Hanna’s heart pounded as she stepped out of the car, taking in the grandeur of Finn’s house. It was like something out of a magazine: towering windows, a driveway lined with perfect hedges, and a double door with ornate handles that looked as though they’d never been touched by human hands.
Before she could take another breath, Finn was there, grinning as he took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Hanna,” he said softly. “You look… wow.”
She blushed, biting back a smile. “Thanks. This place is… wow.”
He chuckled, looking down at her with something warm in his gaze that made her feel less alone for a second. “Come on, they’re waiting.”
But as they walked up the steps, Hanna’s confidence began to wane. She could feel the watchful eyes from inside the house as they approached the door, and her heart sank. When they entered, a pair of perfectly polished adults stood waiting with expressions that held no warmth.
“Mom, Dad, this is Hanna,” Finn said, his tone cheerful but his eyes cautious.
“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Callahan,” she said, giving a polite nod. She’d practiced this in the mirror, but standing before them now, her voice came out a bit too soft.
Mrs. Callahan’s lips curled into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “Oh, you’re… lovely, dear. And what a dress. Such… flair.”
The way she said “flair” sent a pang of discomfort through Hanna’s chest. But she forced herself to keep smiling, even as Mr. Callahan’s eyes flicked over her in a way that made her feel like she was being graded.
“Well,” Mr. Callahan said finally, giving her a once-over. He didn’t offer a smile, but his gaze lingered on her as if trying to solve a puzzle. “Finn, you do have a tendency to bring home… unique individuals.”
“Dad.” Finn’s tone was calm, but his grip on Hanna’s hand tightened. “Hanna’s my girlfriend. We’re here to enjoy the evening.”
“Yes, of course,” Mrs. Callahan replied smoothly, though her tone held an edge. She extended a hand, her grip delicate but cold. “You’ll have to forgive us if we seem a bit formal. Finn’s father and I just… well, we’re protective of our son.”
Hanna nodded, feeling her smile waver. “I understand. Finn’s… really important to me.”
“Is he?” Mr. Callahan’s eyebrows lifted, his face almost impassive, but a flicker of something skeptical passed over his features. “Well, I’m sure we’ll have the chance to get to know you better this evening.”
“Of course, sir,” Hanna replied, keeping her tone polite.
“Well then,” Mrs. Callahan said with a tight smile, “shall we all head into the dining room?”