End Game

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Nate

We ended up at this local fish shop after volunteering—a little place tucked away in Reseda that my moms loved. It was nothing fancy, just simple tables and the smell of grilled fish in the air, but it always felt like home.

Aurora slid into the booth across from me, sandwiched between my moms, who were already chatting her up like they'd known her for years. It was surreal to see her like this—so carefree, relaxed, and laughing at my mom's jokes like she didn't have a care in the world. Normally, she carried this weight on her shoulders, like she had to live up to all these expectations. But today? It was like she'd finally let herself just be.

"So, what's the verdict on the fish tacos?" my mom, Karen, asked with a grin, nodding at Aurora's plate.

Aurora took another bite, her eyes lighting up. "Oh my God, they're amazing. I've been seriously missing out."

My other mom, Sheila, leaned in with a smirk. "Told you. Nate acts like he knows all the good spots, but we're the real experts."

Aurora giggled, and it was the kind of laugh I'd never heard from her before—completely unguarded, without any of the polished front she usually put on. "Clearly. I'm going to have to trust you from now on."

I watched the whole scene play out, almost in disbelief. I'd never seen Aurora like this. She wasn't worried about her image or trying to impress anyone. She was just... herself. Joking around with my moms, cracking up with my little foster sisters who had tagged along and were showing her all their ridiculous TikTok dances. It was like she fit into this little bubble of my life so effortlessly, and I couldn't help but wonder if this was a side of her most people never got to see.

After we finished eating and it was time to head out, I gave my moms and sisters a hug, and Aurora did the same, which felt a little weird but also kinda natural. They didn't let go of her easily, though.

"You better come back soon, Aurora," Momsie said with a grin, giving her a quick side hug. "I need more fish taco bonding time."

Aurora smiled, her eyes crinkling at the edges in that way they do when she's genuinely happy. "I'll definitely be back. Especially for those tacos. And thank you again for today."

As we walked away from the restaurant, heading back to my truck, I could feel my moms' eyes on us. I turned around for a second to wave goodbye, and they both gave me this knowing look. The kind of look that says we see what's going on here.

Once Aurora was in the truck and I was about to follow suit, my moms pulled me aside before I could make a quick escape. I should've known they wouldn't let it slide that easily—especially after how much fun we'd all had at lunch. Mom gave me this look, the one where her eyes narrow just slightly, and I knew something was coming.

"So," she started, with a grin. "We really like Aurora. Just so you know."

Momsie nodded along, smiling like she was in on some secret. "Yeah, she's great. Sweet, smart, and funny. We loved her, Nate. I guess this means you ended things with Isla."

"Me and Isla will never be a thing again," I couldn't help but laugh a little, rubbing the back of my neck. "And I get it. You guys are fans of Aurora now. But don't get too excited, okay?"

Mom raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. "Why not?"

"Because... she has a boyfriend. His name's William. And we're not exactly that close." I shifted my weight, trying to downplay whatever they thought was going on. "There's a lot you don't know about her."