14. Meet the Dobbses
CHAPTER 14
MEET THE DOBBSES
T he following Saturday, Addison carefully applied her makeup as she got ready to go to Tim’s parents’ house. She could probably do her routine in her sleep, but she was too nervous to rely on muscle memory today.
She had chosen a baby pink maxi dress that highlighted her summer tan. It was dressy enough to meet the Dobbses but not too formal—after all, they were going to a cookout. She felt good about her appearance, about Tim, and about where things were going between them.
Normally, she would have thought they were moving too quickly for family introductions, but she had known Tim for the better part of a decade. He wasn’t “some guy.” He was a known entity, and she trusted him and his intentions completely.
Who would have thought back in law school that I’d end up with Tim?
She had been so in love with Jake—at first. Once their relationship progressed to an engagement, the romance had faded. They didn’t fight or have any major issues. The engagement had happened simply because it was time, and getting married seemed like the next logical step. Now, with Tim, she understood that Jake wasn’t her ultimate love. He had been perfect for a time in her life—until he wasn’t.
Jake had a magnetic personality, and she used to think that was good for her. And it had been, at first. He expanded her horizons, pulled her out of her academic bubble, and showed her how to live life more fully. But that wasn’t who she was at her core. She needed a partner who understood—and liked—that quieter side of her.
Being with Jake had felt like always being in the limelight—fun but unsustainable for someone like her. Being with Tim was like curling up in the coziest chair, with soft lighting—comfortable and nourishing;. The flutter she used to feel with Jake was nothing compared to what she felt with Tim.
Addison was too keyed up to wait for Tim to come up to her condo, so she decided to wait for him outside. It was the kind of beautiful afternoon that was made for cookouts, and she found herself smiling widely, anticipating the day ahead.
When they pulled up to the Dobbs’ house, Addison’s nerves suddenly kicked in.
“You look nervous. My Addie is never nervous.”
That’s because I’m usually in control. This is different.
“Addie, what’s going on? You look sick.”
“I’m fine,” she replied, though she didn’t sound convincing. “I’m just worried they won’t like me.”
“Why wouldn’t they like you?” Tim looked puzzled.
“I’m your best friend’s ex-fiancée. That’s already messy, and they love Jake.”
“Well, you’ll never believe who they love more than Jake—me. And I love you. There’s nothing to be worried about. Let’s go have some fun and take down some hot dogs.”
He’s right. Why am I in my head about this? If Lexi were saying this, I’d tell her she’s being ridiculous. So why can’t I say that to myself?
The Dobbses lived in an older neighborhood, but all the homes, including theirs, had been updated tastefully and were well maintained. As they rang the doorbell, Addison shifted nervously from foot to foot. Her mind raced with so many questions and concerns she couldn’t finish one before the next popped up.
She was relieved when Tim’s mother opened the door with a bright smile.
“Addison! Timmy! How wonderful to see you both. Come in, please. It’s sweltering out there.”
Addison smiled shyly as she stepped inside. The house smelled of fresh herbs and grilling hot dogs. “Hi, Mrs. Dobbs. It’s so nice to meet you.”
“Honey, call me Donna. I’m thrilled to have you here. Timmy never brings friends home, much less a girlfriend.” Was Lexi the last one?
“Ken is out back minding the grill, but I’ll call him in.”
This house is so nice. Addison glanced around, admiring the impeccable interior design. It looked like something out of a magazine—elegant but inviting, with signs that real people lived here. Her gaze landed on a set of framed school photos displayed on a bookshelf. Yes! School photos.
Addison moved toward the bookcase, drawn to the collection of family pictures featuring Tim at different ages.
“No, Mom was supposed to put those away for your visit,” Tim groaned, trying to pull her back.
She grinned, taking in each frame. “Luckily, you were a cute baby. Usually, babies look like tiny Elmer Fudds to me, but not you.”
Before Tim could respond, a booming voice called from the back.
“Addison, I’m so happy you could come. Donna’s been talking all week about how to impress you.”
“Ken!” Donna scolded playfully, shrugging at Addison. “He’s exaggerating. But it’s true—we’re excited you’re here. I made us a pink lemonade and vodka drink to enjoy while we get the food together.”
It wasn’t long before Addison felt completely at ease. Tim’s parents were warm and welcoming, peppering her with questions while sharing embarrassing stories about Tim’s childhood.
Tim had been right. They had a wonderful time, and his parents couldn’t have been sweeter. There was no mention of Jake or her broken engagement—just easy conversation about how she and Tim had been friends for years before getting together.
I was so worried for no reason. I’d love to be part of this family. Whoa. Where did that come from?
Later that night, Addison cuddled up with Prickles, her pet hedgehog, on the sofa. She hadn’t spent much time with him lately since she’d been with Tim almost every day. Prickles snuffled contentedly on her chest as she lay back, watching him with pride. That’s my son. She chuckled at the thought. Imagine if people at work knew about Prickles and sofa time. They’d disbar me for silliness.
Her phone buzzed on the end table. She carefully held Prickles to keep him from falling as she grabbed her phone.
Lexi: What’re you up to? I haven’t seen your face in ages.
Addison snapped a photo of Prickles on her stomach and sent it back.
Lexi: Hello, baby boy! Give him kisses for me.
What’s the Lexi-safe answer for where I’ve been?
Addison: I’ve been so busy with work.
Lexi: That’s not a new thing. We always hang out despite that. Is Tom stealing you from me?
