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“Of course, I am. I’m just surprised is all. A little heads up would have been nice.” I squeeze her hand lightly in assurance as I glare at Nick, who just shrugs. “He’s a great guy who has been pretty important in my life. You deserve nothing but the best, and Mark is right up there.”
“Thank you, Nate. I can’t tell you how relieved I am to hear this.” She squeezes my hand and uses her other hand to wipe away the single tear rolling down her cheek.
“Well, I’m glad that’s out of the way,” Nick says as he finally lowers the menu in his hands, which makes us all laugh.
My mom clears her throat and turns her attention back to Natalie. “Sorry for the family drama. We aren’t usually this exciting.”
“I don’t mind. It’s exactly how my family and I are.” She smiles.
My mom smiles back, looking favorably between Natalie and me. “Well, where were we? Oh yes. So, Natalie, how are your classes going?”
“They’re going really well. I’m just taking care of my general studies first. Then I’ll be focusing more on my major.”
“And what are you majoring in?”
“Well, right now, I’m entered as an English literature major. I’m hoping to start writing professionally after graduating, but I’ve been thinking of applying for a double major in business as well.” Natalie tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear before glancing at me, hopeful my mom will be pleased with her response.
I didn’t know Natalie was planning on double majoring, and I’m genuinely impressed. And from my mom’s expression, I can tell she is also just as impressed.
“Wow, that is quite remarkable,” my mom responds. “Nate, you failed to mention how accomplished Natalie is.” I can see Natalie’s cheeks flush from the compliment.
“Ok, ok. Nick, how’s everything going for you?” I ask my brother to take the spotlight away from Natalie. She rests her left hand beside my thigh, and I take her hand in mine, rubbing my thumb back and forth across her soft skin.
I know meeting your boyfriend’s mom can be a lot, but damn,my girlis killing it right now.
“Can’t complain. I made the varsity basketball team at school. We don’t start until November, but they wanted to get a head start in tryouts, so I’ve been practicing a lot.” He shrugs.
I can’t help but notice that he looks just like I did at that age.
“Man, that’s awesome!” I respond. “Congratulations! We’ll have to play one-on-one soon.”
“That would be great,” Nick replies.
The young waiter returns with a breadbasket and takes everyone’s orders. When he walks away, my mom turns her attention back to me. “So, Nate, you have a pretty big birthday coming up. Do you have any plans?”
“Umm.” I notice Natalie’s eyes widen, probably because I never mentioned my birthday to her, but I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. “Well, Brian was planning on throwing the usual Halloween party, but he has a football game that night, so it looks like Tim is going to throw it instead. Nothing too crazy.” I look over at Natalie, who has now removed her hand from mine.
What did I say?
“Well, maybe it’s a good thing Brian won’t be there this year. That boy has always been a handful, even for his own parents.” My mom has never been a fan of Brian, so I just roll my eyes and let her continue. “I know. I know. He’s your friend, so I’ll shut up about that, but promise me you and Natalie will stop by your aunt and uncle’s house first for a birthday dinner and cake with all of us. I know they would love to see you.” My mom takes a piece of bread and begins to butter it as she waits for my answer.
“Sure thing,” I respond. As long as I’m with Natalie on my birthday, that’s all that matters to me.
As my mom and brother begin discussing what kind of cake to get, I notice Natalie remains quiet. I put my hand on her thigh and rub it slowly back and forth, making sure no one else can see. In return, she places her hand on top of mine, intertwining our fingers, and looks at me with a little smile. For the rest of the dinner, that is where we keep our hands.
After we all eat more than our fair share of delicious Italian food, we get up from our seats and saunter out of the restaurant in a bit of a food coma.
“I’ll get the car from the valet,” Nick says as he runs off in that direction.
“I’ll go with you,” Natalie adds before catching up with him, giving my mom and me a chance to talk.
“Well, Nate, I really like her,” my mom says as we stand in the cold air, engulfed in the busy nightlife of Boston.
“I knew you would. She was nervous all week with the thought of meeting you.” I give a slight laugh.
“Well, she had absolutely nothing to be nervous about. She’s polite, friendly, accomplished, absolutely stunning, and you love her.” She looks at me as I raise my eyebrows in question. “I know these things, dear. I’m your mother.” She puts her arm through mine, and I shake my head laughing at how right she always is. “But there is something else I need to talk to you about, honey.” She looks at the ground, unsure how to begin, and then back up at me. “They still can’t find him.”
I instantly know who she is talking about and run my hand through my hair in frustration. “I don’t understand. There are only so many places he could be. How can they not find him?”
