Page 99 of Taking Sides

It isn’t until I arrive in Washington and spot Conrad waiting for me at baggage claim that I second-guess my plan. I sent him a frantic text on my way to the airport to tell him I was coming but had to turn off my phone before I got his reply.

His wide grin puts me at ease. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought you might want a sexy date for this retirement ceremony as a silent fuck you to all the jerks in high school, so I grabbed the skimpiest dress in my closet and ran out the door.” My breathing is ragged from the trek I made through the airport.

He barks out a laugh, much louder than I’m accustomed to from quiet Conrad. I bask in it, his laughter and his obvious delight at seeing me.

“It’s okay I came?” I ask. “I was going for spontaneous and supportive, but if it’s creepy, I can fuck right off.”

A man behind him chuckles, then catches himself and tries to cover it with a cough. Oops. I forgot we are in a public place. I flash the man an apologetic smile, but then I notice the Moonshot Hockey hat perched on top of his head. The blood drains from my face.

How much of that did he hear? By the mischievous glint in his eyes, I’d say he started listening somewhere around my declaring I brought my skimpiest dress.

Next to him a petite woman with sky-blue eyes the same shade as Conrad’s watches us with a doting smile.

“Conrad.” I speak through clenched teeth while simultaneously trying to keep my expression friendly. “Please tell me those aren’t your parents.”

His arm slides around my back, and he opens his stance. I am mortified and am most definitely blushing.

“Whitney, meet my parents, Bruce and Cleo. Parents, this is my girlfriend, Whitney.” He chuckles, then says quietly, mostly to me, “Weird. I’ve never done that before.”

“Hi.” His mom speaks first, but it’s his dad who extends a hand toward me.

“Hello,” I reply as I place my palm in his and we shake. “It’s so nice to meet you both.”

“The pleasure is all ours,” Bruce says, smiling wide. Once he lets go of my hand, he reaches for my suitcase.

“Oh. Thank you, but I can manage.”

He waves me off. Then Conrad’s mom steps forward. Moms scare me, probably for obvious reasons. She’s shorter than me with light brown hair that’s cut just above her shoulders. She’s adorned in jewelry—earrings, necklace, bracelets, and rings. Somehow still tasteful despite the sheer volume of gold and diamonds. I bet her accessories weigh several pounds.

“It is just so wonderful to meet you.” She opens her arms, and before I can decipher her intent, she’s hugging me.

“Oh.” I’m not quite able to hide my surprise, but I manage to make my arms work fast enough to hug her back. I give Conrad a wide-eyed “help me” look. I can’t seem to figure out what to do with my body except stand still and let her squeeze me. She smells like vanilla and something floral.

“You too. Conrad speaks so highly of you both.”

Cleo steps back, still smiling at me in a way that I can’t comprehend.

“Ready to head home?” Bruce asks.

Home, as in Conrad’s parents’ house. I should have anticipated this. We are not going to the same place.

“Oh, you don’t need to take me to the hotel. I can grab a ride. I’m so sorry you came all this way. It’s late. You all must be tired or have other plans.”

“Plans?” Conrad smirks. “When I got your text, Dad was destroying us in Yahtzee.”

“Sounds nice,” I admit, but it only makes me feel even more like an imposition.

Conrad dips his head down to meet my gaze. “Hey. I’m thrilled you’re here.”

“You are?”

“Yeah. I would have invited you, but you had work, and a high school award banquet isn’t really riveting stuff.”

“It is when you’re there. And I meant it.” I lean in and whisper, “This dress was made for revenge.”

“Can’t wait to see it.” His mouth drops to mine, and he murmurs, “On my bedroom floor.”