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Rhomi giggled. Her dad actually liked some romance movies, but he liked them better when there was lots of action.
“Tell us about your job,” her mom said.
Rhomi launched into her new job, and then smoothly brought up Mercer so her parents could ask him questions and get to know him. After dinner, her mom put on a romance movie for them to all watch, one with action and explosives, and brought out cookies. While they didn’t stay for the whole movie, Rhomi really loved spending time with them.
Her mom kissed her cheek and gave her a hug. “We’re not going that far.”
“I know, it’s just weird. You’ve lived in New Jersey your whole life.”
“True, but this is our adventure now. You’ve got your own adventure with Mercer at the park. I’m sorry Dad and I weren’t super supportive of the job when you first told us. It was just a shock.”
“It’s okay, I know you want the best for me.”
“I’m glad you’re independent and finding your own way, even though a part of me still worries when you’re not nearby. I think I always will worry.” Her mom got a sad look in her eyes, but she chased it away and smiled, tucking a lock of hair behind Rhomi’s ear. “You’ve got Mercer to watch out for you now.”
She stared at her mom while Mercer spoke to her dad, then smiled. “I’m really happy.”
“He’s a sweet fellow; I think you’ve got a good one.”
“Me too.”
“Are you still going to volunteer at the shelter tomorrow?”
Rhomi put on her coat and handed Mercer his when he joined them.
“Yeah, I feel bad because I just started helping out there after I lost my job and I’m already giving them my notice that I won’t be back after this weekend. The director said they got a bunch of animals tonight.”
“I said I’d go along to help,” Mercer said. “I’ve never been to an animal shelter before.”
“We’ve gotten a few pets over the years at shelters,” her mom said. “They’re always full of sweet babies that need homes.”
“Do not under any circumstances bring a cat over here for your mom,” her dad said. “We can’t get a pet right now while we’re moving.”
Her mom tilted her head slightly, and Rhomi nodded.
She knew that was the signal from her mom that if she found a cat that was the sort her mom was looking to get as her next pet, then she was supposed to grab it and bring it over. Her mom liked tabby cats since she’d grown up with one.
“I promise, Dad.”
“No, you don’t, I saw that look.”
“Uh oh, Dad’s gone delusional,” Rhomi said.
“I’m not going crazy!” he said, then he laughed. “Take care, you two. See you soon. No pets.”
Rhomi and Mercer said goodbye and walked out of the house. Her dad yelled once more, “No pets, Rhomi Marie.”
“I heard you, Dad!” she called over her shoulder. “He used my middle name. He’s serious.”
Mercer laughed. “They’re pretty cool.”
“They are. I’m glad you got to meet them.”
“We’ll take trips to visit them in Philly. There’s a great cheesesteak place downtown.”
“I’d love that.”
“So tell me about the animal shelter. What should I expect?”
