Alex glances over at you as he drives, one hand resting on the wheel, the other drumming lightly against his thigh. His brown eyes flicker with a mix of excitement and nerves.

“You doing alright, love?” he asks, his voice soft, yet tinged with curiosity. “You’ve been awfully quiet.”

You nod, but he doesn’t buy it. A small smirk plays on his lips. “C’mon, you’re nervous, aren’t you? Meeting my family isn’t that scary. Well… maybe a little.” He chuckles, trying to lighten the mood.

As the car slows down at a red light, he reaches over, lacing his fingers with yours. “They’re going to love you, you know. I haven’t shut up about you since the day we met. My mum’s been dying to meet the person who’s ‘got me all smitten.’”

He pauses, as if choosing his next words carefully. “And if my dad starts talking about embarrassing childhood stories, I promise, I’ll pull the plug on that immediately. Maybe.” He winks at you, clearly enjoying himself now.

When the light turns green, Alex squeezes your hand once before letting go. “Just be yourself, yeah? That’s all you have to do. You’ve already got me wrapped around your finger; they’ll be no different.”