“How about this one?”my dad suggested, pointing at a sleek white Alfa Romeo.
“Yeah, it looks nice,” I responded, hoping that was the answer he wanted.
“Nice?This is the latest model!Look at how incredible it is!”he exclaimed, admiring it as he walked around, scrutinizing every detail.He opened the door and gestured for me to sit in the driver's seat.I hesitated but wanted to please him, so I
climbed in.To my surprise, it felt comfortable, and the smell of new car leather brought back memories of Zane.As I lightly gripped the steering wheel, my mind drifted back to him.“So, what do you think?I spotted this beauty the other day and thought your mom would love it,” my dad said, beaming.
“Isn't it a bit pricey?”I questioned, knowing a new car would come with a significant cost.
“Well, I can make a down payment and finance the rest, paying in smaller monthly installments,” he replied, and I could see he had already made up his mind.
The whole process dragged on for what felt like forever, nearly an hour and a half of paperwork.We still had to wait a few days for financing approval and other details I didn't care to know.
On the way home, my dad seemed pleased, and we chatted about how excited Mom would be.Just as we drew closer to home, my phone buzzed with a text from Zane:
“Hey, dummy!Be ready tomorrow around 2 PM.I have something to show you.”
Once I read the message, I felt as if I were in a bubble, tuning out all external sounds.My dad continued to speak, but I couldn't hear him.Butterflies awoke and danced in my stomach, my heart pounded, and all I wanted was for tomorrow to arrive, as if nothing else mattered—not even what Marco had said.
I woke up early, unable to drift back to sleep.Seconds turned into minutes, and minutes stretched into hours; it felt like time had slowed to a crawl.I waited impatiently after tidying up my room, barely touching my lunch.
My mom was busy cleaning the house, while my dad was out organizing the garage—probably making room for the new car my mom didn't know about yet.I was on high alert, listening for every car that drove by, my heart racing until I finally heard one pull into the driveway.
I dashed downstairs, having already told my mom I was going out with Zane, but I didn't anticipate him ringing the doorbell.Before I could reach the door, my mom opened it first.
“Good afternoon, Mrs.Bernardi.I'm Zachary,” Zane said, standing on the doorstep.
“Pleasure to meet you; I'm Julia.Please come in,” my mom replied graciously.I could see her surprise; Zane was much taller than she expected, and his shoulders seemed broader.Then, my dad rushed in, curious about our guest.
“Hello, I'm Elio,” my dad said, extending his hand with a forced smile.Even he had to look up at Zane.
“Zachary.Nice to meet you, Mr.Bernardi,” Zane responded with a polite smile.It was odd to see him so composed and even a bit shy.
“So, what are you two up to tonight?”my dad inquired, and embarrassment flooded over me.I froze, eager to hear Zane’s answer.
“I'm planning to introduce Luna to my friends and spend some time chatting together.I thought we could grab some pizza for dinner,” Zane said, smiling at my parents for their approval.I secretly hoped he wasn't talking about theVipers.
“Would you like some coffee?”my mom offered, leading Zane toward the kitchen.
“Sure, I'd love that,” he replied, not even glancing my way.I was anxious, worried about the questions my parents might ask.If they only knew what he did, they would never allow this.I trailed behind them into the kitchen while my mom prepared coffee and my dad scrutinized Zane.I felt like I couldn't speak; I just wanted to run away.My anxiety consumed the air.
“So, Zachary, do you live nearby?”my mom asked.
“Actually, I'm currently staying in an apartment close to school, but we have a house in the countryside, about half an hour from here,” Zane said with a smile.
“Oh, interesting.And what do your parents do?”my mom continued, and I could tell Zane was regretting accepting the coffee invitation.
“My dad's a lawyer.My parents are separated; my mom lives in London with her new husband,” he said flatly.
“I'm sorry; I didn't mean to pry…” my mom apologized, sensing it was a sensitive topic.
“No need to apologize; it's fine,” Zane replied, as if he anticipated such questions.“I'm afraid we have to be on our way.Thank you for your hospitality,” Zane said as he stood up.My dad was still observing, not quite convinced about the guy his daughter was dating.I wasn't even sure what to call it; our situation was complicated and unclear.
“Luna, take your phone.Call me if anything happens,” my dad whispered, grabbing my arm.I nodded, feeling annoyed.
We got into his car, and as he started the engine, he turned to me.
“I'm sorry about that earlier, but I think it's important for your parents to get to know me,” he said, smiling.“I'm also sorry for leaving the other day without a word.That was wrong of me.Let's not make this complicated; let's just enjoy ourselves without overthinking it.”He glanced at me and then back at the road.I didn't know how to respond, so I simply nodded.
