Page 121 of All We Need

I look at my dad, his gray eyebrows knitted in fatherly concern.Hedrags a small suitcase in front of him and smiles softly. “We’dcheck into a hotel, but we thought maybe our lovely daughter could put us up for a few nights.”

I’m overcome with emotions and after weeks of holding them in, the dam breaks.Tearsspring from my eyes and a muffled sob escapes me as my dad wraps me in a bear hug.

“What are you doing here?”Myvoice cracks.

“One of your friends called us,” my dad murmurs into my hair.

“My friend?”

He nods against the top of my head. “Yourspecial friend,Ibelieve.”

And nowIwant to cry for an entirely different reason.

“A charming young man.”Mymom lets out a low whistle. “Achef too.”

Booth.

Booth, who overlooks my spite and prickly personality.

Booth, who shows up time and time again.

Booth, who has somehow invaded my heart and brain.

They’re usually at odds with one another, but for once, they agree on one thing.

BoothSadleris the manIdon’t deserve but want anyway.

Once upstairs,my parents listen attentively asIupdate them on everything that’s happened since meeting withMartin.Shamesticks to my voice like tar asItell them howIacted in the bakery and the unfair thingsIsaid toBooth—leaving out our friends-with-benefits agreement.

They don’t judge or berate me for my behavior, thoughIdeserve it.

When the food arrives, my appetite flees.

My parents are happy to steal a few slices of my veggie pizza whileIdigest the fact thatA: they’re inSuttonBay, andB:Boothcalled them.

A glass of water appears in front of me.Itake it from my dad with a weak smile.Hesettles himself on my right, while my mother strokes my hair lovingly on my left.Sandwichedbetween two people who don’t need to ask howI’mfeeling.Withthem, there’s no hiding.

Hide all you want,Alessandra.

“I’d like to meetMartin,” my dad announces, and my mom hums her agreement.

“And thisBooth,” she adds.

Perfect.Theywould want to befriend the two peopleI’mactively avoiding.

The cold liquid caresses my throat asItake a long sip. “Martinisn’t the most sociable of people.AndBoothis…busy.”

“He didn’t sound busy when he rang your father two days ago.”Mymom levels me with a look, calling me out on my bullshit.

“What did he say exactly?”Iask hesitantly.

Dad glances at my mom before answering. “Hewas worried about you and wasn’t sure how to help.Heassured us you were well, but that the last week would be a lot for any person, even someone as strong as you.”

I look at him in disbelief. “Hedid not say that?”

My dad nods, beaming proudly. “Itwas more along the lines of, ‘Sir, your daughter is the most extraordinary womanI’veever met.IhopeI’mnot overstepping, butIthink a visit from you and your wife is exactly what she needs right now.’Doesthat sound accurate,Lydia?”

The room spins.

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