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They took one of the last free parking spaces at the hotel where Megan’s parents’ rehearsal dinner had started about ten minutes ago, and now they had a long walk ahead of them.
“I thought you said your family were laidback,” Heather said as she linked arms with Megan on their way to the hotel.
“They are, but I hate being late.” Megan exhaled, a puff of white smoke evaporating into the night air. “Sorry for complaining. Thank you for doing this. Seriously. You have no idea. I know it’s crazy, but having my parents think that I’m happy and in love is better for me right now than admitting that I wasn’t seeing anyone. I promise, I’ll break up with you soon.”
Heather smiled, bumping lightly against her. “No rush there. Not like I have women chasing after me. So, one last time. Your mom’s name is Anna. Your dad’s name is Robert, but he likes Bob?”
“Yes. And there’s too many other names to remember, so I’m not going to list out my mom’s five siblings or my dad’s five. And I have three of my four grandparents still alive. They’re well into their eighties, but they’re doing well considering.”
“And all of them are here? Tonight?”
“Yep. And all the cousins. Just remember my parents’ names, and you’ll be fine.”
Heather pulled open the door for Megan. “So just look at you lovingly and dance with you at the reception?”
“Yeah. That’s pretty much it.”
They followed the signs for the ballroom where Megan knew the dinner was happening, and right before she pushed open the door, Heather reached for Megan’s hand.
Megan smiled at her as they walked through the door. “I have a feeling that you’re going to be good at this. Potentially too good. My mom’s going to be devastated when I tell her that I had to dump you.”
Heather grinned. “What if I dump you first?”
“Hmm. That’s probably more realistic. I’ll have to explain your cougar tendencies. Surely, the woman you’ll leave me for will be twice my age.”
“Okay,” Heather said with a laugh. “Once again, you’re exaggerating.”
Heather could feel the warmth of Megan’s hand in hers as they walked into the crowded ballroom. The loud hum of conversation seemed to dip for a moment as all eyes turned their way. Heather felt her cheeks flush, suddenly self-conscious at the attention, the reality of this hitting her all at once.
The ballroom was lit by crystal chandeliers, casting a soft glow over the space. Two long banquette tables were covered with white linen cloths, and servers in crisp white shirts moved up and down the tables, topping up water glasses and pouring wine.
Near the head table, Heather spotted a woman who looked just like an older version of Megan. Her dark hair was streaked with gray and pulled up in an elegant twist. As they approached, Megan’s mom turned, her face lighting up.
“Megan! There you are, sweetheart!” she exclaimed, immediately pulling Megan in for a tight hug. “We were starting to worry.”
“I know, I’m so sorry,” Megan said, returning the embrace. “Traffic was awful coming from the city.”
Megan’s mom pulled back, holding her daughter by the shoulders. “Well, you’re here now, that’s all that matters.” Her gaze shifted to Heather. “And you must be Heather!”
Before Heather could react, she found herself wrapped in a warm, floral-scented hug.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you!” Megan’s mom said. “We’ve heard so many wonderful things.”
Heather was surprised by the genuine warmth of the greeting. She had expected polite pleasantries, not this enthusiastic welcome.
“It’s wonderful to meet you too, uh Mrs—“ Heather said.
“Oh please, call me Anna!”
Megan’s dad stepped forward next, giving Heather’s hand a firm shake. His eyes crinkled as he smiled.
“Bob,” he introduced himself simply. “We’re thrilled you could join us this weekend.”
Heather was struck by a twinge of guilt. She hadn’t really thought this through, about how it would feel to lie to Megan’s family like this.
“I’m so happy to be here,” Heather said, the words flowing easily. “This all looks amazing, you must be so excited.”
“Oh we are!” Anna said, linking her arm through Bob’s. “Forty years married, can you believe it?”
