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I made introductions. We ate, and the dinner table chatter was uncharacteristically pleasant and enjoyable. The whole thing was nerve-wracking because my parents seem to love Theo and I started to feel all the things I told myself to keep locked down.
Gone is the grumpy Theo I am used to. In his stead is a talkative guy who smiles. A lot.
Over pot roast and mac, my parents grill him on his job and the company. I knew Theo was a football fan, but he and Cash find a lot to talk about.
This is all too easy. Something isn’t right with this whole situation.
My parents aren’t parents of the year people.
My brother isn’t the center of attention.
And I don’t have a boyfriend who is painting the picture-perfect significant other and making me want all the things.
“I mean, you broke a great man’s heart and I was worried karma would never give you another chance.”
“Mom,” I hiss.
“Howard was such a good guy and well, if he wasn’t good enough, I’m not sure what else is out there, ya know?” she says matter-of-factly as she walks past me and takes a seat next to my dad, effectively pulling the three men into our conversation.
“I was just telling Cassie how I was worried she’d never get another chance at love,” Mom tells Theo.
His brow arches, but he doesn’t ask questions.
“Mom,” Cash warns.
“What? I’m just happy. Am I not allowed to communicate that to my daughter? Cassie made a massively rash decision in her last relationship and well, I wanted to make sure she knows that I support this relationship.”
“I don’t need your support,” I mutter. Theo’s eyes flash to mine and I see humor in them. His way of telling me it’s okay. I take a steadying breath.
My mother sighs. “We all loved Howard.”
“I didn’t,” my brother interjects.
“He wasn’t a football fan, dear. That’s not a reason to dislike someone,” she replies.
“That’s not the only reason and I don’t think we need to be having this conversation, Mom,” Cash warns. Always the protector even though he’s my little brother.
She waves her hands in the air. “I just wanted to point out that you had a wonderful man to spend the rest of your life with and then you just”—she snaps her finger—“call off the wedding so last-minute.” And she went there.
My eyes close and when I open them, I look at Theo, but he’s not looking at me anymore. His stare is focused on my mother as she continues her warped journey down memory lane.
“We had done so much planning and for the wedding to be called off so last-minute, it caused quite a hassle for everyone.” My mom shakes her head. As if she handled any of the fallout personally. I handled it all. And it wasn’t last-minute.
“Mom, that’s not how it happened. Let’s not talk about this anymore,” I say firmly.
“Are you kidding me? I received calls and emails for weeks asking about what happened. You broke that man’s heart and wasted all that money.”
Oh my fucking gosh.
Blood boiling, I risk a glance at Theo. His jaw is set and all emotion is gone. He’s mad. On my behalf, or…
Oh my, he’s going to think I’m just like his ex.
Shit.
Damage control is needed stat as my story is nothing like his and if he’s comparing me to his horribly brutal ex, he needs to stop. My mother is painting a horrible picture of me right now and if she doesn’t leave my house before whatever else she can twist up and spew, I’m going to lose it.
“Dinner was amazing, Cass, but I think it’s time for us to head out.” Cash pushes his chair back and stands. My dad reads the room and stands as well. Mom looks a little put off, but he tugs at her elbow and she reluctantly stands.
