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He gently removes the two small, silver hoops from the box and works them into his ears, looking at himself in the mirror. “Jörmungandr! Like the tattoo around your wrist.” His eyes sparkle. “It’s been a while since I’ve worn earrings in front of my mother.”
“I noticed the piercings, and I figured I’d take a chance that you still wore them. I haven’t seen you wear any, though.”
He nods. “My mother hates my pierced ears. She thinks it’s unprofessional.”
I squeeze him again. “I think you look very professional… but maybe with a bad-boy streak. It’s very sexy.” I kiss his neck. “I’m not going to be able to keep my hands to myself.”
“It was my one act of youthful rebellion. Well, other than moving to the U.S.” He leans against me. “I love them. They are gorgeous.” Shaking his head from side to side, he watches them in the mirror. “I love how they catch the light.” He turns and presses his lips to mine, and all my nerves settle with that one kiss. “Thank you,mon chéri.”
“You’re welcome.” I kiss the tip of his nose. “Now I think we’re ready.”
We opt to take the car, and the drive to the restaurant is quiet. I want to be confident and unworried, but Jocelin’s mother definitely doesn’t think I’m good enough for her son, and I wish that didn’t hurt as much as it does. I take comfort in the firm grip of Jocelin’s hand in mine and his reassuring smile. “Gunnar, it won’t change anything if it doesn’t go well. My parents will leave in a few days, and our lives will go back to being what they were before they arrived.”
I don’t disagree. I’ve actually considered the same thing. But if he’s thinking it too, then things are worse than I imagined. “Absolutely. No big deal.” It feels like a big deal, though, and I can’t seem to figure out how to change that. I pull up in front of the restaurant, and the valet opens our doors. Handing over my keys, I meet Jocelin on the other side of the car and take his offered hand. “Ready?” He nods, and we walk into the restaurant, our bodies close as we approach the maître d’.
“Good evening sirs. How may I help you?”
Jocelin squeezes my hand. “I believe there is a reservation for four under Allard.”
The maître d’ nods and gestures into the dining room. “Very good, sirs. The rest of your party is already seated. Please follow me, and I’ll take you to your table.”
As predicted, Jocelin’s parents chose the most exclusive restaurant in the city.Le Grand Jeuis known for excellent French cuisine, expensive wines, and tasteful decor. At least tonight I don’t have to worry about food so spicy I’ll sweat through my suit.
The maître d’ escorts us to the table, where Guillaume and Livia are enjoying cocktails. It might be my nerves or the seed of what Jocelin planted in my mind earlier, but it certainly feels like they’re appraising my outfit. I’m now very grateful Jocelin insisted we go through the hassle of buying and tailoring a new suit.
As we approach the table, Guillaume stands, pulling Jocelin into a hug, kissing his temple in another unexpected gesture of true affection. Jocelin smiles and moves around the table to Livia, leaning down to kiss her on both cheeks. “Good evening,maman. You look lovely.”
Disapproval radiates from her as her gaze locks on his earlobes. “Earrings,mon chou?”
Jocelin winks at me. “Gunnar got them for me. Aren’t they beautiful?”
Livia purses her lips, and her voice drips with sarcasm. “Charmant.”
I step forward, extending my hand to Guillaume. “Mr. Allard, good evening.” His grip is firm but not overpowering, and he offers me a smile that seems genuine. I had expected a crushing grip and a glare, but I’m pleasantly surprised. I greet Livia, who presents her hand. Taking it, I bend forward to kiss her knuckles. “Mrs. Allard, you are radiant this evening.” A quick flash of surprise crosses her otherwise inscrutable face, and I mentally flip her off for her snobby assumptions. Jocelin takes the seat directly to Livia’s right, briefly squeezing my hand under the table as I settle into the chair next to him.
Our waiter appears with menus, and describes the specials, then disappears into the background. With a smile, Guillaume hands me the wine list. “Gunnar, would you pick something for us? Red or white, doesn’t matter which.” I briefly review the selections, wondering if this is a test of some kind, or if it’s Guillaume’s way of including me. Thankfully, I’ve picked up a few things from Tadhg and Quinn. At least enough to make this choice simple.
“How was your shopping trip,maman?” Livia responds to Jocelin with innocuous comments about adequate food options and missing brands from home.
When the waiter appears, I hand him the wine list. “We’ll have the Celestial Cabernet Sauvignon from Jupiter Winery.” I catch Jocelin’s smirk from the corner of my eye and fight the urge to wink.
“Very good, sir. An excellent choice. The sommelier will be by shortly with your wine.” The waiter drifts off to retrieve the bottle.
Guillaume nods his approval. “I’ve heard excellent things about Jupiter Winery. And cabernet is one of my favorites. I look forward to tasting it.”
Livia turns to me, ignoring her menu. “Gunnar, what is it you do?”
I smirk and consider telling her I’m a bike mechanic just to watch her lose her shit, but for Jocelin’s sake, I want her acceptance, so I need to behave. “I’m an architect, ma’am.”
“And who do you work for?” I don’t know if it’s the suit or her attitude, but this feels very much like a job interview for a position I’m not qualified for, and everyone knows it.
Jocelin glares at her. “Maman!”
I take his hand and squeeze, but my eyes never leave Livia’s. “Nah, it’s fine Joce.” Grinning, I watch her twitch at the nickname. “I work for MRB Concepts. It’s a local architectural firm, owned by Tadhg Byrne, Quinn MacDougall, and Tom Randall. They focus on high-end single family homes and properties.” I turn my attention to Guillaume. “They actually designed the facilities at Jupiter Winery. Quinn’s brother is one of the owners.”
Livia cuts off any answer her husband might have made. “I’ve never heard of them.”
“And do you know the names of many architectural firms,maman?” Jocelin’s voice is tinged with annoyance. “Tadhg actually designed the master bath in the loft. He’s had many articles written about him and has a stellar reputation. MRB is a sought-after firm, and Tadhg has told me personally that they are thrilled to have Gunnar working with them.”
