would react.