My heart slammed into my ribs.
“But I kept my word and didn’t tell them who you are.”
That stopped my panic attack, but only barely.
“They’re friends with a few people who were there, though.”
I wasn’t ready for his parents to know who I was, but if I were honest with myself, I doubted I’d ever be ready.It didn’t take a genius to figure out how they’d react to me.
I could feel him glancing at me as I looked down.
“What are you thinking?”he asked.
“That you probably should tell them who I am before they hear it from someone else so they have time to process.”And time to tell him he was insane for wanting more than a fling with me.
“You think they’re not going to like you, don’t you?You’re wrong.They’re going to love you, Sophia.”
I didn’t say anything, and the silence grew as he drove us out of the downtown area and into the suburbs.He pulled over on a random street and leaned over suddenly to capture my face in his hands.
“Tell me what you’re worried about so we can fix it.”
“Your parents are going to view me the same way everyone else did at that party.A social climber who’s just after your money.Someone unworthy of the great Mr.Steele.”
He kissed my forehead and sat back to pull out his phone.He sent a text.Waited.Smiled as he read something.Then sent another one before showing me his phone.
(Konni):Would you like to meet Sophia?
Smother:What mother wouldn’t want to meet the woman her son found?I’ll be waiting for her at the Patisserie tomorrow at noon.
(Konni):I’ll make sure she’s there.
“See?She wants to meet you?Please say you’ll go.”
I could hear the hope in his voice and wanted to shake him.Was he blind, or was his mom usually that coolly assessing?
“Shouldn’t we just date for a while first?”
“Please meet her, Sophia.”
“Fine.”
Wasn’t it better to let this die naturally before it got more serious anyway?
“What’s her real name?”
“Kah-yah, spelled K-A-Y-A.Smother is a joke because she complains I don’t call or go home enough.And don’t worry about tomorrow.I’ll go with you.”
I didn’t say anything, and he pulled back onto the road.
Tomorrow, I’d meet with his mom alone to get an honest reaction.
When Konni parked in my driveway, I realized what I’d forgotten.
“My car is still at work.”
“Don’t worry about it,” he said, turning off the engine.“I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning.”
He got out and opened my door for me.
