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Mom and Dad had certain expectations of me. They wanted me to go to college, have a career in something they approved of, and marry well. I went to college, but they assumed my degree in English Lit would be a stepping stone to law school. When I told them I had no plans for that, they sent me here to think about what I wanted to do with my life.
I got a text back from JT, telling me he missed me too, and tears filled my eyes. I was never surer of what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to stay here. I could help Grandma and Grandpa and maybe one day take the diner over. In Madison I felt a little hopeless and lost; here I felt like I was home.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted my parents to meet JT while they were here. I wasn’t ashamed of him by any means, but I knew how they would feel about their daughter dating a man that made a living getting his hands dirty. If they thought a boy was the reason I wanted to stay, they would dismiss my feelings and tell me I was being foolish.
One of the other waitresses called me to the front. I took a deep breath and regained my composure. I would figure this out. Hopefully Grandma would get here before my parents did and I could talk to her about this. She would support me.
In the middle of the lunch rush her and Grandpa walked in to the diner. I finished taking someone’s order and came over to for a hug. “I take it you heard,” she whispered, patting my back.
I pulled back at arm’s length and nodded. “I don’t want to leave.”
“I know you don’t, dear, but you know they’re going to push you to. Your mother hated living here growing up and she won’t be happy that you want to settle down here.”
I bit my lip. “I don’t care. I’m not a child anymore and can make my own decisions.” My voice was shaky and I was already on the verge of tears.
She nodded and rubbed my arms. Grandpa came up behind me. “What’s wrong? Did that boy hurt you?” He frowned and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“No, Grandpa. This has nothing to do with JT.”
“It’s your daughter. Kara is upset that she’s coming to talk to her about going back to Madison. She wants to stay with us.”
“Then stay with us,” he said and shrugged. I loved how he was so matter-of-fact. He made it seem so simple.
Out of the corner of my eye I noticed my parents’ big black Escalade pull into the parking lot. “They’re here,” I whispered, a feeling of dread coming over me.
“It’ll be fine. I promise.” She kissed my cheek and we turned to greet them.
I watched Mom get out of the car, her Chanel bag hanging from her forearm, dressed in her designer shorts and blouse. Dad was wearing his typical khaki shorts and golf shirt. I had to admit I had missed him. He was often on my side when it came to my Mom and I knew he went along with her most of the time to keep the peace.
They came inside and I went to him. “Dad!” I greeted him with a hug and kiss. He held me tight and I closed my eyes, fighting back the tears.
“Hey baby girl,” he replied and squeezed me tight before letting me go. “You look great – so tan.”
“You should be wearing sunscreen, Kara,” my mom admonished me and came over to give me a loose hug. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at my dad and he fought back a chuckle.
“Hello, Mother,” I said drying, returning her half-hearted hug. It blew me away that someone as loving as my grandma gave birth to my mother. They couldn’t be more different.
She ended the hug and pulled back to look me over. “You do look good. I guess this place agrees with you.”
I looked over at Grandma, my eyes hopeful. Maybe she would see how happy I was and not argue with me when I told her I wanted to stay.
My parents greeted Grandma and Grandpa and found a table to have some coffee. They chatted while I went back to work. Grandma had wanted to help, but I insisted I had it covered and she should enjoy the day off.
Eventually they decided to head back to the cottage. I told them I would meet them back there later.
“But where’s your car?” Grandma asked me away from everyone.
“JT gave me a ride this morning,” I admitted, my face warm with embarrassment.
She gave me a knowing smile. “I hope you guys had a good time.”
I nodded. “We did Grandma. He told me he loved me.”
She hugged me quick. “I’m so happy for you. There’s something about you two that remind me of your grandfather and I.” She squeezed my hand. “So don’t you worry. Is he picking you up?”
“Yes, but I’m not sure I’m ready for him to meet Mom. She’s going to freak enough when I tell her I’m not coming back to Madison.”
Grandma sighed and nodded. “Unfortunately my daughter judges people too quickly. Could you get Brittany to pick you up?”
