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Alex waits until our breathing returns to somewhat normal and slowly pulls out, lowering me so my feet touch the floor.
I lean against the wall and say, “My legs feel so shaky.”
He kisses me briefly. “Have I made you forget about your worries?”
I laugh, pushing him away. I take a dollop of body wash, slowly lathering almost everywhere. I’m too sensitive to wash between my legs.
“Let me help you.” Alex turns me towards him.
I put my hands on his chest. “No, I’m too tender.”
He kisses my shoulder. “I’ll be gentle.” He slowly lathers my lower back with soap and moves in small circles until I’m thoroughly washed.
I move away from him and rinse. “We need to get dressed and come up with a strategy.”
Alex steps out of the shower and grabs a towel. “We don’t need a strategy to meet your parents. I imagine who we are is enough.”
I turn off the water when he leaves the bathroom. I know he is right. But my parents have never met him. We are engaged, and I’ve formally resigned from my teaching position. Their heads will be spinning. I don’t think they’ll embrace all of the change easily.
* * *
Standingin the lobby of Keen’s Steakhouse, I look up at Alex. “I’m not sure that they’ll love this place.”
He runs his fingers down my arms, catching my hands and squeezing. “Relax. This place has history. It opened in the 1800s and has always drawn in literary types and playwrights. It reminds me of boarding school. It’ll be right up their alley.”
I see my parents come through the front door. “They’re here.”
Alex holds one of my hands and turns to greet them. Extending his right hand, he greets my father first. “Peter, so lovely to meet you. I’m Alex.”
My father smiles and shakes his hand. “Likewise.”
“Emily. It’s easy to see where Immy gets her beauty.” Alex steps forward and kisses her on the cheek.
I hug both of them. I didn’t expect to feel so emotional.
My mother says, “We hear congratulations are in order.”
Alex smiles. “Let’s sit. I’ll order champagne.” He catches the attention of the maître d’.
Coming forward, the older man greets us and takes us to a table set for four. After we’re seated, he hands each of us a menu. “Your server this evening is Thomas. He’ll be over shortly.”
“Would you be so kind as to secure a bottle of champagne for us?”
“Of course, sir. Have you looked over the list?”
Alex scans the menu and says, “The 2008 Les Pavot, please.”
The man nods and walks towards the bar.
My father says, “You’ve known each other for two or three months.”
Alex takes my hand in his. “That is true.” Looking at me, he adds, “Neither one of us expected this to happen, to fall so deeply in love. We are in the process of arranging our lives so we fit together.”
My father adjusts his glasses. “I don’t understand why Imogen can’t teach for another year and plan the wedding here in New York. It would allow everyone to get used to the idea.”
My stomach hardens. “Dad, we didn’t invite you here for your opinion. We invited you to meet Alex before the wedding. I’m twenty-eight and more than capable of deciding what is best for my future. I do want us to stay close. And Alex wants that too.”
A server presents the champagne and pours everyone a glass before retreating.
