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However, after only two weeks, I was getting antsy. I was determined to make Cara mine in every sense possible. And while Lucy had to be left out of it until we were abundantly sure that things were sticking, there were other ways I could get close.
“So, your sister. Katie, right?” I asked softly as we washed the dishes together.
Cara had stayed late for dinner after her shift with Lucy; Lucy was already curled up in the den in front of the television, so we had the privacy of dishwashing to discussus. “Yes. What about her?”
“Well, you two are so close…” I focused on scrubbing a plate under the hot water, trying not to lose my nerve. “I think it’s important I meet her sooner than later, don’t you think?”
Cara laughed. “You want to meet my sister?”
“Yeah, I think she might have some insight as to why you’re such a weirdo.”
“Rude!” Cara flicked some water in my direction and I bristled, laughing.
“You know I’m kidding!”
We went back to our chore, heart pounding in my ears, waiting for Cara to acknowledge what I’d said. “Sure, you could meet Katie. She’s been dying to meet you. We could grab some dinner this weekend maybe.”
“Sure. Sure.” That was only the half of it, though. Of course I wanted Cara’s sister to like me. But her sister wasn’t the one who ultimately had a say in our relationship’s permanence at the end of the day. “And maybe your parents, too.”
This time Cara stopped and put down the bowl she’d been drying. “Um…”
“I know it’s sort of soon. Maybe a little fast. But if you’re comfortable, I’d like for them to know about me as soon as possible.” I wanted to avoid any surprises. When I met Lisbeth’s parents for the first time, we were already engaged. Worse, her parents didn’t know anything about me because she hadn’t even bothered to mention me to them.
One of the many red flags I had ignored.
Cara considered carefully for a moment before slowly nodding. “Alright. Family dinner’s Wednesday night.”
§
The dinner table was…quiet.
I might even have saidtenseif I wasn’t trying to be optimistic.
In the days leading up to dinner, Cara had prepped me on everything about her family. Both her parents had grown up on Long Island and still lived in the house she’d grown up in. Mom was a teacher and Dad was a landscaper. Katie was a business student and asked alotof questions. Her parents were very loving but always wanted to be in her business, and they would have no qualms about trying to be in mine, too.
While I normally took exception to nosy people, I would put up with most anything if it meant keeping Cara and her family happy.
I decided not to dwell on my nerves and instead think of all the positives. I picked out an outfit that was very presentable but not flashy, made sure to get a couple of nice bottles of wine, and arranged for a dessert to be sent over for after dinner from one of my favorite places in the city.
If things went awry, it wouldn’t be because of me.
However, from the moment I stepped foot in the Smith house, it seemed our meeting was doomed.
Katie was the first to greet us. She was taller than Cara and clearly had her finger on the pulse of major fashion trends. She wore a cashmere sweater set and had acrylic nails and extensions that made her look flashy and ready to tear a boardroom apart. It was hard to believe she was Cara’syoungersister until she opened her mouth.
“Mr.Taves! I’ve been obsessed with you since your interview withVanity Fair. I had it posted on the inside of my locker in middle school.”
Damn, I’m old.
“Please, call me Wesley.”
Katie grinned. “Wesley. Well, since we’re basically family, I think we can afford a hug.”
I looked askance to Cara. I had never been a hugger on a first meeting, but again, I would do anything to make sure I was endeared to her family. And Katie wanted a hug, so I let her throw her skinny arms around my neck while I patted her back awkwardly.
“Wesley, this is my mom, Linda, and my dad, Stan.”
Linda and Stan as a married couple sounded like they would be dear and sweet. But from the cold, thin smiles they gave me, they were anything but.
