“Thank you,” she says tersely, and I can only imagine the sort of wrath my dad is going to face when we leave.

“So where are you from?” Dad asks, trying to break the tension as well.

“Maine, a small town called Bright Harbor off the coast. Born and raised. I took Myla there over winter. It’s my favorite time of the year because the town makes it their mission to put you in the Christmas spirit.”

“Did you like it, Myla Bean?” Dad asks.

“It was beautiful. Like a town you’d find in a Lovemark movie.”

“You mean those unrealistic movies where bumbling women focus on finding love?” Mom asks as she cuts into one of her biscuits.

No one responds, so Ryot says, “Actually, the town next to ours is Port Snow, which is famous for a shop at the end of the harbor called The Lobster Landing. Many Lovemark movies have been shot there. When we visited, I took Myla around and showed her all the different landmarks movies have featured.”

“That must have been fun,” Dad says.

“It was,” I answer. “One of my favorite trips ever. Not to mention, the countryside during the winter was beautiful.” And how when I walked into his parents’ house, I was immediately enveloped in love.

“I’m sure,” Dad replies and then looks at Ryot. “Does that mean you’re a lobster man?”

Ryot chuckles. “It does. Until my dying day, I will always say that Maine lobster is the best lobster.”

“Did you have some when you were there?” Dad asks me.

“I did.” I smirk and glance at Ryot. “It was okay.”

“Okay?” Ryot asks, feigning insult.

I chuckle. “I preferred the baked bean sandwich.”

“What’s that?” Dad asks.

“A New England specialty,” I answer. “This one had baked beans, cheddar, apples, and mustard on it.”

“Horrendous way to pack fat on your hips,” Mom says as she stuffs a piece of broccoli in her mouth.

I glance away and dab my mouth with my napkin. Ryot smooths his hand over my thigh, reminding me that he’s still here with me.

“Did you meet Ryot’s family?” Dad asks.

“Yes,” I answer, knowing this will open the door for Mom to make a fuss out of something that she doesn’t need to make a fuss about. “I met his brother before going to Maine. Ryot and Banner share an apartment. But I met his sister, Nola, while we were in Bright Harbor as well as Mr. and Mrs. Bisley. Nola and I got along so well that I snagged her number before I left, and we’ve been keeping in touch.”

“You have?” Ryot asks, surprised.

I smile at him. “Yes. We talk a lot actually.”

“So you talk to Ryot’s sister a lot but visit us once a year?” Mom asks, and there it is. Took her long enough.

I don’t know what to say other than the truth, and the truth doesn’t sit well on my tongue, so instead, I stay silent.