I grab his wrist before he has a chance to step away. "Wait, Holden, it’s not what you think. We need to talk, but I have to go home." His eyes search mine and find my truth. Motioning toward my phone, he asks, "Is that why you said you couldn't leave with me?" I nod. "Yes. Look, it’s a lot to explain, and I don’t know where to start, but if you don’t think it’s too soon to meet the family, you can follow me home." My voice breaks with nerves at the end. Clearly, Holden likes me a lot, but meeting the family is boyfriend-girlfriend level, and we’re not there. Are we? But in the next breath,
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