Saving Us by Wendy Million

Chapter Thirty

As we approached the table, two women and a man rose to greet us.

Sebastian’s mom drew my eye. Her pale skin, light hair, and sharp blue eyes were in direct contrast to his father, whose complexion was much darker than Sebastian’s and even his sister appeared dark skinned compared to his fair mother. His mom’s lips quirked up as if she knew what I was thinking. She was as white as me.

“Natalie.” She smiled and held out her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Janice. This is Devonte and Kiara.” She pointed to Sebastian’s father and sister.

I shook everyone’s hand and then took the seat Sebastian pulled out for me.

When the waitress appeared to take our drink orders, I got water. Getting drunk with his family was much farther along the dating road. Sebastian grabbed my hand under the table. I smiled at him and gave him a gentle squeeze.

“So, Natalie. Sebastian told Janice you’re hoping to become a lawyer. Kiara specializes in criminal law.” Pride was evident in Devonte’s voice.

“Yes, sir. I haven’t decided what I want to focus on just yet.” I turned to address Kiara. “I’m not sure if your brother told you, but my dad’s a cop, so I’m not sure I can go the criminal lawyer route.”

She took a sip of her fruity cocktail. “It’s not for everyone. My clients certainly cut a wide swath across society. Bermuda is so small everyone knows everyone. Might not be so bad in a big city.”

“Depending on where you practice, I’m unclear how much money is in prosecution.” Janice swirled her wine.

“That’s true. That’s always the push-pull,” I said. “I don’t have an interest in corporate or real estate. Maybe family law? I have time to mull over my options.”

We sat in silence for a few minutes, looking over the menus. Sebastian released my hand and clutched my leg before using both hands to look through the list. Everything sounded amazing, but the price tags were insane. I scanned for the cheapest thing.

Shopska salad for the win. I closed my menu before I could talk myself into something more expensive.

When we ordered, everyone else chose lobster, fish, or steak, and when the waitress got to me, I picked the salad.

Sebastian frowned at me. “A salad?”

“Yep.” I nodded. “It sounds delicious.” The description wasn’t appealing. But it was cheap.

Without another word, Sebastian passed our menus to the waitress. He took a drink from his beer and gave me a sideways glance. I’d once told him salads were what real food eats. He knew something was up with me.

“We were surprised when Sebastian said he was dating someone.” Devonte flicked out his napkin. “Janice and I assumed he’d inherited our roaming genes. We didn’t figure he had any desire to settle down.”

When he finished speaking, I was in the middle of taking a sip of my water. I sputtered and almost choked.

“Dad.” Annoyance laced Sebastian’s voice. “I can’t believe you said that to my girlfriend.”

“Welcome to my world, little brother.” Kiara gave her father an amused look. “I’ve been fielding those shitty comments for years while you laughed away.”

He shook his head at her. “So, you should be helpful now, sis.”

“No way. I choose to mock.” Her smile was too sweet.

His family was close, even if they were unusual. Devonte’s comment rang in my ears. If Sebastian and I weren’t so solid, it would bother me more.

“Mom?” he asked. “You gonna help me out here?”

“Your father and I have a specific philosophy on monogamy. But I’m happy for you and Kiara if you two seek something else.” She spread her hands wide.

He chugged his beer and signaled the waitress for another. I squeezed his leg under the table. He laced his fingers with mine.

“You people are killing me,” Sebastian said.

“I wondered when you said you were bringing her to meet us. I guess you forgot the awkward meet and greets I’ve sat through over the years.”

He held up his free hand toward his sister. “I don’t need a recap. We’re good. Seriously.”

“You played a heck of a game tonight,” Janice said. “Do you follow football, Natalie?”

I never thought I’d be grateful for a conversation about football. Sebastian chuckled beside me, but I wasn’t sure if it was because of the question or my previous attitude toward football.

“I don’t follow the sport or any players other than Sebastian and his team.” I took a long drink of my water.

“Natalie didn’t like football when we first met. It was actually her roommate dating Johnny that put us in the same places.” Sebastian’s shoulder rubbed against mine.

“That Johnny has a hell of an arm.” Devonte whistled.

“It’s not just his arm that’s amazing.” Kiara pretended to fan herself. “Is he still seeing your roommate?”

“Yes.” I tried to keep my expression neutral.

“Transferring was an excellent idea.” Janice leaned back as her food arrived. “You and Johnny work well together on the field.”

“I take it you’re into football?” I directed my question at his mom.

Janice grimaced. “No choice. He’s been crazy for it since the first game he watched. He’s given up a lot of other things over the years to get himself close to the top. His college career has been a carefully orchestrated dance to get him to this school this year and eligible to play.”

I rubbed Sebastian’s shoulder before the waitress set down his food. The familiar swell of pride rose in me. “He’s persistent.”

Kiara laughed. “I bet he is.” Her gaze slid between us.