Addison: Busted. We’ve been together non-stop. I met his parents.
Her phone rang almost immediately.
“Spill,” Lexi demanded.
Okay, I’ll just leave out any identifying details. I do this all the time at work.
“We went to his parents’ house for a cookout. It was perfect. They’re so sweet and welcoming.”
“Where do they live?”
“Virginia.”
“Inside the Beltway Virginia, or Virginia Virginia?”
“Beltway Virginia. Speaking of the rest of the Commonwealth, he came with me to Grundy and met my family.”
Lexi gasped. “Did he meet Granny?”
“Yep. She educated him on wampus cats and who knows what else while I wasn’t paying attention.”
It feels good to talk about this.
“And the boys? Did they leave him alone?”
“You’ll be proud. Tom escaped completely unscathed. They didn’t even try to prank him.”
“Speaking of, how’s that hottie Austin doing?”
“You get my brother out of your head.”
“Fine, I’ll take Alden.”
“That’s offensive. They look like me.”
“Addie, you wish you had their looks. I think I’ve earned myself a strapping country boy. Don’t you owe me a brother or two?”
You have no idea what I owe you.
“You’re the worst.”
“Okay, can we compromise with Myrtle Beach Dan?”
Addison burst out laughing, causing Prickles to dig in with his tiny claws to keep his balance.
“Come on, Addie. I wanna be sisters!” Lexi teased. “And you’ve completely broken my brother’s spirit after rejecting him so many times. We can revisit that angle, though, if Tom doesn’t work out.”
Oh, “Tom” is working out just fine, Addison thought. And I wouldn’t touch that playboy Miguel Perez with a ten-foot pole, even if I were desperate.
“Want to grab some dinner?” Addison asked, eager to change the subject.
“I’d love to. Peacock Cafe?”
“Perfect. Are you ready now?”
“I’m already putting my shoes on. See you in a few,” Lexi replied before hanging up.
Addison was relieved they got through most of dinner without any talk of men. Lexi always managed to get herself into sitcom-level ridiculous situations, and Addison loved sitting back to let her friend entertain.
This time, it was a series of misunderstandings at Lexi's government office that almost got someone fired. She compared her workplace to Parks and Recreation —without the lovable characters.
Suddenly, Lexi slammed her hands on the table, startling Addison.
“I can’t believe I forgot to tell you this,” Lexi said, her voice rising in excitement. “I saw Tim when I was over at the Zoning Administration.”
What? He didn’t tell me anything. When?
“Addie, you look sick. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Addison replied, though she wasn’t sure she believed it herself. Tim had never mentioned seeing Lexi, and now that he had... Why didn’t he tell me about this? What if he still felt something for her?
She cleared her throat. “Oh, yeah? When did you see him? How did that go?” Addison squeaked.
“Fine. Why wouldn’t it?” Lexi looked at her, puzzled.
“You know... ex-sightings. Everyone hates them,” Addison attempted weakly.
“It’s Tim. Who cares? I was bound to run into him eventually. Honestly, it’s weird I haven’t in over a year. D.C. isn’t that big.”
“You don’t think about him?” Addison asked, trying to sound casual but failing.
“Occasionally. But it’s not like I’m scared to see him. What’s he going to do, ask to rehash our breakup and try to get back together?”
He better not.
“You’re acting so strange, Addie. I literally saw him for two seconds—just long enough to say hi and ask how he’s been. He’s fine. That was it,” Lexi said, frowning. “Is this about Jake? Are you finally having trouble with his engagement?”
“No, sorry. I don’t know why I reacted like that. I’ve just had old times on my mind, I guess.”
Lexi nodded, relaxing a little. “I get that. I’ll admit, I thought about Tim more than usual after you told me about Jake’s engagement. Plus, your meeting with Tom’s parents reminded me of when I met Tim’s. They were so sweet. They had me over for a cookout, too.”
Addison felt a tiny stab of jealousy but quickly brushed it aside. Even I know that’s unreasonable.
“I guess it’s a chill environment for meeting someone,” Addison said, forcing herself to smile.
“It’s what I’d do,” Lexi said with a shrug. “Anyway, why are we talking about Tim? He’s old news. Let’s talk Tom.”
“There’s nothing to share. No updates. Things are going perfectly, and we said we loved each other. So, moving forward.” She’s not going to let me get away with brushing that aside.
Lexi’s jaw dropped. “Hold on. Did you really just say there’s ‘nothing interesting’ and then drop that you’ve declared your love for each other? Those are diametrically opposite statements, Addie! I want every detail—when you knew, when you said it, what happened.”
Addison fiddled with her napkin. I can give her something. I’ve been dying to tell someone. What could it hurt?
She gave Lexi the rundown, her friend’s eyes growing wide and starry as she listened.
“That’s so romantic,” Lexi gushed. “I’ve wanted to see you happy and in love again for years. This is amazing,” she said, hugging herself with glee.
Addison couldn’t help but smile. It really is good. And it felt nice to share, to get it all out and see Lexi’s excitement. It was like old times—when they could talk freely and be happy for each other.
“So, I’m asking you again—when am I going to meet Tom? You’ve had enough time to fall in love. You’re killing me!”
“I know. I’ll make it happen. Give me a little more time.”
“I’ve been patient, Addie. I can’t imagine any other friend with the saint-like level of patience I’ve had. Put me out of my misery. I want in on this huge part of your life,” Lexi pleaded, her eyes full of hurt.
“Okay. I’ll set it up.”