Page 156 of Ruined

“Well, we’ll see how today goes, I guess.” My dad claps me on the shoulder. “But I’m happy for you, Thelia. You seem different than the last time we saw you.”

“Much happier,” my mom agrees.

It’s not for the reason they think, but I can’t tell them that. They’d never approve of what I’m doing, and if they knew the truth… I’m pretty sure my dad would call the cops on the guys without a second thought.

“I am happier,” I say softly, smiling at them.

Just then, the guys make their way into the kitchen. I wonder if they waited until all three of them were awake so they could come downstairs together. I would’ve woken them, but I wanted them to get some sleep.

Wes and Cal met my dad last night. It went well, although Cal was still half asleep from his nap. Thankfully, he looks much more alert now.

I set down the apple I’m peeling and head to the fridge. “There’s bagels on the counter, and cream cheese is—”

Wes catches me in his arms. “We can make ourselves breakfast. Don’t worry about us.”

“Oh. You’re sure?”

“Positive.” Kellan grabs the bag of bagels from the counter. “Just point me in the direction of the knives.”

Dad raises an eyebrow. “Are they always like this, or are they just on their best behavior while they’re here?”

“They’re always like this.” I give the guys a warm smile even as guilt slithers through my stomach. I don’t like lying to my parents about this shit. What if they get attached? “Usually, Cal makes breakfast for all of us.”

“Really?” Mom says with surprise. “A man who cooks. You got lucky, honey.”

I grin. “Yeah, I really did.”

Cal is blushing as he ducks his head down and kisses me on the cheek. “Morning, baby.”

I cling to his hoodie to keep him close. He smells good—light hints of juniper and cedarwood that I find myself craving whenever I’m not around him.

As my parents engage Wes and Kellan in conversation, I turn to get a better look at Cal. “You sleep okay?”

He nods. There are still bags under his eyes, but they’re not nearly as prominent. “That mattress is comfy as hell. I didn’t want to get up, but I wanted to see you. Well, and I was hungry.”

With a giggle, I push him toward Kellan. “Get yourself some breakfast, then.”

The rest of the morning goes well—almost too well. As everyone gets used to each other, our conversations become more relaxed, and I stop feeling like the guys are performing as much. Their interactions with my parents almost begin to feel natural.

While Mom and I keep working on dinner, Dad takes the guys into his den to show them all his model planes. They all offer to help in the kitchen first, but Mom shoos them away. I think she wants the alone time with me.

As we work, I catch Mom up on how college has been going—minus the truth in relation to the guys and Professor Kammes. I have to skip over a lot, which leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, but I don’t have much of a choice.

I lose track of time, and my mom and I lapse into a comfortable silence. I find myself thinking about Christmas, and then summer break, and then Thanksgiving next year. Haven can stay in my room, and the guys can have the same sleeping arrangement as this year. Or maybe my parents would be comfortable with me sleeping with the guys next year. WouldIbe comfortable with that?

My stomach drops when I realize what I’m doing. I can’t plan for next year! There won’tbea next year. The guys won’t even be here for Christmas, and that’s only a month away.

Get it together,I chide myself.Don’t fall for your own plan. Remember, none of this is real.

I feel a warm, firm hand on my back and glance up to find Wes giving me a concerned look. He seems to have ventured into the kitchen alone.

“You okay?” he asks quietly. “You don’t look too good.”

“Fine,” I say, giving him a smile. “Just a touch tired.”

That doesn’t seem to assuage his worries, so I lean into him and wrap my arms around his torso. Maybe I can distract him with physical affection.

“You’ve been working on pies all morning,” he says. “Do you need a break? I can take over.”

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