Page 106 of Cloudless
The comforting weight of Kam’s hand settles into mine as he intertwines our fingers. His gentle squeeze speaks louder thanwords ever could. With one touch, he says, “I won’t leave you to face her alone.”
I’ve seen Kam’s face fall every time his mom’s name pops up on his phone. I’ve seen the tension leave Ellie’s shoulders every time a hockey game starts and the seat next to her remains empty.
I have some expectations for how lunch will go today. I just hope I can make it through the day without making a fool of myself in front of the person who is responsible for my boyfriend coming into the world.
I cringe as Jasper bounces on his feet and Posey twirls around so her dress catches in the wind. Flashes of broken vases and toppled salad bowls zing through my mind.
My voice is low as we come to a stop in front of the black door. “Remember, don’t touch anything, especially not anything breakable.”
They roll their eyes in unison as they mutter, “We won’t.”
I love them to death, but I don’t believe them for a second. At the first sight of a shiny knick-knack or any hockey memorabilia, they’ll turn into grabby terrors.
I furrow my brow as Kam rings the doorbell. “You ring the doorbell at your own house?” Muffled barking accompanies the echo of the doorbell from inside. “And you have a dog?”
Ellie’s mumbled words only enhance the anxiety coursing through my veins. “This stopped being our house when we turned eighteen and went to college.”
The sound of barking draws closer as the rhythmic sound of thick nails clicking against hardwood reaches us from the other side of the door.
Kam scrunches his nose as he straightens to stand at his full height. “Andwedon’t have a dog.”
My heart pounds against my ribs as swift human footsteps mix with the barking.
Fleeting, blissful silence descends before the door is yanked open to reveal a little white dog clutched in the arms of Kam’s mom. I can’t help but notice her burgundy hair not only matches the mums on her porch, but is teased within an inch of its life. She looks down her nose at her children as the dog wiggles in her arms. “You’re late.”
My fingers find Posey’s shoulder and dig into the fabric of her dress as she eyes the dog with interest.
Ellie’s eye roll is legendary as she pushes past her mom without a second glance. “You told us to be here at noon. Well, it’s noon.” I can barely hear her next words as she disappears farther into the house. “I need a drink.”
A fake smile pulls at their mom’s lips as she turns her chocolate gaze toward her son. “I’m sure I said eleven-thirty. The caterers left almost fifteen minutes ago.”
Kam breezes right past her complaints that I know for sure are unjustified. I saw the texts myself. “Mom, let me introduce you to some very important people.” He uses our clasped hands to pull me closer to his side. “This is Lila, my girlfriend.” I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to him calling me that. “And this is her brother and sister, Jasper and Posey.” His tight eyes turn to each of us. “Guys, this is my mom, Isobel.”
Posey vibrates under my palm. “What’s the puppy’s name?”
Isobel clutches the tiny ball of fluff tighter to her chest as her eyes turn to the creature and soften. “This is Tilly.” Despite the low growls coming from the tiny creature, Isobel runs her nose along the top of Tilly’s head. “Don’t let her growling fool you. She’s harmless. Isn’t that right, my little gem?”
A splitting smile stretches over Posey’s face as she tries to keep her hands secured by her sides. “Can I pet her?”
The fake smile falls from Isobel’s face as she eyes Posey with disdain. I tighten my hold on Posey as I pull her until her back touches my stomach. I plaster a smile to my face. “Not right now,Ladybug.” I instantly regret not wiping my sweaty palm on my dress before offering it to Isobel for a handshake. “It’s nice to meet you, Isobel. Thank you for having us for Thanksgiving.”
Her fake smile returns to her face despite the crease that forms between her brows. Her hand is nearly limp in mine as her cool skin contacts my palm. “Ah, well, I wasn’t expecting any guests today. I only ordered enough food for the three of us.”
Kam clenches his jaw as I try not to fidget next to him. “I specifically told you Lila and her siblings were coming, Mom.”
She rolls her eyes as she sets the dog down on its feet. “You said no such thing.” The dog races after Ellie’s trail. My fingers dig further into Posey’s shoulder as her body sways toward the tiny creature. “I would remember if you said you were bringingstrangersinto our home. I was so hoping to spend some alone time with you and your sister.”
The irritation is clear in Kam’s voice as his fingers tighten around mine. “They’re not strangers, Mom.”
She raises a brow. “They are to me.” She turns on her heels to follow her daughter and the fluffy canine. “Come eat before the food gets cold.”
I take a deep breath and follow her into the lion’s den with clammy hands and a hell of a lot of apprehension.
CHAPTER 51
BEST FOR YOU
KAM
