Wheel You Marry Me?

CHAPTER 8.

What the hell is Ryan Tyler even talking about me for? He doesn't know me. I think Scott is lying... but he sounded so serious. So angry.
Still, I don't give a damn. All I know is I'm not stealing anyone's best friend.

When I got home, Mum was napping on the couch, and Jeffrey was buried in his books. He really works too hard. I actually pity him sometimes.

"Hey, Jeff," I greeted, dropping my bag on the table.

He looked up and smiled. "Hey, Aurora. You're home early."

"Yup. Done with my shift," I said, walking to the fridge. Empty. Not even a slice of cheese. "What do you want for dinner?"

"I miss your lasagna," he said with a hopeful look.

"Ooh, alright. Let me run and grab some groceries. I'll be back soon."

Thank God the grocery store was only a few blocks away. I bought what I needed and hurried home.

This time, Mum was sitting up. She smiled as I walked in. "How are you, sweetie?"

"I'm good. You were sleeping when I got back earlier."

"Yeah, I didn't sleep much last night," she said, standing up with a stretch.

"You okay?" I asked gently.

She sighed. "It's been a month since I stopped taking the pills. It's really hard, Aurora."

I went to her and wrapped my arms around her tightly. "Mum, you have no idea how proud I am of you."

I heard her sniff, and I knew she was crying.

"Please, you two," Jeffrey groaned from the table. "I can't stand watching both of you cry."

We all laughed.

Later, Mum helped me make dinner. It felt... nice. Like a proper family again.

"Mmm, this is like the best lasagna I've ever had," Jeffrey said, mouth full.

I smiled, proud of myself.

Mum rolled her eyes. "Jeffrey, mouth closed. Table manners!"

We both chuckled, and to my surprise, Jeffrey offered to wash the dishes. A miracle.

After some convincing, I managed to get both of them to watch a movie with me—on the condition that Jeffrey picked it. The Old Guard. Action, of course. Not my favourite genre, but I ended up loving it. Watching it together made all the difference.

"Guys," I said as the credits rolled, "we should do this more often."

They didn't say anything, just gave me quiet looks and resumed doing their own thing. But deep down, I knew they felt the same.

After a quick shower, I washed and conditioned my hair, lavender-scented, my favourite—and slipped into a blue sleeveless jumpsuit, a black denim jacket, and white sneakers. No makeup tonight. I let my curls hang free.

As I walked into the living room, Mum looked up. "I thought you were staying in tonight."

"Uh, no. I'm babysitting at the Powell's'."

"Oh, okay. Stay safe."

I nodded and left.

The Powell house wasn't far, so I decided to walk. I enjoy night walks, something calming about them, even if they can be a little risky.

As I passed Eleanor's boutique, I saw Ryan trying to lock the door. I stopped, watching him, though I'm not sure why. He looked up suddenly, and I nearly jumped.