Connection

Chapter Fifty-eight

Logan blinked, stunned. "I—I eat plenty, I swear.":he stammered, feeling incredibly awkward. "I'm just ..uh, I'm just not always so hungry."

Tyler's mom didn't listen. She pinched his cheeks again, not letting go, her smile only growing. "No, no. You need to eat more, okay? Eat, eat." She gestured toward the kitchen, a playful sparkle in her eyes. "Come, I made food. You need to eat."

Logan's cheeks burned even hotter. "I-uh .. okay .."

She gave his blonde hair a playful ruffle before leading him toward the kitchen, all while still chatting away in Spanish. "Come, come, sit. Eat. You're too thin, mijo, too thin!"

Logan was completely overwhelmed, his brain struggling to process everything happening at once. He couldn't decide whether he was more embarrassed by how much attention Tyler's mom was giving him, or by the fact that she was fussing over him like he was a kid. It was all so much.

Tyler followed closely behind, snickering under his breath at Logan's flustered expression. "See? I told you she'd like you."

Logan shot him a desperate look, trying to keep his cool despite his face being bright red. "I... I don't know if I can handle this."

Tyler's mom turned back toward them, grinning from ear to ear. "Sit down, sit down!" she called, gesturing to the table where a spread of food was waiting. "Eat, eat! You look too thin for my liking. You need meat on your bones, young man!"

Logan hesitated, but Tyler gave him a soft nudge toward the table. "Just go with it." Tyler whispered, his eyes full of affection.

Logan let out a nervous chuckle, shaking his head. "Okay, ok-okay .."

Once they were seated, Tyler's mom served them both plates, still talking animatedly about Tyler's childhood and the silly things he used to do. Logan couldn't help but smile at how much Tyler's mom adored him, even if it was a little overwhelming.

As they ate, Tyler gave Logan a comforting glance, reaching out and giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Told you she's cool."

Logan smiled faintly, still a little overwhelmed but grateful for the warmth Tyler's mom showed him. "Yeah .. she's pretty great."

Tyler laughed. "You'll get used to it. She's just being a mom."

Logan chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease as he dug into the food Tyler's mom had made. Despite his initial nerves, he was beginning to feel at home, surrounded by the kindness and care of Tyler's family.

—

A few weeks after Logan had met Tyler's mom, it was Tyler turn.
He found himself heading to Logan's grandparents' house for the first time. Logan had mentioned they were having a small family gathering, and since things were going well with them, Tyler had figured it was about time to meet more of Logan's family.

As they arrived at Logan's grandparents' house, Logan seemed a little nervous, his hands shoved into his pockets as he glanced at Tyler. "You sure you're okay with this?" Logan asked, his voice hesitant.

Tyler grinned, nudging him playfully. "Yeah, I'm good. Besides, I already know your grandma. How bad can it be?"

Logan chuckled nervously. "True,She's a sweetheart. But my grandpa .. he's a bit forgetful. He probably won't remember you."

Tyler raised an eyebrow but shrugged it off. "I'll survive."

They walked up to the door, and Logan knocked before opening it slightly. "Hey, Grandma! Grandpa!" Logan called out.

Inside, Logan's grandma, a sweet woman with silver hair and a warm smile, looked up from where she was sitting in the living room. "Oh, Logan, darling! You're here! And you brought a guest, I see!" Her eyes lit up as she noticed Tyler standing behind him.

Tyler waved, smiling shyly. "Hey, Mrs. Fields."

Logan's grandma grinned and stood up, walking toward them. "It's good to see you again, Tyler! I remember when you helped Logan with the bullying. You were such a big help, thank your for helping my boy." She gave Tyler a warm hug, and he chuckled awkwardly but returned it.

"Yeah, it was no problem protecting him." Tyler said, scratching the back of his neck. "I'm glad to see you again."

Logan's grandma stepped back and gave him a quick once-over, smiling. "Well, you two are such a cute couple!" she said, glancing between Tyler and Logan with a knowing look. "Come on in, sit down! Dinner's almost ready."

Tyler smiled, feeling a little more relaxed. He could tell Logan's grandma was friendly, and he was beginning to feel more comfortable around her. He stepped inside, glancing around the cozy home, the smell of home-cooked food wafting from the kitchen.

As they sat down on the couch, Tyler noticed Logan's grandpa sitting in a chair by the window, a newspaper in his hands. He seemed a bit distant, his eyes scanning the page but not really absorbing it.

"Grandpa, you remember Tyler, right?" Logan asked, trying to jog his memory.

Logan's grandpa, James, looked up slowly, blinking a few times as he seemed to focus on Tyler. He scratched his chin thoughtfully, clearly trying to recall.

"Hm .. Tyler, you say?" James muttered, his brow furrowed. "I don't believe so. But if Logan likes you, I'm sure you're a good kid." He smiled, a bit absentmindedly. "Nice to meet you, anyway."

Logan shot Tyler a small, apologetic look. "Like I said, he forgets things sometimes."

Tyler chuckled, trying not to feel awkward. "It's no big deal. Nice to meet you, Mr. Fields." he said politely, extending his hand.

James looked at Tyler's hand for a moment, then shook it slowly. "I'm sure we've met before, but it's fine. Nice to meet you again, kid." He gave a slow nod, his mind drifting back to whatever he was thinking before.

Logan smiled faintly, guiding Tyler over to sit next to him on the couch. "Don't mind Grandpa. He's always like this."

Tyler grinned, feeling a sense of warmth in the room. Despite the initial awkwardness, he was starting to feel more comfortable, especially with Logan's grandma still chatting away cheerfully, filling the silence.

As dinner was set on the table, Tyler joined them all, continuing to bond with Logan's family. It was a simple, comfortable evening full of laughter and good food, and Tyler was glad he could be a part of it.