My mouth drops. “What? Why?”
“Dad, Mom, he’s a good guy,” Jason says. “And I think he’s the perfect boyfriend for Artemis.”
I give my brother a grateful smile. Not that it does any good. My parents are still shaking their heads.
“What’s wrong with him?” I demand.
Dad clasps his hands in front of him. “Ryan has been through a lot and we don’t think you’re ready or mature enough to handle such a relationship.”
I throw my hands up. “He told me about his parents and the fire. I know all about the pain he’s been through. He even told me I’ve helped him get through it.”
They continue shaking their heads. “We just don’t think it’s a good idea. Ryan needs to work on his problems.”
I shoot to my feet. “No way. For years I stood by and let you chase all the boys away. But I’m not standing by this time. Ryan is a great person and he’s an amazing boyfriend. He’s so strong, and caring, and he’s got a huge heart.” I cross my arms over my chest. “And I love him. There. I said it. I love him. And I’m not going to let you take away the only happiness I have in my life.”
Mom, Dad, and Jason blink at me. Yeah, I said the L word. And I meant it.
I plop back down and poke at my rice.
The table is dead silent, except for Jason scraping his peas off his plate.
“All right,” Dad says after a little while. “We see this boy means a lot to you. We’ll let you date him.”
I gape at him. “W…what?”
Mom holds up a finger. “But we have some conditions.”
Dad sits forward. “We want to invite Ryan and his grandmother over for dinner tomorrow night so we can get to know him.”
“Okay.”
“And we want to talk to him often. We want to be in the loop of where you’re going and what you’re doing.”
“Fine. Is that it?”
They look at one another. “Be responsible,” they both say.
I roll my eyes. I can totally do that. “Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.” I’m on my feet andgive them each a hug. “You’re going to love Ryan.”
Mom smiles. “He seems like a nice boy.”
“He’s the best!”
***
Ryan and his grandmother are totally down to having dinner with us. And even after I tell him he’ll be scrutinized like he’s under a microscope, he tells me he doesn’t mind.
Both grandmother and grandson are dressed in their finest as they walk into our kitchen, Ryan holding a bottle of wine.
The table is set immaculately, like royals are dining here. We settle down and talk like we’re one big happy family. Ryan offers to help Mom with dinner and I know he’s not trying too hard. He’s genuinely being his kind, awesome self.
I see Mom and Dad are pleased with him. They ask him about his grades and he’s honest with them, telling them things have been rough on him, but he hopes to get his grades up. And he also tells them he’s thinking of having a career in art.
After all that’s done, Ryan and I sneak up to my room while the adults talk in the living room. We climb on my bed and Ryan pulls me close to his chest, resting his chin on my head.
“Sorry about all of that,” I say.
He shakes his head. “I don’t mind it.”
