AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“To be fair, I’ve dated some less than outstanding women,” I say, hoping to the playing field a bit.
“Oh, I know. I read all the good tabloids when I get my nails done,” Mikki says, leveling me with a steely gaze.
Now, it’s my turn to blush. My palms start to sweat.
“You pull any of that shit with my daughter, and I’ll—”
“Mom!” Stop! Also, how many times do I have to tell you, don’t believe everything you read on the internet! I wish you’d take that Internet safety class at the library.”
“I don’t need an internet safety class! I need to get this chili out of the crock pot. It’s been cooking all day. Are you vegan, Vince?”
“No, but I’ll eat just about anything.”
“I saw him eat a hotdog off the floor once,” Lyndsey adds.
“Five-second rule?” I say sheepishly.
“I mean, you work up an appetite playing shows,” Mikki says as she spoons chili into three bowls.
“Lynds, put some silverware out for me, will you?”
I follow Lyndsey into the kitchen; its airy and crowded by a round wooden table situated in the corner. There’s a bird feeder outside of the kitchen window. I can hear wind chimes whistling as well.
When I take a seat, I notice that Mikki has a miniature herb garden planted on the windowsill. This place is delightful. I go to many places on tour, but I rarely have the chance to eat a meal at someone’s house.
We talk as we eat, and I answer every single one of Mikki’s detailed questions about touring and the band.
“It’s still so wild to me that you’re sitting in my kitchen. It’s like one of my acid dreams came true.”
“When did you do acid?!” Lyndsey exclaims.
“When I was in college, don’t look at me like that! I was trying to expand my mind.”
“It will open up your consciousness,” I say.
“See, Vince knows what I’m talking about!”
The night progresses, and I realize that not only do I love Lyndsey, but I love her family. I could see myself bringing Mikki flowers during the holidays, and knowing she’d be there during Thanksgiving calms my nerves.
However, Lyndsey’s Dad is another story. Lyndsey doesn’t talk about him much, but from what I’ve gathered, their relationship is fine. Still, I doubt that I’m the kind of man he pictured his daughter bringing home.
“Now, Lynds, I talked to your dad, and he will be here for Thanksgiving with Cheryl.”
“Oh, fucking hell,” Lyndsey murmurs.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Cheryl’s a bitch,” Lyndsey explains.
“She’s an interesting woman,” Mikki says diplomatically.
“She’s only three years older than me, and she acts like she’s my mom! She only started dating him last summer. Plus, she’s a fitness influencer,” Lyndsey scrunches up her face. “She doesn’t believe in carbs. I have no idea what she sees in Dad.”
“Dollar signs,” Mikki says, grabbing our empty bowls.
“Now, I have vegan angel food cake for dessert. How does that sound?”
“Delightful.”
