“My parents want to meet yours, by the way. I forgot to mention it the other day. They want to do dinner. Their treat.”
“Do you think they’ll like my parents?” I turned to him. I knew as I said it how absurd the question was. The Whitlock’s were some of the friendliest, most welcoming people I’d ever met. He shot me a look that said just as much.
“Are you nervous about it? Why?”
“You’ve met them. They are… embarrassing.”
“How so? And really? You’re coming at me with that weak sauce? My parents are porn stars. I think I take embarrassing parents for the win on this one.”
I frowned. He had me there. I guess there was little I could argue to get out of this one.
“What if they get jealous about who loves Cara more?” I asked lamely, as my final attempt to get out of dinner. He rolled his eyes so far back in his head I swore they were brown for a second when they came back to look at me.
“I’ll call your dad myself if I have to and invite them. One night isn’t going to kill anyone. Plus, it’ll get my parents off my back.”
“Do they know who they are? Like, what they do for a living?”
“Do yours know about mine?”
“Well no. It’s not something that comes up in everyday conversation.”
“Well, be prepared because mine are about to make things really weird. I’ve seen it before.”
“Oh God, I don’t even want to imagine. Are you sure about this?” I asked, reaching for my cell phone off the end table. He nodded.
“Yeah, but we’ll probably be staying the night there. I plan to be very, very, drunk.”
* * *
Both of our parents happened to be free on a weekday in which we weren’t performing. Which was rare these days. We’d been getting gigs left and right. I wasn’t really that interested in spending my only night off with my in-laws and parents.
I was dreading it with every fiber of my being, but like Tate said, it was best to get it over and done with.
Gabby, Tate’s mother, called ahead of time to give me a rundown of the menu and what she’d be wearing. She didn’t want anyone to over or under dress.
“I was thinking cocktails in Shane’s lounge, then dinner outside on the deck. The weather is going to be perfect. I’ve got a gorgeous white and navy pencil dress that I want to wear. Do you have any requests for dinner?”
“No, you can serve anything.”
“Good because I’m thinking linguine and scallops. I’ve found some great wine to go with it too.”
“About that, my dad doesn’t drink. He’s sober.”
“Oh? Do you want me to not serve alcohol at all then?” Her concern was genuine with no hint of sarcasm or malice.
“No, it’s fine for everyone else. Just if he declines, that’s why. I’m sure we’d all love to avoid any uncomfortable moments like that.”
“Of course. Is that why you’re worried? Us making them uncomfortable? Tate has already warned us to be on our best behavior.”
“No, it’s not… yes, actually. But it’s my parents. They are… over the top sometimes.”
She giggled and I relaxed some. Sweet Gabby, she was unfazed by everything.
“Sweetie, you’re talking to the Queen of over the top. It’ll be fine. I’m excited. You’re the first woman Tate’s ever brought home, so we never got to do dinner with someone’s parents. It’s going to be so much fun!”
She hung up before I could protest and I was a little grateful for it. It was time for me to just suck it up and try to enjoy the evening. So, the night of dinner, I put on maroon velvet flared skirt and a black button up blouse and joined Tate and Cara at the Whitlock’s mansion.
I had matched Cara’s outfit to my own and Gabby squealed when she saw us. Tate placed his hand on my lower back comfortingly as we walked through to the lounge. I was surprised to find my parents already there, enjoying drinks and smoking with Shane, Tate’s dad.
