“This could go so wrong,” I whisper before drawing air in through my nose, trying to slow my rapid breathing and the pounding of my heart.
Maybe it would be better if I passed out. All the attention would be on me and would possibly include a six-plus-hour trip to the emergency room. It’s better to derail the day than for it to end in disaster.
“They’re here,” Brax says as a car rumbles to a stop at the edge of the street in front of the bar. “Everyone loves us, Iris. Your parents will too.”
I tried to warn Brax about my parents, but he blew it off. Everyone around here loves his family, but that doesn’t mean my melba toast parents will feel the same.
I lift my head, and my eyes lock with my mother’s. I try to force my lips upward, but her gaze shifts to Brax, and my breath catches in my throat.
Here we go.
If I hold my breath long enough, maybe that ride to the emergency room will work. Anything to keepthe two sides from meeting, right? They’re oil and water, and neither should ever mix.
Mom has her hair pulled up into a tight twist and is wearing a high-collar shirt, because Lord forbid she should show even the smallest amount of cleavage. I wait for the look I’ve seen her give far too many people in my life.
But to my utter shock, her eyes soften as a smile spreads across her face. I blink a few times, thinking the lack of oxygen is messing with my vision.
Dad is the first one out of the car, with a hand up in greeting. “Hey, honey,” he says, sounding far sweeter than I ever remember him being in my entire life. Dad isn’t a mean guy, but he also isn’t overly mushy. He is just as uptight as Mom but rarely shows many emotions, even in the worst of times.
“Dad,” I say, but my voice rises at the end like I think his soul has been snatched up and the person inside his skin is someone else.
Dad jogs around the car, getting Mom’s door. “That was an easy ride,” he says as he waits for Mom to get out, and he takes her hand, helping her up onto the sidewalk.
Time seems to slow as they cross the few feet between the street and us. It feels like a movie, where they slow the film right before the big explosion to create a bigger impact and make it more jarring.
My entire body tightens as they stop in front of us. The fairy tale I’ve had in my head where both sides ofthe families get along and we live a beautiful life filled with everyone on holiday is about to go boom.
“Ma’am, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Brax says to my mother, smart to greet her first over my father.
Dad is the boss, but if Mom hates you, so does my father. He doesn’t have a backbone in that way. “Well, look at you,” Mom says in a soft, saccharine voice. “More handsome in person than your photo.”
My eyebrows furrow as she reaches for Brax to…hug him? My mom has never been a hug-strangers type of person. She barely shakes anyone’s hand.
“I see where Iris gets her pretty looks,” Brax says to her as he gives her a light hug back.
I almost roll my eyes, but whatever is happening here, I don’t want to be the one to derail it. My parents will do that all on their own.
“Oh, you’re a charmer,” Mom says as her gaze moves to me. “Why didn’t you tell me he’s such a charmer, Iris?”
I don’t answer. I don’t move. I stand there wondering where my mother is. Because whatever infected my father got her too.
The two people in front of me seem so nice and are completely opposite to the two beings who raised me.
“Honey,” Mom says with her arms open wide as she moves toward me.
Again, I don’t move or speak. I’m too shocked to do anything except exist. I’m barely breathing as shewraps her arms around me, giving me the biggest hug I’ve probably ever had in my life.
“It’s so good to see you. You’re looking well.”
“Thanks, Mom. You too,” I say, unsure of what else to tell her because she’s acting so weird.
“We’re excited to be here.” She pulls back and grabs my shoulders. “We couldn’t wait to meet the man who’s made you so happy.”
“We’re glad you came,” I lie.
If I could’ve gone my entire life without this day, I would’ve.
“So, this is their bar?” Mom asks. To my surprise, there’s no sneer on her face.
