Roommates with Benefits [COMPLETED]

Chapter 11 - Champagne and dancing

Emma

"Nice place," Edwin says as we approach the front door of the house where I grew up.

I hurry my steps and sigh just as the door opens.

"Emma." My dad holds out his arms and I hurry into them.

"Hi, dad."

I sink into the hug and close my eyes. There's stability in his arms, and I breathe in the familiar scent of his aftershave.

"I missed you, kid."

"I missed you, too."

"And who do we have here?"

I break free from the hug and half turn to Edwin.

"This is my friend Edwin Duffy. He went to Bull's High with me. This is my dad, Richard Winters."

Edwin steps forward with his hand outstretched.

"Pleasure to meet you, sir."

"Likewise." I catch the hesitation in my dad's voice.

"Emma!" a woman shrieks and my cousin comes running from the kitchen.

I give her a hug as well. "I didn't know you were here," I say.

"I stopped by with Daniel since mom went to Florida."

Growing up, Haley would often spend time here while her mother, my dad's sister, traveled all over the place. She's a few years older than me, so I always considered her the older sister I never had. I glance down at her stomach.

"Haley? Did you eat too much?"

"Surprise," she laughs. "I didn't think it was going to be noticeable yet. But you're going to be an aunt. Well, honorary aunt."

"Haley, congratulations." I hug her again. "When are you due?"

"April."

"A spring baby. Why didn't you tell me?"

A tall man shows up behind her. "I told her we should, but she wanted to tell you in person."

"Congratulations," I say and hug Daniel, Haley's husband. They were married last summer after having been a couple since they both were fourteen.

"Thanks. Are you hungry? I don't think there's going to be a lot of food there tonight."

"Starving." I remember the man I brought with me. "Oh, this is Edwin." I gesture vaguely to him. "A friend. I invited him to the party tonight."

Haley raises an eyebrow, but I just roll my eyes at her.

"Well, come grab some food." Daniel waves him over and heads back to the kitchen.

"Do you go to UNI as well?" Haley asks as she leads Edwin away.

"Emma?" I was about to follow them, so I spin around and walk back to where my dad is still standing by the door. He looks a little uncomfortable.

"What is it?"

"So, this Edwin... Is he special to you?"

I blink. Then it hits me. I hardly ever bring home men, and since Hannah didn't make it, it must look strange.

I shake my head. "He's just a friend. I was trying to set him up with another friend, but she got sick and couldn't make it."

Dad nods. "Well, then. Let's eat."

After a simple dinner, we all get changed. I drive Edwin back to his house so he can change while I chat with his mother. She's a timid woman who keeps offering me tea and cookies and smiles at me as if I was about to give her the grand babies she's always wanted. I keep telling her that Edwin is just a friend, but I can tell by the glimmer in her eyes that she thinks something more is going on.