Since You Came

Ch. 15

I'm mad at myself.

I shouldn't have this fear. Not about Dan. Even so, I'm protecting myself.

But can't I trust him?

Obviously, yeah, but you never know. Maybe I should talk to Ryan.

But then again, there's always the possibility of Ryan thinking I don't like him. And then telling Dan. And then Dan breaking up with me.

And that's totally not true. I love Dan. I don't know how, I don't know why, but I do. A lot. And all my worries are in spite of the fact that I cannot lose him.

• • •

Dan wants me to go to his house today to meet his family. He says the most important thing is that I'm not only connected to him, but with his family too.

He's so thoughtful.

He comes by our house around five Sunday evening. He's dressed pretty casually, and I immediately feel overdressed.

I had worn a black dress that went down to my knees, green scarf, black tights, and tan boots.

He smiles. "I know what you're thinking. You're overdressed."

My eyes widen. "How?"

"Your nose scrunches up when you think you did something wrong. But trust me, it'll be okay. My sister dressed rather nice, too. I'll change as well, if you want."

I shake my head. "You don't have to. Let's just go," I say.

He opens the passenger door for me and I climb in.

"So... Let me warn you about my dad," he says, sitting in the driver's seat. "Ever since we've moved here he's been really emotional and distant. So I'm not sure how he'll act tonight."

I put a hand on his arm. "Don't worry. Everything's gonna be okay."

He smiles. "Alright. Let's go."

We arrive at his house in no time. It was a cute place, small, a pine green color with white trimming.

"Here we are," Dan says, pulling the car into the garage.

He opens the door to the house for me when we walk in.

I don't know what I was expecting, but the inside of his house surprised me.

It doesn't remind me of him at all. It looks old and thrown together.

He watches me look over his home. "I'm sorry it's such a wreck. Katie and I tried to make it presentable."

I shake my head. "I love it."

"Speaking of which- Katie? Dad? We're back!"

The girl I had seen at Starbucks emerges from the kitchen. She smiles. "Are you Maddie?"

I nod. "I am. Katie?"

"Yes! I've heard so much about you," she gives me a hug.

"Good or bad?" I ask.

She laughs. "All good. Goodness, if I was a boy, I would like you too, just from what I've heard!"

I blush.

"Dan's a sweetheart. He's a lucky guy, though," she says with a smile, patting Dan at on the back.

Dan smirks. "Okay, where's Dad?"

Katie's smile fades. "He didn't come home tonight. He called and told me that his trip back was delayed, but I don't know," she looks at me. "I'm really sorry he can't be here."