Collided: Dirty Air (Book 2)(74)

They put together a small outdoor birthday party for me in the house I grew up in. In a few days, I turn twenty-nine, which means I’m one year closer to the dirty thirties with Noah. My parents set up a makeshift dance floor because they love to dance together. Thanks to their endless dancing at parties, I was the victim of one too many lessons.

I mingle for a while with some old friends. Jax comes soon after and catches up with my parents, knocking back a beer with my dad while my mom fusses over him and his recent PR disasters. Despite Jax’s terrible decisions, my parents treat him like a son. They ignore his public blunders because he’ll close himself off like a vault.

Maya and Sophie get to the party last. I’d know, seeing as I scanned the patio every five minutes, waiting for them to arrive.

“Fashionably late. A timeless excuse no one ever questions.” Sophie stands on the tips of her toes and gives me an innocent kiss on the cheek. It shouldn’t make my heart beat faster in my chest, but it does.

Her curled blonde hair frames her face, ditching her usual braids or messy buns for my special occasion. She dresses up in a light pink cocktail dress with fluffy layers.

I bend over to check out her glitter Vans. “Beautifully late. No excuse needed.” I grab her hand and twirl her in a circle, spinning her around as she laughs and the material swirls.

“You flatter me. Give Maya a spin so she doesn’t get jealous.” Sophie lets go of my hand and pulls away.

I offer an extended hand to Maya, but she smiles while shaking her head side to side. Maya walks off to say hi to a McCoy employee she knows.

“So if this isn’t the girl we’ve heard so much about?” My mom comes up to us with my dad following behind her like the lovesick puppy he is.

Sophie pushes her hair behind her ear. “Hopefully all good things. Although, I wouldn’t put it past Liam to say embarrassing stories about me. We get arrested one time...”

My mom’s eyebrows shoot up as her head snaps in my direction.

“She’s joking. Good God, you actually thought I got arrested? I don’t know if I should be insulted. Sophie, these are my parents, Jakob and Lily.” I look at my parents.

My dad fights a smile as he tugs Sophie into a hug, shocking us both. “I knew I’d like you from the moment Liam said a girl wouldn’t give him the time of day.”

Sophie’s widened eyes find mine once my dad lets go. “Well, someone had to take a needle and deflate his head. His ego was so inflated I’m surprised he didn’t suffer from a brain aneurysm.”

My parents both laugh.

I roll my eyes while fighting a grin. “Please ignore her. Sophie’s jokes get worse the more nervous she gets.”

Sophie hits me with an icy glare I want to kiss away.

“Please don’t be nervous. We wish we could spend all night getting to know you, but it’s a busy one with everyone coming to visit Liam. Maybe we can spend time with you both before you leave. Liam’s always too busy to visit during his breaks, so we need to take advantage.” My mom sends me a heavy dose of side-eye.

“I visit when I can. You know, like Christmas?” I try to hide my annoyance.

Sophie’s eye bounce between me and my parents. “I heard Christmas in Germany beats every Hallmark movie combined.”

“You’re always welcome to come and visit. Christmas is amazing. And don’t get me started about New Year’s. Our town has a huge firework show to celebrate. Maybe if you come, it would give Liam a reason to stay.” My dad’s telling glance is enough to set off alarms in my head.

Sophie blinks up at me. “Oh, yeah. Maybe depending on school and if Liam and I…” Her voice trails off as she taps her sneaker nervously.

“Liam’s welcome to bring a friend for the holidays.” My mom smiles at Sophie.

Fuck, she really is bringing her A-game today. Never in my life have my parents been so obvious.

“Right, his friend. Well, I’m going to go grab drinks to make it through the night. Be right back!” Sophie glides through the backyard, leaving in a rush of pink and glitter.

My dad grins at me. “So, she’s nice.”

“A real gem, that girl.” My mom nods along.

“And you got that in the few minutes you spoke with her? I’m surprised you could speak with all your Cupid-level scheming.”

My mom pinches my cheek. “You’ll thank me for it later. You used to love coming home for the holidays.”

“Yeah, things change.” I take a chug of my beer.

My dad excuses himself with a wary glance, leaving me alone with my mom.

She nudges me in the ribs. “Lukas told me you planned a day with him at the track tomorrow.”

Blame Sophie and her fake therapy sessions for my bravery. I can’t deny my fear of spending time alone with him after years of circling around each other, never talking about Johanna or spending more than the necessary amount of time with him and my nieces.

“My brother duties are long overdue. He’s going to love what I planned.”

“He told me about it multiple times this week. I haven’t heard him sound this excited to spend time with you in a while. And we’ll all be there on Sunday to cheer you on. Your dad tried on his old shirt to make sure it fit over his recent weight gain, but I told him beer bodies are still in.” She waves at my dad across the patio. His eyes follow her everywhere, still obsessing over her after thirty-one years together.