I’m too nervous to do anything more than nod and head in the direction Niles points. It’s my own dad. No one should be this nervous to see their own dad.
Then again, no one should be forcefully separated from their dad and live on the streets as a teenager. But s**t happens.
Dinner is keeping warm in the oven and, as soon as I step into the kitchen and the swirling aroma of roasted meat and potatoes, I know Niles is right. This is the gathering place. Where Ivan and I make coffee in the morning. Where Anya paints her nails while Lev and Ivan talk out on the patio. It’s the heart of the house and I’m comfortable here.
I’m also very glad I swapped out my dress for a pair of dark wash jeans at the last minute.
I repeat those words to myself over and over again, but I’m still standing awkw
