“So good to meet you, Max,” Mom said.
“Nice to meet you, Max. Can I get you a drink?”
“I’ll take a beer if you have, thanks, Ian.”
Dad walked over to the bar fridge and fetched two beers. He handed Max one.
“What will my lovely ladies have?” he asked Mom and me.
“White wine, thanks, my love.”
“Same here, thanks, Dad.”
“Wine it is. Chardonnay, okay?”
“Perfect, Mom answered, and I nodded.
I was still holding onto Max’s hand. I let go.
“It’s such balmy weather,” Mom said once she had her drink, “I thought it would be a good idea to dine outside on the patio.”
“That will be lovely, thanks, Mom.”
“Come Max. Let me show you the way,” Dad said and rested his hand on my lover’s shoulder.
“Lead the way,” Max replied.
“Angel, will you give me a hand in the kitchen, sweetheart?”
“Sure, Mom. We’ll meet you outside in a bit,” I said to Max and winked.
Max smiled at me. It was the kind of smile that could melt an iceberg.
“Sure.”
“Wow,” Mom said when she and I were alone. “He’s gorgeous. Nice one.”
“Mom!” I was sure I was blushing. I didn’t know why. I wasn’t a kid anymore.
“What? He is. And that accent. It’s no wonder you look at him like that.”
“Ugh. Is it that obvious?”
“Kinda.”
“I hope Dad isn’t giving him the third degree out there. You know how ‘Detective Columbo’ he gets.”
“Don’t worry, Angel. I think Dad realizes that you’re not in high school anymore,” Mom chuckled.
“One can only hope.”
“I take it you’re serious about Max. You haven’t introduced us to anyone in a very long time.”
“It’s true. I adore him. But, neither of us wants to rush it.”
“Is it awkward working together?”
“No. We keep it professional when we’re at the office.”