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I swallow the lump in my throat. “Tessa… You know that’s the kind of stuff he would say to me, right?”
I can hear her scoffing. “Yeah, but he’s right. I need to lose the weight.”
I pinch my nose. There’s nothing I say that will change her thoughts on this.
“Also, if I have a summer wedding next year, is that enough time for you to lose some weight too?”
“Umm. You want me to lose weight?”
“Well, I don’t really care, but Zack said if I want you in the wedding, and I do, that you should lose some weight. And… I want the photos to turn out good.”
“Okay, Tessa. I… I don’t know what to say right now, but I’m not sure I can do this anymore.” My voice shakes as tears threaten to escape. She’s never made comments before about my weight.
“Do what, be my friend?”
“Yeah. If you’re going to treat me like this, I can’t.”
“Oh my god, you’re being so dramatic. Think about it and call me back. I’ll send you some dress options.”
The line clicks off, and I drop my phone, shifting into Andrew’s chest.
“Did what I think just happened, happen?” he asks.
I nod, not trusting my voice.
“Don’t fucking believe her, petals. You’re perfect, just how you are. I don’t want you to change a thing.”
I nod again, knowing he’s telling the truth. I’ve never felt the way I do for Andrew, nor have I ever felt so safe with someone.
Andrew’s arms wrap around me from behind as my parents pull into my driveway. I haven’t seen them in a few months, and the nervous excitement I’m feeling sends my heart rate to a new high.
My mom flies out of the car, her thin, graying hair styled in loose waves on her shoulders. Dressed in a pair of casual jean shorts, and a tank top to battle the mid summer heat. She practically runs to where we stand at the garage door, engulfing me in her arms, just as Andrew steps to the side, letting go of his grip on my waist.
“Oh, I’ve missed you so much,” Mom whispers in my ear.
“I’m sorry, I know it’s been a while since I’ve visited.” I squeeze her tightly.
“Stop that,” Mom scolds. “You are living your best life, and I couldn’t be more happy for you.” I chuckle into her shoulder, not realizing how much I needed a hug from my mom until one was offered. “And, your boyfriend is so. Hot.”
“Mom!” I pull back, smacking her shoulder.
“Am I wrong?” She raises her brows, eyes peering over to glance at him from the corner of her eye.
“Oh my god, please stop right now,” I groan. She laughs, and thankfully, Dad comes to rescue me. He looks the same as always, the red hair I got from him slowly turning white, his blue eyes still bright and happy. He’s wearing a Brooks Hill Sheriff's Department polo, tucked into his jeans, and the classic white dad sneakers.
“It’s so good to see you, Josie.” Dad squeezes me tightly, and the familiarity of it all has my heart pounding with joy.
“You too, Dad.”
When he releases me, I turn to start introductions with Andrew, but find that my mom has already done that. She greeted and hugged him in the short period of time I was hugging Dad.
“Dad, this is Andrew, Andrew this is my dad, Kevin,” I introduce Andrew to my dad, and they shake each other's hands. “And well, clearly my mom has made her own introduction.”
“Nice to meet you, Kevin, Lori,” Andrew greets. He pulls me back into his side, arm wrapping around my waist.
“Why don’t we go inside, Travis is in there, and then you can see my setup,” I say, opening the rickety garage door to lead them in.
“Who is Travis? Is he another boyfriend of yours? Are you part of a throuple?” Mom asks.
