The Game Changer

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

Ian took my hand in his and laced his fingers through mine, tugging on it a little. He pulled me along as he entered his home. Everything inside reeked of class and elegance. There were white and pink roses in every visible vase and the walls were covered with paintings and elegant family portraits. There was a grand staircase and a part of me wanted to run upstairs and slide down on the rail. The house was mostly white, giving it a bright and refreshing feel. It wasn't like Noah and Ian's place in the city, which was modern. Their home showed age - antiquity. It felt like being in another time, like I was in a palace.

I immediately became self-conscious and out of place. I started to feel anxious enough to stop in my tracks. I was probably starting to have a panic attack or something. Ian stopped walking and looked at me. At first, his face showed a hint of irritation but was immediately replaced by concern when he got a good look at me.

"Babe, are you alright?" he asked. He called me babe, so that must mean that Alessi was within earshot.

"Just a little nervous, that's all," I managed to choke out. He laughed a little before putting his hands on my waist and pulling me closer. "Hey, look at me."

I continued to stare at his chest, completely taken aback by his gesture. He sighed and lifted my chin with his index finger, forcing me to look him in the eye.

"You'll be fine. Trust me, they will love you. Okay?" he said.

I smiled and nodded. I took a deep breath and this time, I made a bold move and held his hand.

"Let's go," I said, willing myself to sound more relaxed, if not confident. He smiled and continued to walk. This time, he made sure I was right beside him and that he didn't seem like he was towing me along against my will. He made a right turn just below the staircase, leading us to the dining room. There was a long table and more flowers. I spotted Noah almost instantly, and I could see he saw me come in too. He got up from his seat and ran towards me. Noah enveloped me in a bear hug and gave Ian one too.

"Glad you guys are here!" Noah said.

"Glad to see you too, Noah," I said.

"Mom!" Ian let go of my hand and ran to his mom and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She was beautiful and she looked young. She had beautiful blonde hair, just like Alessi. And just like her, their mom was tall and slim. The sudden realization that they were literally a beautiful family made me feel more out of place.

Ian was now hugging a man, presumably his step-father. He then walks over to the end of the table and hugs an elderly man, who I assume was his grandfather. From what I've witnessed, I could almost be sure that they were all close to one another. Before I could bury myself in thought, I noticed Ian walking toward me, extending his hand. I took it and let him pull me along.

"Mom, dad, grandfather, this is Clarisse Montgomery. She's my girlfriend," Ian said. I smiled and extended my hand for a hand shake. "Clarisse, this is my mom, Sylvia. This is my step-dad, Philip. This is Alessi's Fiance, Robert and my grandfather, William Miller. He prefers to be called Will the coolest," he joked. We all laughed.

"It's so nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Radke, Robert. You too, Mr. Miller," I said.

"Missy, didn't you hear my grandson? It's Will the coolest!" William said, laughing. He got up from his seat and shook my hand.

"What's with the formality, dear?" Mrs. Radke asked, her light laughter filling the room. "Welcome to our home, Clarisse!" She then gave me a hug, making me feel more comfortable now.

"You can call me Rissey, Mrs. Radke. Oh, and thanks for having me," I replied politely.

"Please call me Sylvia. And of course!" she said. "Ian, darling, she's gorgeous!"