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“Good. We will see you at six. Bring that boyfriend of yours too. I’d like to meet him.”
“I don’t have a boyfriend.” I lie and turn to face Andrew, who has materialized in the doorway. He raises an eyebrow.
“Nice try.” She scoffs. “I’ve heard all about that Hayes boy. I’ll see you both tonight.”
Before I can answer, the call disconnects. I guess it’s now or never.
* * *
I lean over and take a sip of my tea while I wait for my lunch. Andrew and I are grabbing a bite to eat before going to work on cleaning up his new building.
“So we were the talk of the Baptist Church this morning.” Andrew recalls with a laugh, leaning back in his chair. “It’s been a while since I’ve had that kind of problem.”
“I don’t know about ‘we’, but I apparently was.” I say, stirring my drink with my straw. “I mean, it’s fine. It’s not like it was the first time I’ve been the talk of the town. Not even since I’ve been back. You wouldn’t believe the rumors about my breakup.”
“Oh, I’ve heard them.” He laughs. “I can’t believe your ex is in prison for extortion. I thought this town taught you better than that.”
I laugh at his joke, but the look on his face tells me he isn’t joking. “Seriously?” I say with a groan.
“That’s only the most recent story.” He laughs. “There have been a few.”
“Man, that’s the downside to a small town, I guess. Everyone thinks everyone’s business is their business. And most of the time, there is no truth to any of it.”
“BINGO.” He points to me as our food is placed in front of us. “Luckily, I’ve never been seen as anything but an angel.”
I furrow my brows back at him. “What about that time you released a pig into the hallway of the High School for your Senior Prank?” I ask.
“How did you even know about that? I mean.. they never proved that was me.” He says, looking around the diner as though he’s making sure no one is eavesdropping.
“Or what about…” I start.
“Okay, that’s enough. Eat your food.” He laughs.
“Anyway, not only does my mom think I was in jail last night, we have now been summoned for dinner tonight. You can totally skip out on it if you want to. I’ll cover for you.” I say, stealing a fry from his plate.
“If you wanted fries, why did you order a salad?” he reaches for my hand as I grab another fry from his plate, dipping it into my ranch dressing.
“Because there is no salad in the world, or at least in Southeast Kansas, that is as good as a Grilled Chicken Salad at Red Maple. I just want a couple of fries.” I say, sticking out my bottom lip for effect.
He rolls my eyes. “Fine. I’ll share.” And he rotates his plate so I can reach them more easily.
“Want a bite of my salad?” I ask, holding up a forkful of lettuce.
“Gross.” He takes a huge bite of his burger. “You are eating my lunches lunch. Anyway, dinner tonight at your moms. I’ll be there.”
“You don’t have to do this, you know.” I say. “My parents are… a lot.”
“Listen, I told you. I’m in this for the long haul. I might as well meet them now and get it out of the way.” He says, reaching one arm across the table to squeeze my hand.
“You don’t know what you are in for, though.”
“We’ll see,” he winks, throwing a fry into his mouth.
* * *
We pull up to the curb in front of my parents’ house, and Andrew puts the truck in park. Anxiety is coursing through my veins for whatever reason. I’m almost thirty years old. How do my parents hold this much power over my relationship? It’s not like I’m going to end things if they don’t like him. But it would honestly make life so much better if they all could just get along. Especially since the two of us are already very intertwined.
“You ready for this?” I ask, turning towards him.
