“Deena.”
“What about her?” His insides cringed. Everyone close to him seemed to be against a relationship with her.
“Do you see a future with her?”
He scratched his brow. “I don’t know. How could I possibly know so soon?”
“You might not, but chances are you already know if she’s not the one.”
“I get the feeling you don’t care for her.” His defenses rose, but he kept them at bay.
“Deena is a lovely lady, but I have concerns about her as a girlfriend for you.” The corners of Mom’s mouth tugged downward.
“Such as?” He had suspicions of where this conversation was leading, but he wanted to hear it from his mom, since he highly respected her opinion.
“The biggest one is that she’s admitted she doesn’t have a relationship with Christ.” She slicked her tongue over her lips. “You’ve always had a picture in mind of the woman you’d like to marry, and while that’s likely to change over time, this particular quality should be non-negotiable.”
“Dad wasn’t a Christian when you married him.” The words were still on his tongue, and he regretted them. He knew better, and his mother was right.
Hurt and disappointment etched into her face. “That’s true, but believe me, those early years weren’t easy. Only by God’s grace and mercy did your father come to Christ. Our marriage was blessed, but it’s not that way for all couples.”
“I’m sorry, Mom. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Promise me you’ll give it some thought.”
“Promise.” Mac shifted in his desk chair. “You said concerns, as in plural. What are the others?”
“Thanksgiving for example.” She held out a hand to stop his defense. “I’ve heard your explanation, but that doesn’t make her actions right. A relationship requires respect of both parties, and she lacks that. I don’t even begrudge her making the decision to go home, but she should have handled it better.”
“That’s how the younger generation communicates these days—electronically.”
Her mom stare surfaced. “You’re only two years older than Deena, and your manners are nothing like hers. You call, ask opinions, show consideration, none of which I’ve seen from Deena.”
“Anything else?” He almost hated to ask.
Mom pursed her lips. “I can’t put my finger on it, but this entire setup feels off. You’re my son, and you’re a great catch, but don’t you think it’s weird how quickly she latched on to you?”
He made a popping sound with his tongue. “My ego thanks you for keeping it in check.”
“I’m sorry, but if your mother can’t be honest with you, who can?”
“Phoebe,” he muttered under his breath.
She perked up. “Oh? What does Phoebe have to say about this?”
“Remember that night I got snowed in at the Graffs?”
“Yes.”
“Phoebe was stranded, too, and it happened to be the same day TEW broke the gossip about Deena and me.” He’d avoided Phoebe since, for reasons he didn’t want to admit.
“Did something happen between the two of you?”
He hated to dim his mother’s hopes. “We had a disagreement. She’s not a fan of Deena and thinks something is up.”
“I’ve always known she has a good head on her shoulders.” Mom smiled. “I’ll never understand why you and Phoebe have never dated. You’re perfect for each other.”
“We’ve been through this. Phoebe and I are friends.”