When the waitress placed the world’s tiniest salad in front of me, I realized cheap was not going to fill my stomach. Good thing I hadn’t gone for the alcohol or I’d be drunk by the end of the meal.

Sebastian turned to our server. “Can I get a side plate?”

The waitress passed him the plate, and he cut his steak in half, setting it in front of me.

“Sebastian,” I whispered.

“Nattie, you’re not eating a damn salad. Certainly not a salad that looks like two pieces of lettuce with random things thrown on top.” He gestured to my half-empty plate.

When I glanced up, his family watched with amusement.

“Aww. That’s so cute,” Kiara said.

“Shut up, Kiara. I was going to invite you to come out with us. I’m starting to reconsider.” He shot her a warning glare.

“I’ve hung out with your friends before.” Kiara dug into her lobster and popped a piece into her mouth.

“Yeah, I remember the last time you hung out with my teammates.” Sebastian huffed.

She stopped mid-bite. “What’s that mean?”

“I think you know that that means.” He gave her a pointed look.

She snickered. “Yeah, I do.”

Frowning, I nudged Sebastian’s shoulder.

“I’ll tell you later—or I’m sure she will if she comes out with us.” He gestured toward his sister.

While we ate, the conversation turned to football, the draft, and Sebastian’s plans for the next season. His parents were coming to the championship game, but Kiara couldn’t get more time off work.

When the bill came, I got money out of my purse and tried to pay his parents.

“Nonsense.” Devonte waved me off. “You’re in college and we have well-paying jobs. Someday, when you’re working a suitable job, you pay it forward.”

“Thank you.” Embarrassment lit my cheeks. “It was nice to meet you.”

“Yes, it’s been marvelous.” Devonte took another big gulp from his beer. He’d gone through several during dinner. “Maybe we’ll see you again someday.”

“Jeez, Dad.” Sebastian shook his head.

“Who knows?” I grinned.

“I know.” Sebastian met my eyes. “You guys are going to be seeing a lot of Nattie. She’s not going anywhere.”

My grin stretched wider.

“I can’t go out with you two if this is what’s happening. I can’t properly digest my dinner when Sebastian’s this loved up. The world is tilting on its axis.” Kiara pushed back her chair.

My insides somersaulted at the use of the word love.

“Come on, Kiara,” Sebastian said. “I hardly ever see you. I want you to get to know my girl.”

“We’re heading out.” Janice circled the table to hug Sebastian, and then everyone started exchanging hugs and goodbyes.

When Janice hugged me, she whispered in my ear, “He looks happy. I’m glad.”

Devonte kissed both my cheeks and gave me a half hug. He looked at Janice for a beat before putting his arm around her and leading her out of the restaurant. As they exited, Janice threw her head back in a raucous laugh.

Before I could ask Sebastian about their behavior, Kiara intercepted. “It’s probably best if you don’t ask. They’re weird.”

I nodded. “Noted.”

Kiara put on her coat. “I’m going to be the old one at the bar, aren’t I?”

“If you drink enough, you won’t care.” Sebastian helped me into my coat.

“True,” Kiara said. “Is that asshole Theo going to be there? ’Cause if so, less alcohol is probably better than more. He was grabby at the start of the year.”

“Theo?” I asked, surprised.

“That was his name, wasn’t it, Seb?” Her voice drifted over her shoulder, leading us out of the restaurant. “You two got into it, right?”

“Yeah, that was him,” Sebastian admitted, avoiding my gaze.

I nudged him. “You never told me that.”

“I told you he wasn’t a good guy. It’s why I followed you home that night from the bar when he was walking you.” He met my gaze before sliding away. “We both know how that turned out.”

A brief flash of him leaning into another girl on the hood of his car flashed in my memory. “Yeah.”

He secured me tight to his side. “Till the day I die, Nattie.”

“Me too.” I wrapped my arm around him and squeezed him. “That whole night was so pointless.” The image of him with the other girl still hurt my heart every time I thought about it, so I shoved it away. He wasn’t that guy anymore.

Kiara opened the rear door of the SUV. “You two are disgustingly cute. Sebastian, I always wanted you to get a girlfriend so you’d understand the pain of Mom and Dad. But I’m not sure I can handle this ooey-gooey stuff you two have going on.”

“We’re that bad?” I asked.

“We’re not that bad.” Sebastian chuckled. “Kiara’s tolerance level for anyone in a relationship when she’s not in one is very low.”

She pointed at him. “That is true. Take me to the bar so I can meet my next conquest!” Kiara shouted before climbing into the backseat.

Sebastian rubbed his neck. “I’m kinda glad Johnny and Annika are back on. Not sure how I would’ve handled my sister trying to sleep with him all night.”

I smiled, but it didn’t reach my eyes. “Yeah,” I agreed before climbing in. “He’s all Annika’s.”