Page 111 of Don't Let Me Break

“I think you’ll survive. And as for my cramps, I may have already stolen some Tylenol from your bathroom.” She grimaces, meeting my eyes.

“Not a problem, Kate. I’m glad you found some.”

“Me too. Cramps are the worst.”

“I can imagine.” As we round the kitchen island, making our way toward the garage, I grab the sack of goodies on the counter and hand them to her. “This is for you.”

Confused, she looks down at the bag, shaking her head. “What’s this?”

“Didn’t know if you were a chocolate girl or not, so I grabbed a few things.”

Her gaze softens as she searches the contents, then looks at me. “Why are you so sweet to me, Mack?”

“‘Cause I’m a golden retriever, remember?” She laughs, and I grab her hand again, tugging her toward the garage. “Come on. Let’s get you home.”

Once we’re in the SUV, I start the engine, turn on her seat heater, and we drive down the road, the bag of goodies sitting in her lap as she hums along to the song on the stereo.

It’s nice.

Peaceful.

Like freshly fallen snow.

A little while later, she clears her throat. “So…question.”

“Yeah?”

“Are you busy next weekend?”

“I have a meeting with Henry Buchanan, but otherwise, I’m free. Why?”

“Hold up. You’re meeting with Professor Buchanan?”

I nod.

“Why?” she asks.

“No idea. He reached out to Russ after the last hockey game and asked if I was interested in meeting him. I said yes, so Russ sent me the date and where I was supposed to meet Buchanan, and that was it.”

“It’s kind of cool,” she decides. “Don’t you think?”

I shrug as I pull onto her street. “I guess so. But to answer your question, yeah, I’m free after the meeting. Why do you ask?”

Looking down at her lap, she twists the sack in her fingers, suddenly shy. “My parents have been begging me to come home, and since I don’t have a car and I like being with you, I was wondering if…” Her voice trails off as she bites her bottom lip and looks up at me, her eyes almost hopeful if it wasn’t for the fear diluting it.

The girl looks like she’s about to have a colonoscopy or some shit, and I can’t help but laugh as I reach over and grab her hand, stopping her fidgeting. “Are you asking for a ride, or are you asking if I want to meet your parents, Kate?”

Nibbling her bottom lip, she stares at our entwined fingers, a soft smile slipping past her nerves. “Both, I think.” Her eyes meet mine. “I mean, yes. Technically, I need a ride since I still can’t drive, but also…if you think you’re ready and willing to meet them, I know they’d love to meet you too.”

Bringing our locked hands to my lips, I kiss her knuckles softly. “Yeah, Kate. I’d love to meet them.”

“Really?”

I laugh. “Yeah. Really.”

Her expression lights up. “Okay.”

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