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“Are we going to be able to actually talk to you this time or are you going to storm off like you did in high school?” he asked, his solemn voice vibrating through my ears.
“I may have overreacted a bit last time, I’m sorry, Pops.”
“Make sure you tell your mother that. You know we love Milo, but if you brought him just so we wouldn’t bring up you getting back on your feet—”
“No, Dad,” I interrupted. “I invited him because you always tell me to. I’m happy to report that I have sent out a few resumes this past week. I’m trying.”
He gave me a single nod, his lips tugging at the corners. “No Home Depot?”
I chuckled. “No, Dad. A few law firms and startups, data entry. Gotta take baby steps, right?”
“Milo was just telling me Ophelia is back in town.” My mom’s voice rang through the room as she and Milo finally sauntered into the kitchen. “Have you been seeing her again? It’s been so long, and we always loved her.”
It was true, they did. When I first brought her home to meet them, it was love at first sight. She came to all the family functions and she and my mom would talk about anything and everything. She fit right in, not only capturing my heart but theirs as well. I told my parents about my plan to propose before I popped the question. They wanted me to use my grandmother’s ring, but I declined, not knowing what Ophelia would say or do. In hindsight, it was a good thing I didn’t take it.
“Um. . .” I began.
“They have been planning the bachelor party together,” Milo answered for me, taking his seat and reaching for the cup of water that already sat on the table. “But she’s been busy, hard to get a hold of.”
“I’m sure she wouldn’t mind some company while she worked,” my dad chimed in. “She’s in fashion design, right?”
“Yes, sir.” Milo nodded.
“I think I’ve seen her on Instagram.” My mom sighed, bringing more food to the table. I instantly reached for a roll.
“You have an Instagram?” I asked, looking up at her as she sat down.
She tilted her head and smiled. “Your cousins are on there, and I like to see their families. Ophelia may have shown up a time or two. I’d always hoped you would get your head out of your ass long enough to figure out you messed up.”
“Mom. . .” I grumbled.
“She was the best thing in your life, and then you let her go.” She pursed her lips and shook her head, not having to finish the thought.
I gave a slight nod, agreeing with her.
“We’ve been keeping our distance,” I finally admitted.
“He made her mad,” Milo added, a mouth full of bread.
I tilted my body and glared at him.
“What did you do?” My mom asked, her head tilting in my direction.
Milo took the lead and answered. “We all went out one night while Elliot was performing. He sang this amazing romantic song, and Clay here decided to dance with the other bridesmaid.”
“She asked,” I added under my breath, defending myself.
“Clay left the house? Willingly? To go to out?” my dad asked, his fork floating in the air.
“I go out.”
“More so lately than before.” Milo turned to meet my gaze. “Baby steps.”
“I want to know why you danced with the other bridesmaid and not your soul mate.” My mom’s eyes were heavy on me, giving me the full-on mom glare. I raised my eyebrows and had to fight the urge not to go to my bedroom in shame. I was over thirty years old, and she still had that effect.
“Jamie asked,” I said sheepishly. “And then I told her I still. . .” I stopped, taking a sigh. Jamie was the only other person besides Milo and Madeline that I told I was still head over heels for Ophelia. I had a hard time getting it out as we danced, but thankfully she was understanding, telling me to take a risk and ask her to dance. But just one look at Ophelia told me she would have said no. “I told her I was still going through some things and needed to not add a girl in the mix,” I lied.
My mom’s eyes narrowed, and everyone suddenly looked at me. Milo, my dad, my mom. They all peered into my brain, picking apart the lie until they finally accepted it.
