“I didn’t know they were coming.”
“Hi, I’m Meredith, and this is Tommy. Ella’s parents. Who are you?” my mom asked as her hand reached out.
He looked at me and replied, “Her boyfriend.”
My mom and dad’s eyes widened.
“Boyfriend?” my mom said, puzzled. “We weren’t aware that you had a boyfriend.”
“Well, I don’t tell you everything. I’m an adult,” I stammered.
I started talking to my dad, trying to help Alexander feel less awkward. We had been together for almost three months, and I didn’t know if he was ready to meet my parents.
“How have you been, Dad?” I asked as I gave him a hug.
My dad wasn’t looking so good. My parents didn’t exactly get along these days, but they wanted to stay together because they had been through basically their entire lives together. Who was I to judge them for that?
“I’m doing all right. I’m old. That counts for something,” he said as he smiled.
Something just didn’t seem right. There was something he wasn’t telling me.
“So, what is it you do?” Mom asked Alexander.
“I own ACE Publishing and some other companies.”
“Well, aren’t you a smart one,” she replied.
I could tell my mom thought he was too good for me. She couldn’t hide anything. It was written all over her face.
“I would love for you guys to be able to stay for a while, but we have plans tonight.” My parents headed to the door as I rushed them out. “Okay, I’ll see you guys soon. Drive safe.”
I took his hand and kissed him. He led me to the kitchen and sat me down at the table to eat.
“You didn’t have to rush them out. I could’ve whipped up more.”
“It’s okay. They were just stopping by anyway,” I said, pushing the food around on my plate.
“I didn’t cook dinner for you, for it not to be eaten. Dig in.”
The chicken was perfectly seasoned and fresh green beans lightly coated in butter and garlic, just like I liked them. He was thoughtful and an amazing cook. How the hell did I get so lucky?
“So, I have a question for you. I want to know if you would be interested in vacationing with me?” he asked, holding my hand under the table.
“What do you mean? Like when?”
This guy wanted to take me on a vacation. I had never really been on a vacation in my entire life. The thought of getting awayfrom NYC sounded amazing. I didn’t want to turn down the chance.
“I don’t tend to take vacations because I’m by myself, but if you would go with me, then we could go anywhere,” he said.
I understood where he was coming from because vacations wouldn’t be any fun if you were alone. You should always have at least one person with you to share the experience.
“I don’t know if I could get off work to go.”
Right now, they were cutting our hours a little anyway because they had overstaffed for the first couple months after the hotel opened. Surely, they would let me off if I asked nicely.
“Just ask. I’m sure they will let you off. Everyone needs a vacation at some point. You deserve it.”
Chapter Twelve