The Best Mistakes

36. Kayra

“I am asking for the last time, Nolan. Where are we going?” I grumbled as my patience ran thin. We were in his car, driving from the past hour to god knows where. And the worst part was he refused to even tell me our destination.

“To a place you don't know.” He chuckled and there, the last thread of my patience and tolerance snapped. He can shove his surprises up his ass and go there by himself. “Oh really? Thanks for letting me know where YOU are going.”

“C'mon little devil, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you where we're going,” he said, looking at the road and me simultaneously. He was right but giving me a heads up wouldn't hurt. “Please, we're almost there.”

I folded my arms and just stared out the window for the rest of the ride. After about fifteen minutes, he slowed down the car and pulled in front of a house. I watched Nolan, as he shut the engine and unbuckled his seatbelt.

‘Are we supposed to get off here?’ was written all over my face and when he finally looked at me, he said, “This is my brother's place.”

What? My eyebrows knitted together in confusion. My face was still questioning him and he continued, “You remember Theo, my brother's son, who you met at my place?”

I nodded at his question. “Well, today's his birthday. And we're here for the celebration.” He smiled, I frowned and watching me frown, he also frowned. “What happened?”

“What do you think? You should've told me sooner. I mean I didn't even dress properly for the occasion and gift? I came empty handed for a 5-year old’s birthday. Nolan, that's terrible.” He definitely should've given me a heads up. I spoke nonstop, as panic took over me. But Nolan, as always, was calm. He grabbed my flailing hands and squeezed them a little to calm me.

“I brought a gift from both of us and about your outfit, I think it's perfect. You look good in everything you wear.” His reassuring eyes would've surely worked if I didn't know what I was wearing. A basic sweater and dungaree is not an appropriate outfit to meet your boyfriend's family. I looked like a teen going to her friend's place for a playdate.

“Trust me. You look perfect.” He reassured me again. He was quick to take on my expressions. “But if you are uncomfortable then it's fine, we don't have to go. Let's go back.” He smiled gently. Even though he said it's fine, it wasn't. He would definitely be disheartened if we go back.

Okay, I think I can do this. So what if I looked like a kid? This was a kid's birthday. Then I guess it's fine. Moreover, this was just his brother's place, I won't be seeing his parents so I guess it's manageable. I sighed and my eyes blazed with confidence.

“No. Let's go inside. We came this far so we can't just return without meeting them,” I said and a genuine, happy grin spread across Nolan's face. I'm glad I worked up the courage and decided to stay. I could do at least this much for him.

We both stood in front of the door, waiting for someone to open it. My heart was thumping loudly as it is, I didn't know what'll become of me once I went inside. After a few seconds the door fling open and we were greeted by a woman, who engulfed Nolan in a hug with a broad smile as soon as she saw him.

After a brief hug they both parted and the woman smiled at me. She was breathtakingly gorgeous. Her blond waves fell on her tanned shoulders and her face looked fully bloomed with warm and mature features. She was as tall as me but her build was way petite compared to mine. “Hello, I am Ruth. Ethan's wife and Theo's mother.” She engulfed me in a hug too after introducing herself. So, she was Nolan's sister-in-law. I never knew Nolan had such a beautiful sister-in-law and now that I was seeing her close, Theo kinda resembled her.