Her Father had always been a stern man. James saved most of his smiles for successful business deals.
“It’s good to see you too, Dad.”
Autumn offered her warmest smile.
“Are we eating at your new place?” Her Mom asked.
“No, we’re actually going to have dinner at the bar I just helped design.”
“Oh, the big project you just finished?” James asked.
“That’s the one,” Autumn smiled proudly.
“You started dating the owner of the bar didn’t you?” Moira asked.
Autumn could feel a bead of sweat forming on the back of her neck.
“I did. But not until after the project was finished.”
Autumn sat up a little straighter in her seat. She was surprised when her Mom waved her off.
“You’ll get no judgements from us. Some of the most successful couples we know met doing business with each other.”
Autumn almost gave a sigh of relief. She’d been worried about how her parents would view her relationship with Quinn. She was grateful that the subject had been a non issue.
“Has your girlfriend been in business long or is the bar her first project?” James asked. His tone was casual, but Autumn knew better. There was always something underneath every question her Father asked.
“This is her first business,” Autumn answered honestly. She could see her parents exchange a look in the rearview.
“Okay, what was that?” Autumn blurted.
Her tone had come out far too harsh, she could tell by the way her Father sighed in the seat beside her.
“It’s nothing. Your Mother and I are concerned. Bars and restaurants are notoriously difficult businesses to make successful. With this being her first one that makes it even harder,” James answered.
“I’m sure it won’t be easy. But if anyone can do it, Quinn can,” Autumn smiled.
“You seem to have a lot of faith in this Quinn person,” Moira chuckled.
“I do,” Autumn answered simply.
They pulled up to the bar’s parking lot. A large foldable sign stood beside the entrance. In immaculate lettering it read closed for a special event. James frowned at the sign.
“We’re not the special event are we?”
“Of course you are. Quinn was very excited to meet you both,” Autumn smiled.
Her Mother offered a reassuring smile, though her Father still grimaced at the sign. He was going to be tough to win over Autumn knew. This was why she’d never bothered to bring any other women she’d dated around to meet her parents.
Her parents weren’t unaccepting of her being gay. In fact, Autumn coming out had been a non issue. However, they did want her to find a partner that was successful and financially independent. Anything less just wouldn’t be acceptable. Not to mention her definition of success was somewhat different from that of her parents. Was Quinn successful enough to gain their blessing? Autumn guessed she was about to find out.
She pushed open the bar doors and stepped inside. Autumn smiled, Quinn had set the main seating area up perfectly. She’d moved all the smaller tables to the lower level and left one long table. The table had place settings with nice silverware. There were floweres as centerpieces. All in all Autumn wasn’t sure she could have done a better job herself. Quinn stood beside the table, she wore a soft black dress shirt with white pleated pants. Autumn watched as Quinn’s eyes widened and her smile grew.
Quinn stepped forward to meet them. She extended her hand to James and then Moira shaking their hands. Then she pulled Autumn in for a tight yet respectful hug. Quinn had clearly known what she was talking about when she’d said she was good at meeting parents. Autumn was impressed. Her parents also seemed appreciative of Quinn’s efforts on their behalf. Autumn was sure she even saw her Father smile. Quinn gestured towards the table and they all took a seat. Her parents sat on one side of the table, while she and Quinn sat on the opposite side. Quinn placed a reassuring hand on Autumn’s knee. The subtle gesture sent a wave of warmth through Autumn, helping to calm her nerves.
Autumn watched in bemusement as her Father tried to make small talk. He’d always been the sort of man to cut straight to business. James Kinsport didn’t mince words or throw them around needlessly. So watching him ask Quinn about where she grew up and her what her family was like sent a tinge of appreciation through Autmn. Her parents were trying. She relaxed even the tiniest bit more. The food came and Autumnhad to hand it to Quinn everything looked immaculate. This could easily have been a five star restaurant. She could tell from their smiles that her parents were also having a good time.
“Quinn, tell me what made you want to open your own bar?” James asked.
