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“Uh.” He falters again at the sentence. He pats Brandy and his body relaxes. “She had golden retrievers growing up.”
“Oh, that’s lovely,” Mom says. “And she wanted to carry on the tradition with you and your brothers?”
Parker doesn’t take his eyes off Brandy. “Something like that.”
“Brandy’s only five, so hopefully she’s around for many more years,” I say.
Parker smiles at me. “I have no doubt.”
“She’s got another ten years in her, honey,” Dad says. “Don’t you worry about that.”
Parker pushes on his knees, standing from Brandy’s side. “Thank you so much for having me over, but I’d better get home.”
“I’ll walk you out,” I say, getting off my stool.
Mom and Dad say their goodbyes to Parker, and we make our way to the front door.
“Seemed to go well,” Parker says softly.
“Yeah, I think you got their approval.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow. Remember, I’ll be late to pick you up.”
I nod. “I know the plan. I’m sharing the backseat with Lewis.”
Parker winks. “That’s my girl.”
“Eww.”
Parker and I share a laugh and I wave him off before closing the front door.
I wander back into the hallway where Mom meets me.
“I’m so glad you brought him over.”
I blink hard. “You are?”
Mom cups the side of my face. “He seems like such a nice young man. I’m so happy for you two to spend some extra time together.”
I squirm in place. “Really?”
Mom smiles. “Oh course, honey. Why wouldn’t I like a boy who entered our home by dancing?”
Wait, she likes him? She approves of him?
She thinks Parker is boyfriend material?
How do I tell her this isn’t a long term thing? And how will I explain when I get a new boyfriend so soon after this farce with Parker?
I clear my throat, and stare at the hallway flooring. “It might not last that long.”
Mom’s eyes fill with worry. “Why would you say that, honey?” She runs her hand down my hair. “You’re a wonderful girl. Don’t doubt yourself so early in the relationship.”
“Oh, no, I don’t mean...” She thinks I’m insecure about being with Parker?
“Come on,” she says kindly, walking me up the hallway. “Let’s get dinner ready.”
In the kitchen, Dad is preparing the vegetables while singing along with one of his favorite David Bowie songs.
