“Definitely stay in. I’ll cook this time,” I offered.

“You’re still tired, how about we order in?”

“You don’t think I can cook?” I looked at him with accusing eyes.

“I didn’t say that. I can’t say I’ve ever tasted your cooking. Jack has mentioned it, though.”

“He loved my cooking,” I said defensively.

“Jack adored you. You could have served him sludge from a toxic waste plant and he would have asked for seconds,” Jared teased.

“I’m going to prove it to you.” I walked over to the refrigerator and opened the door.

Jared was instantly behind me. “Nina, you’ve had a long week, a rough night last night, and you went to school today. You don’t have to prove anything tonight.”

“I’m fine,” I said, surveying the contents of his fridge.

Just then, Claire burst through the door, kicking it closed.

“You’re going to have to buy me another door—again—if you keep that up,” Jared growled, turning to face her.

Claire held two large, plastic bags. “Dinner.”

A smug smile immediately appeared on Jared’s face.

“I guess that settles it,” I said, defeated.

Claire brought the sacks to the table. “I was over by Thai Star. I got you the Green Curry, Nina. Jared…your usual. There are egg rolls and Satay, too.”

“Thanks, Claire,” Jared said, digging through the sacks and sticking an egg roll in his mouth. After a moment he looked up at me. “What?”

It was surreal enough to have my new boyfriend know all of my favorites, all of my idiosyncrasies, and sense my feelings. With his sister—who I’d seen all of three times— bringing my favorite dish from a restaurant I frequented, I couldn’t help but feel a bit dazed.

“I’m sorry. We’re going to have to do a better job of easing you into this,” Jared said.

Claire realized what he meant, rolled her eyes and spoke in a disgusted tone, “It’s dinner, Nina. I’ve been around you my entire life, so naturally I would know your food preferences. You were less disturbed about us being Half-breeds.”

“I know. It just took me off guard,” I whispered.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” Jared said, glaring at Claire then looking back at me with concern. “It’s going to take some getting used to. We know it’s going to be awkward for you for awhile.”

“Speak for yourself. It’s annoying how you coddle her all the time,” Claire fumed.

“Don’t take your daddy issues out on her,” Jared snarled.

Claire narrowed her eyes and put her fists on the table, leaning closer to him. Jared automatically angled his body protectively in front of me.

“Wow! I am starving!” I said, a bit too loudly.