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I press send, then look down at my message in horror. Why do I have zero chill? My stomach sinks when I see the three dots indicating he’s typing appear, then disappear, twice. I’m already scaring him away.Way to go, Mona.
Max: I’ve always felt like I could go either way. I love my family, and the idea of having my own always appealed to me. But I also know that not everyone wants kids, and they’re an enormous, life-changing commitment, so I’m willing to defer to my partner. I hope that’s not too much of a non-answer. If I had to choose one way or another, yes. I’d like to have a kid. Not four, though! I have no idea how my parents did that.
Max: Do you want kids?
My chest tightens as I read his answer.
Mona: Yes. I just figured I’d never end up with something serious enough to entertain the idea for real.
Mona: Sorry for the random question. I realized we haven’t talked about some of the important relationship-y things yet. Too busy letting you fuck my brains out to ask about kids and exes.
Max: You can ask me anything, Mona. Do you want to know about my exes? Because other than a few short-lived, ill-advised flings, I don’t have much in that department.
Mona: Really? But you’re so charming and handsome. I assumed people would be desperate to lock that shit down.
Max: Nope. There was one point where I thought I’d found something that could be more, but…yeah, it didn’t work out like I thought it would.
It’s easy to sense the pain behind those words. A creeping worry that he might not be over them rises inside me, but I feel weird prying.
Mona: I’m sorry, that’s awful.
Max: I’m not. It’s why I left home and came to Moonvale. Without that mistake, I’d never have met you. And I’m really fucking glad I met you, Mona.
Mona: I’m glad you did, too.
Max: What about you? Any exes I need to “take care of”?
Mona: Hah, no. They’re not worth the effort.
Max: Good. I wouldn’t do well in jail.
Mona: Yeah, you’re way too pretty.
Max: Speaking of way too pretty, I think my sister Samantha might be in love with you. Maggie dug up some photos of you—without my blessing. Just a warning for this weekend.
I’m nervous about meeting his family, but hearing that sets me a little more at ease. I’m still worried they’ll think I’m not good enough for Max, but I refuse to let those insecurities ruin my chance to make a good impression.
Mona: Oh? Good to know I have a backup option in case you don’t work out.
Max: No way in hell that’s happening. You’re mine.
It’s all too easy to imagine him growling that as he pins me to the bed.
Mona: Yes, sir.
32
Mona fidgets with the hem of her dress, rolling the soft cotton fabric between her fingers as we pull up to the brick front townhouse where my parents live. I’m surprised that Dad isn’t lurking out on the stoop, waiting to be the first one to catch a glimpse of her when we arrive.
She got progressively more nervous the closer we got to the city. My attempts to distract her with embarrassing stories from my childhood only helped for so long. Even singing along with the pop divas mix I made for the drive after she mentioned her unabashed love of Britney Spears wasn’t enough to quell her anxiety when we pulled off the highway and made our way into the city.
I reach out and take her hand in mine, squeezing it once, then bring it to my lips to press a kiss to the back of her hand. “Have I told you how beautiful you look in that dress yet?” I say, letting my eyes rake over the buttery yellow sundress that hugs her curves in a subtle but enticing way.
She shakes her head at me with a smile. “Maybe once or twice.” Her smile falters as I put the car in park and turn off the engine. She stares out the window at my parents’ house like she’s about to face down a dragon rather than meet my family.
I tap her on the shoulder, and she looks at me with a start. “We don’t have to stay long. Or I can cancel and we can go get lunch somewhere instead, just the two of us. They’ll understand.”
Mona looks surprised at my words and she shakes her head again. “I’ll be okay. I’ve just never met a partner’s family before. You promise they won’t hate me?”
