All for the Mirrorball

Chapter 35 - Laughable

The smell of garlic and fresh herbs hit Ilona the second she stepped into her parents' Airbnb, Jeff trotting in ahead of her like he owned the place.

"Mieneke, you've outdone yourself again," Alan said, his voice full of admiration as he took in the spread on the dining table - roasted meats and sides, fresh-baked bread, a dozen different sides, and a dessert station that looked like it had taken hours alone.

Her mom waved a hand, though Ilona didn't miss the satisfied little smile she tried to hide. "You're all working too hard. Someone has to make sure you eat properly."

Ilona exchanged a knowing look with her sisters, who were already filling their plates. "Mom's idea of 'properly' is a full feast. For a small family dinner."

"Exactly," Mieneke said, as if that proved her point.

Dinner was full of laughter and easy conversation, Alan somehow managing to keep pace with the sisters' rapid-fire teasing while Ilona's dad quizzed him on the finale. Jeff made his rounds under the table, happily mooching scraps from everyone who wasn't paying attention.

Later, after they said goodnight to her parents and piled into Ilona's apartment, Olivia collapsed onto the couch with a dramatic sigh. "Full. Food coma incoming."

"Same," Adrianna mumbled, curling into the corner of the couch. "Mom really is insane."

Alan grinned, throwing an arm around Ilona. "If I didn't have to dance tomorrow, I'd say let's go for round two."

"You always have to dance tomorrow," Ilona said with a laugh.

They settled in, Parks and Rec playing in the background as they talked and laughed, the night stretching on in the way the best ones always did.
Olivia nudged Ilona's foot with her own. "I'm going to miss sort of living with you guys for these past few weeks."

Ilona nodded, glancing at Alan. "Yeah. I can't believe it's the last sister sleepover in this apartment."

Alan smirked. "I feel honored to be a part of it."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "You should. And to steal her tomorrow night."

Alan chuckled before pretending to glare at her. "You're the one going to England with her, Liv!

"Yeah!" Adrianna sighed dramatically. "I'm the one who's really suffering here."

The conversation lulled as the next episode started, laughter fading into the quiet comfort of a night spent together.

Ilona let her head rest back against the couch, her fingers idly tracing circles on Jeff's fur as he snored softly beside her.

Adrianna sighed, stretching her legs out. "It's weird. This whole season, we kept saying 'finale week' like it was far away. And now it's here."

Ilona swallowed, nodding. "Yeah."

Olivia nudged her knee. "We're proud of you, Lo."

Ilona smiled, something warm and aching curling in her chest. "Thanks." Alan's hand found hers, giving it a small squeeze.

"I think we need to get some rest," Ilona muttered reluctantly. Alan took Jeff out while she washed her face, and soon they were falling into bed.

—

Ilona sighed contentedly, nestled against Alan's chest, their legs tangled beneath the blankets. His hand traced slow, absentminded circles on her back, lulling her toward sleep.

She tilted her head up, catching his gaze in the dim light. Without a word, he leaned down, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her lips.

When they parted, she studied him for a moment, then smirked. "You know... we only have a couple nights left, too."