Page 58 of Keeping it Local

“That’s one of the largest family-owned chains in Michigan, Dad. How are we going to replace that?” The anxiety pulled at my chest as I gripped the chair tight.

“There are other options,” Dad said. “I prefer to work with someone more loyal anyway. Completely ridiculous to pull the contract for something like this.”

My breathing got heavy as I thought of the mess I’d need to clean up at home, the phone calls I’d have to make to the owners over there.

“We’ll figure it out,” Mom said, patting my arm. “Let’s just enjoy dinner, okay?”

Looking my mom in the eyes, I saw her concern, her want to enjoy the rest of our time together, and as much as I hated to do it, I had to give her this time. She deserved everyone being happy together when we’d had so much time apart. We’d talk about it later, and if she wanted to pretend everything was fine and dandy right now, so be it. I’d abide—at least for now. And with that, everything went out the window regarding the rental shop. At this point, what was the point of even bringing it up when there was so much turmoil at home? I needed to be more involved so things didn’t go off the rails.

Shortly after that, we hopped in the car, and I showed them around town, feeling the heavy weight of what they’d shared earlier.

When we arrived at Windbreaker for dinner, it was already busy with a waitlist, and I was grateful I made a reservation. I put my name in, and they said it would be a couple minutes. Sure, I had decided not to tell them about the shop at all, but my nerves didn’t take a backseat because I knew I’d have to clean up the mess at home.

“Mom? Dad? I think it sounds like the table is almost ready. Want to grab a drink at the bar? My treat.”

“Could go for a beer,” my dad said, leading the way.

I followed my parents as they walked over and put their orders in, and when the space cleared next to them, I felt all the contents of my stomach try to escape.

Johnny. Was here. Next to my dad.

I felt my face go hot.

I didn’t need more stress added to my already eventful weekend, and adding Johnny to the mix would do just that.

I had told him my parents were in town, but I wasn’t planning on telling them I was seeing him, and I absolutely wasn’t planning on introducing them. Besides, I was not in the greatest mood at this point, and I knew it. I was going to break if one more thing went wrong.

At that thought, my dad took a seat next to Johnny. He looked up, first at me, then my parents—realizing who was sitting next to him. Johnny kept a lock on my eyes, as if mentally asking what he should do.

In the end, he shrugged at me, then nodded at my dad.

I cleared my throat. “So, small world here, but Mom and Dad, this is Johnny—my… friend.”

It was the slightest reaction, but I could sense Johnny’s face fall at that explanation, even though it didn’t make sense. He couldn’t expect me to introduce him to my parents as anything more, right?

Johnny held out his hand at first to my dad, then Mom. “Nice to meet you both.”

My dad returned the shake and introduced himself and my mom, and an awkward silence fell before I knew what to do.

“What are you all up to today?” Johnny asked, sipping his beer.

“Getting the full tour!” my mom exclaimed, acting as is we didn’t just lose one of our biggest customers. “I got the cutest little centerpiece for the entry table. Plus, some gifts.” She looked around and pointed to Main Street. “We don’t have any place like this back home.”

“It’s a special spot, that’s for sure,” Johnny said, smiling at her.

“You from around these parts?” my dad asked, leaning back on his stool.

“Nah, not lucky enough to grow up here,” Johnny said, laughing. “I’m from a bit south of Detroit. Downriver, actually.”

My dad raised his eyebrows. “City boy, then. How did you end up here?”

I felt Johnny’s tension before he said anything and quickly changed the subject, trying to keep the conversation going without dwelling on my dad’s question. Luckily, my mom chimed in telling him where they were staying, and I winced again.

“Next time you’re in town, you have to stay at one of my rentals. As much as I love the bed & breakfast in town, there’s something cozier about staying in a cottage, don’t you think?”

“Oh, the cottages do sound fun.” Mom beamed at him.

I wasn’t sure what Johnny was getting at. He seemed to be peacocking, and I wasn’t sure I liked it. I furrowed my brow.