Another lump lodges in my throat.What does he expect me to say?
“I’m sorry about your mother.”
June told them about my mother?My stomach plummets, and I turn back to the photographs lining the wall.I’ve been offered a thousand condolences after my mother’s death, but it’s never gotten easier.Never gotten less awkward or uncomfortable.
“It was a long time ago,” I reply, unsure what else to say.
“Sorry to hear about your father as well.”
My chin hits my chest.“Don’t be.He’s alive and well.”Unfortunately,I silently add.
“Why do you think I’m apologizing?”he quips.
What?
My gaze shoots to Gerald’s.One.All right, so Gerald and I share the same sense of humor.Did not see that coming.Also, I’m pleasantly surprised.And two, did June tell him about my father’s penchant for smacking me around every once in a while?Unease engulfs my gut, but I try to ignore it.She’s allowed to have a relationship with her father.One without boundaries or surface-level topics.And if she felt the need to reveal some of the less than savory aspects of my relationship with my own sperm donor, then I trust she had a good reason.Besides, not all fathers would use sensitive information for blackmail.Or at least, that’s what I’m told.The question is, where does that leave me?Do I deny it?Tell him every sob story in hopes of getting on his good side?
I glance toward the kitchen, willing June to get her ass back here and play the buffer role she’s supposed to.
“Don’t worry, I’m not here to corner ya,” he continues.“All I’m saying is, not everyone was raised in a home like June’s.I get it.But I want you to know you’re welcome here.And if you’re willing, we’d love to get to know you better.”Gerald slaps his hand on my shoulder.I force myself to stay in place instead of flinching.A flash of understanding takes over his expression, and he sighs.“You’re a good man, Ford.Don’t let anything or anyone make you believe any different.”
“Thanks,” I murmur.“And, uh, you’re a good guy, too.I appreciate all the hospitality even if I’m not great at showing it.”
“Nah, you’re doin’ just fine.”He moves closer and drops his voice low.“Meeting the future in-laws is always a little awkward, but give it time.I think we’ll grow on ya.”
Future in-laws?Did he really just say future in-laws?I mean, he’s probably not wrong.I’m in love with his daughter, but?—
“All right, who’s ready?”June interjects.
I nearly jump out of my own skin, too caught up in the idea of marrying June to hear her return.Recovering quickly, I ask, “Ready for what?”In her grasp is a battered box.The corner is scrunched, the color has faded, and a piece of the graphic has been ripped off entirely, only to reveal weathered cardboard instead.“A board game, huh?”
June gasps.“We love board games around here.”
“Sure do,” June’s dad interrupts.He reaches for the box in June’s arms, sets the game on the kitchen table, then pulls out a chair and sits down.“Have you ever played?”
Inspecting the title of the game, I shake my head, sitting down opposite him.“Not that I know of.”
“Well, you’re missing out.The goal of the game is to build a train track from one destination to another based on this card.”He lifts a small stack of cards.“Then, to build a track, gather the color cards that match the route you want to take.”He continues explaining what he’s referring to.
It doesn’t take long for me to catch on.Honestly, it’s pretty simple.Easy, even.And so is the conversation.Which is strange.Hell, part of me feels like I’ve been dropped off on an entirely different planet.But what’s strangest?It’s the ease with which they talk to each other.The tension in the air is missing, too.And by the end of the night, my nerves seem to settle a bit more.
Maybe I’m not the problem.Maybe it’s like Gerald said.Meeting your future in-laws is always a little awkward, but with enough time, the awkwardness will dissipate, and we’ll make it through this after all.
48
FORD
You’d think I’d be used to it after all of their hospitality over the weekend, and in a way, I am, but when we go to leave and June’s parents take turns giving me a hug, a foreign feeling spreads over me.It twists between my ribs and leaves me empty.
“And you, my dear Ford, are welcome back anytime,” Laurie announces.“Christmas, maybe?”
I smile back at her.“I’ll see what I can do.”
“That’s my boy.”
My boy.The same swell of sadness that’s hit more times than I can count over the weekend washes over me.I ignore it, offering a goodbye to Gerald before carrying our luggage and putting them in the trunk.
After June steals one more hug from her mom and dad, we climb into the car, and I pull onto the main road.
