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I make sure to pick up some presents for her parents, picking out a beautiful bouquet of multicolored flowers for Jada’s mother. I grab a bottle of red wine for her father. I had asked ahead of time about his favorite wine, and I find the brand, Duckhorn Merlot.
It’s not a cheap trip to the store, but if it means Florence and Bruce end up liking me, then spending money on these gifts will be worth it. I can afford it, and who doesn’t want to know their girlfriend’s fake boyfriend is at least rich?
When I get to the front door of her parents’ house, I straighten my pressed shirt, loosen my collar, and take a deep breath.
You can do this, Carter.
I ring the doorbell, standing back. Jada comes to the door to let me in, beaming at my presence, but I can see she’s a little nervous, too.
“Hi,” I whisper.
“Hi.”
We don’t have a chance to say more before Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus both show up at the door, too.
We all exchange pleasantries, and I hand over the wine and flowers. Her parents both say thank you, but I can tell they’re skeptical about meeting me tonight.
“You have a beautiful home,” I compliment, though all I’m able to see is the doorway and half of the kitchen.
Bruce nods, but no words are exchanged. Jada quickly looks back and forth between us, and I act fast.
“I just want to say, you have raised an amazing woman. She’s so kind and clever, and I’m so glad to have met her.” I believe the words I’m saying, but I’m still hoping this starts us off on the right foot.
However, the family still says nothing, just eying me suspiciously.
I can tell this will be a long night.
We all sit down to dinner a short time later, lasagna and salad prepared by Florence, and I sit next to Jada at the table. We talk about the little things, like my pharmaceutical job and how I got into the field. The Cyrus’ are polite, and the questions they ask are simple, but I can feel the air supply being cut off.
When no one says something, especially for a few minutes, I feel the awkward silence creeping into my skin. Her parents clearly don’t know what to think of me. I wonder if I’m the first white guy she’s brought home. I didn’t think to ask her about that. They probably don’t think I’m good enough yet for their little girl. But how do I show them that?
I have got to find a way to turn this around. Obviously, my charm isn’t doing anything to win them over, so I switch to a new tactic.
I look at Jada before turning to Florence. “I love your name, Mrs. Cyrus. It reminds me of Italy, the beautiful landscapes and food and wine. Have you ever been out there? I hear it’s wonderful this time of year.”
I see her lift her eyebrow, but Florence answers. “I haven’t been since I was a girl. My parents had a love for Italy. I’d love to go again, but travel is so difficult these days.”
I nod my head, putting on a smile. There it is. I found my in.
“And Mr. Cyrus, how did you meet your wife? I mean, all these years together and you’ve created this incredible family and home. Not to mention raising your impeccable daughter.”
Bruce sits up, obviously not expecting to have to answer. “We met at church actually. It’s something Florence and I both believe is best for our lives. To spend time thanking God for the life he’s gifted us.”
So that’s what it is. I gaze over at Jada and under the table, I take her hand, just in case her parents are able to see it.
“I can tell you brought up Jada to be proud of the life she’s been given. I mean, what with the way she lights up a room. I’m so curious, what was she like as a child? She won’t ever tell me any stories, always saying she’s embarrassed.”
I see the faintest smile cross Florence’s face, and she begins to tell me about how as a child, Jada had trouble with her R’s. Her best friend’s name is Raven, so she would go around saying “Aven, Aven!” It makes me laugh.
Jada starts to interject, laughing herself. She begins to chat about how she and her mom went to New York to see a play together, and I can’t help but smile at how excited she is as she speaks.
I find myself watching her, and the rest of the family begins to thaw around me. By dessert we’re all laughing together over a story that Bruce has told us, and I can tell that in a short time I’ve managed to win them over. I compliment them once again on the food, and this time Florence smiles sincerely, thanking me for the kind compliment.
When we all make our way back to the door for Jada and I to take our leave, it’s clear that they don’t see me as some stranger unworthy of their daughter’s heart.
I’ve won them over, and it brings a smile to my face as I’m still holding her hand.
“You’ll have to come with me for a round of golf now, Carter,” Bruce says, clapping me on my back. “I wanna see if you can beat your woman’s old man.”
