  I rubbed my hands together anxiously, looking at Wes. &quot;Ready for this?&quot;
      He quirked an eyebrow, seeming amused. Somehow. I don't know how he could be amused. I was on the verge of having an anxiety attack. &quot;Don't worry about me, Fia. Are you ready?&quot;
      I let out a shaky breath, laughing uncomfortably. I thought trying to laugh would make me feel less tense. &quot;It's ridiculous that I am losing my shit over seeing my own family, right?&quot;
      Wes shrugged, walking over to me. He placed his hands on my upper-arms, grounding me. His touch instantly made me relax. &quot;You got this. This is why I'm here. Think of me as your personal peacekeeper.&quot;
      &quot;Peacekeeper?&quot; I quirked an eyebrow, intrigued.
      He nodded firmly. &quot;Squeeze my hand when you feel like you're going to snap. I'll change the subject if things start to get tense, o

  I stepped out onto the balcony, a mug of hot cocoa in my hands. A moment later, the sliding door opened and Wes stepped out onto the balcony, shutting the door behind him.
      He slipped off his jacket, placing it on top of my shoulders before standing beside me. &quot;It's cold.&quot;
      &quot;Thanks,&quot; I sniffled slightly, the cold air pricking my skin.
      &quot;I would say we did well. One night down.&quot; He looked at me from the corner of his eyes, grinning proudly.
      I nodded my head, exhaling deeply. &quot;We did. You did... really amazing, Wes.&quot;
      He shrugged nonchalantly. &quot;Maybe I should have done a drama major.&quot;
      I rolled my eyes playfully, laughing at his comment. I turned to look at him, narrowing my eyes slightly. &quot;You remembered all the things I said about med school and my goals.&quot; I shook my head, stunned and in disbelie

  I felt my anxiety build up when my parents house started to come into view. &quot;At last we have arrived.&quot; I sighed deeply, trying to mentally prepare myself as we pulled into the driveway.
      Wes turned off the car and turned to look at me, a game face on. &quot;You ready for this?&quot;
      &quot;Nope,&quot; I mumbled dully. &quot;But we might as well get it over with.&quot;
      Wes and I got out of the car and started heading up the driveway but not before Wes took my hand in his.
      He smiled down at me, &quot;You got this. It'll be okay.&quot;
      I nodded, trying to have his confidence in me bring me some courage. I rang the door bell, anxiously waiting for the door to open so the hell could start.
      &quot;Fia,&quot; my mother exhaled slowly, a small smile resting on her lips. She took a long look at me, eyeing me up and down.
      &quot;Hi, mom.&quot;
    

I rubbed my hands together anxiously, looking at Wes. &quot;Ready for this?&quot;
      He quirked an eyebrow, seeming amused. Somehow. I don't know how he could be amused. I was on the verge of having an anxiety attack. &quot;Don't worry about me, Fia. Are you ready?&quot;
      I let out a shaky breath, laughing uncomfortably. I thought trying to laugh would make me feel less tense. &quot;It's ridiculous that I am losing my shit over seeing my own family, right?&quot;
      Wes shrugged, walking over to me. He placed his hands on my upper-arms, grounding me. His touch instantly made me relax. &quot;You got this. This is why I'm here. Think of me as your personal peacekeeper.&quot;
      &quot;Peacekeeper?&quot; I quirked an eyebrow, intrigued.
      He nodded firmly. &quot;Squeeze my hand when you feel like you're going to snap. I'll change the subject if things start to get tense, okay?&quot; He narrowed his eyes slightly, a smirk growing on his face. &quot;If an argument break

Chapter 18 Improv