The moment of truth is here, and I'm not ready to meet the parents.
I'm scared to death to be introduced to Aurei's parents.My heart races, and my palms get sweaty.The label whore echoes around and around in my head.
What kind of impression did my dancing just make?Was I too erotic?I don't know.I wasn't paying attention!Are they going to like me or not?Sweet Zeus!Hurry Aurei!I don't want to do this alone!
I remember Ann and Bob's text that Zita was pissed about me, but I also remember her text, and it didn't sound too pissed.But I remember Mia screaming into the phone too.
Zita doesn't look like a screamer either.She looks quiet and beautiful.Her eyes are the same soft brown as Antonio's.Carmel color.Her olive skin is flawless.She carries herself with excellent posture, and I see where Aurei gets his fluid motion from.She is elegant and graceful.
My attention turns to Bob.He strolls alongside Zita as if he doesn't have a care in the world, but I notice his eyes have the same hawkish alertness that Aurei's have.
Maybe it's the military influence, or maybe it's just who they are, but either way, nothing gets by him.He observes everything, and he is in silent command of everyone around him while appearing to be uninvolved.
Aurei reaches me before they do and says as he puts his arm protectively around me."Relax, Baby Thang.I got this.I got you."
I look up to see him smiling sweetly down on me, and my heart hurts from loving him so much.
"You look like you are about to run away.Smile.Remember, they love me and want me to be happy.And you make me happy."
I take a deep breath and smile up into his face.
"That's better," he grins.
"I love you," I whisper up to him.
He grins at his parents but whispers back, "I love you too."Then out loud, "Zita, Bob, I want you to meet Siri Wright.Siri, this is my Dad, Bob."
Bob extends his hand."Welcome, Siri.We are pleased you are here with Aurei and honored to meet you."
I shake his hand."The honor is mine, Sir."
He takes a step back and looks at his son.He gives him a little wink.
Aurei introduces me to his mother."Siri, this is my Mom, Zita."
I look at her and find her eyes are narrowed.She is studying me with a perplexed look on her face.Then she looks at Aurei and says, "Siri Wright?Why didn't you tell me?How long have you two been seeing each other behind our backs?"
"Ma'am?"He asks, completely taken aback.
She looks at me and asks, "Does Carrie know, or did you keep it a secret from your Mother too?"She cuts her eyes at Aurei.
My mouth falls open, and I look at Aurei too, who looks as stunned as I am.We share a 'What The Fuck' moment, and then we both look back at Zita while Bob chuckles.
Zita opens her arms to me."I play tennis with your mother.If she knew and didn't tell me…."She shakes her head.I step into her arms, and she gives me a sweet hug."How is she?I haven't seen her since the accident."
"She's good as new.She and Daddy are on a sailing trip around the Virgin Islands this summer."
She releases me then hugs her son.Play slapping him, first."Now it all makes sense.Why you kept going out to Vegas instead of visiting us.You were flying out to see Siri."
"Busted."His eyes crinkle, and he cuts them at me.I smirk at the real truth, and my eyes twinkle into his."I can't wait to hear how you two met.Isn't it funny how small the world is?"
Bob steps up and takes Zita by the hand."Marco should have lunch ready by now, Zita.Let's go in, and we can get acquainted while we eat."
She grins at me."He takes good care of me."
"I can see that."I smile as they walk away.
"See, I told you so.Nothing to worry about."Aurei scoops me off my feet.Zita looks back at us and smiles as big and beautiful as her son.
