Page 92 of Breaking Free
“So, Dominic, Trevor told us a little about you. You’re on the football team, too?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“But you’re new to town?” his dad questions, plunging his fork into some mac and cheese.
“Well, it’s my first year at South River, but I used to live not far from there when I was younger.”
“And your parents? Do they still live nearby?” his dad asks.
Trevor’s head comes up and he says, “Uh.” He looks at me. “Sorry, I didn’t mention anything about that.”
I give him a small grin. “It’s fine.” I look at his parents. “My dad died recently, and that’s what brought me back. My mom lives in South River. They moved there while I was in college at Grand Valley.”
“I’m so sorry,” his mom says, her hand going to her chest.
“Yes, that’s awful. Sorry to hear that,” his dad adds.
I give them a nod, not needing to tell them my true feelings. “Thank you. It’s okay.”
After only a brief lull in conversation after that mood killer, the conversation moves on and we talk about school, future plans, and then they ask a question that has me going stiff.
“How did you two meet?”
My eyes widen slightly, and luckily I had just taken a bite, so now I have a little time before being forced to answer. I glance at Trevor, hoping he’ll take the lead. They probably don’t want to hear the truth.
“Uh, well, Jay and I had gone to Grand Valley to go to a party at one of the frats,” he says. “Dominic was there, too. We had a brief run-in there, and then he showed up in the locker room at South River Monday afternoon.”
I swallow my food and see his mom smiling while his dad nods along while chewing.
“And were you friends first?” she asks.
“Honey,” his dad says, giving her a look.
“What? Is that too personal?”
I laugh. “No, it’s okay. We weren’t really friends right away,” I answer, looking at Trevor.
“I was dealing with my own issues,” Trevor admits.
“Of course,” his mom says with a sympathetic expression. “Well, I’m glad you two found each other and realized there was something between you. Sometimes we let outside opinions affect the decisions we make, when really it only matters how we feel.”
“And I finally feel like myself. I’m happy,” Trevor says.
“That’s good, sweetie,” his mom replies.
* * *
Once we’ve finished eating,we make our way to the living room where we gather around the TV and put on a movie. His parents sit together on the couch, leaving me and Trevor on the loveseat. I drape an arm across the back of the couch, and he scooches closer, resting a hand on my thigh. I smile and plant a quick kiss on his temple.
We don’t watch the entire movie, because we all end up talking again and stop paying attention. However, I really like his parents. They make me feel like I belong and that’s a great feeling. I hate that I was so nervous that they wouldn’t like me, because they’re some of the coolest people I’ve met.
It’s nearing nine o’clock when Trevor yawns and stretches. “I guess we should head back. I’m feeling the effects of two Thanksgivings.”
“Don’t fall asleep while you’re driving,” his mom says.
“It’s only thirty minutes.”
“It only takes thirty seconds for some people to fall asleep,” she says, glancing at her husband.