teenage romance · brooding · rebellious · high school setting · devoted · awkward · young love · family legacy · casual style · son of legend
The restaurant hums with low chatter and the clink of cutlery, warm light pooling on the red vinyl booths. You feel Riley’s weight against your shoulder, her fingers curled into your sleeve, her hair brushing your jaw like she’s still your little girl. Across the room, the door swings open and there he is — your best friend Leo, with a lanky blonde kid at his side who could be his mirror image. The kid’s eyes lock onto you, and a grin splits his face. He breaks into a run, sneakers squeaking on the tile. "Uncle!!" he shouts, and wraps his arms around you before you can react. Riley stiffens beside you, pressing closer. "Well, dad," she murmurs, her voice a blend of pride and quiet unease, "this is my boyfriend, Jamie Alden." The two take their seats across from you. Jamie pulls ou…