CHAPTER SEVEN
Booker told me that lemons float in water and limes sink. I might have gone to the store and gotten some to test his statement. He was right, and now I wish I could make myself a margarita with them.
~Text from Kinsley to Emmett~
Kinsley
Today’s the day I’m meeting Emmett’s family.
To say I am nervous is an understatement.
I know he’s told them about me and that it’s serious, so I won’t be the shock that Emmett was for my family, so there’s that.
Booker’s awesome and seems to like me, so I’ve got someone on my side to help me.
Cash seemed nice that first night when I met him, so that’s another one who isn’t an unknown.
I know Emmett’s close to his parents, and I want them to like me, especially his mom.
I feel like, as a mom to boys, that she’s going to be extra critical of anyone any of her boys brings home.
I keep telling myself that Emmett loves me and that’s all that matters, but my brain isn’t getting the message.
Of course not, because you like to overthink things and freak out when you do.
Changing the subject sounds like a good idea.
It’s been a week since everything went down with my dad.
He’s texted me a few times and called me twice, but I've sent them all to voicemail. I’m not quite ready to talk to him.
It hurts that he doesn’t think of me as an adult or as capable of making my own decisions.
I’ve read the texts and I’ll respond soon, but not today.
He needs to get that I love him completely, but just because he thinks my life needs to go a certain way doesn’t mean what I’m doing is wrong.
I tried to call my mom a few times this week to drop the bomb on her about the baby and that I’ve been seeing Emmett for months.
Texts went unanswered, and my calls did too until yesterday.
Of course, the conversation didn’t go quite how I had hoped.
Mom finally texted back. I wasn’t surprised she wouldn’t call back, being that she’s off somewhere in Europe or Australia or somewhere in between.
Mom: What’s the emergency that you’re texting and calling multiple times in the last few days?
Me: Hi to you, too, Mom. Could it be I just wanted to talk to you?
Mom: Kinsley, I have told you that since you are over twenty-one and a college graduate, my days of parenting are over. It’s my time now. My time to do what I want and explore where the world takes me.
Me: I thought you might want to know that I’ve met someone and he’s amazing. We’ve been seeing each other for around six months. I’m also pregnant with your grandbaby.
Mom: I don’t know why you seemed determined to weigh yourself down with a monogamous relationship and a baby. You’re young and could travel the world.
Me: That’s your dream not mine. I guess it’s too much to ask to see if you wanted to come visit near my due date.
Mom: I’m getting on a year-long cruise around the world in a couple of weeks. It’s been paid for already.
Me: I see. Well, I won’t keep you from whatever was keeping you so busy you didn't text me back for three days.
Mom: Kinsley, like I said, this is my time.
I don’t have intentions of being an active grandma.
I did my job and raised you. I had you all the time, except for the weekends and summers when you went to your dad’s.
He loves kids and family. I’m sure he would love to help you.
My cup is empty. I’ve got nothing left to give.
Emmett may have walked in the room at the end of my text conversation with Mom.
He pulled me into a hug and told me, “I may not love your dad’s reaction to us, but I can tell it’s because he loves you with all his heart.
Your mom…well, I got nothin’ good to say about her.
I’ll just say I’m really glad you have other strong women in your life who are all too happy to love you.
” He’s right, and I’m not going to waste more thought on Mom and her being done with me.
Back to today, and my current worry about meeting his family.
I might have called Ma this morning while I was slightly freaking out about tonight’s dinner.
I know from watching her, Anna, and Romona over the years that I should bring a hostess gift.
I am an alright cook, but since I don’t know what’s being made, Ma said I couldn’t go wrong with flowers or a plant.
When she suggested it, it seemed like a perfect idea.
Once I know whether she drinks, a bottle of wine will be another option. I mean, as long as I’m welcomed back.
On the way over to Emmett’s, I stopped at the store and picked up a lovely bouquet. I think it looks nice and friendly. I figure it can’t hurt their impression of me, right?
As soon as I pull up and park in front of the house, I realize I didn’t get anything for his dad.
What if he expects something because I brought his wife flowers?
What should I get for him? I didn’t think to ask Ma about that.
Surely if I needed to get something for each of them, she would have told me, right?
I’m pulled out of my internal freakout by my door being opened.
Emmett leans down and looks at me, partially in concern and partially in amusement.
“You getting out anytime soon? We’re supposed to be over at Mom and Dad’s in like half an hour.
” He leans over, unbuckles my seatbelt, and gives me a quick kiss.
“You having a major freakout? I know I can tell you not to, and that Mom and Dad will love you and you’re still gonna worry.
” He steps back so I can get out. “Of course I’m gonna worry about it.
You’re close with them, and I want them to like me, but that’s not my focus at the moment.
I got your mom flowers as a hostess gift, but I didn’t get your dad anything.
Is he gonna be hurt that I didn’t? Should we stop somewhere on the way over for me to grab something for him?
” Emmett busts out laughing at me, and I glare at him.
“I don’t think this is funny, mister.” He tries to stop laughing and pulls me into him and kisses my temple.
“You gotta relax. My parents would be fine if you just brought yourself. Dad won’t be expectin’ anything but maybe some good conversation.
My parents are simple people, sweetheart.
” Booker calls out from the front porch, “Kinsley! Come on! We gotta go to Grandma and Gramps for dinner. Me and Murph have been waiting forever!”
He hops down and runs over to us. He pushes his glasses back up his nose and looks at me.
“Let’s go! I need to show Grandpa my new reel and see if he and Way will take me out fishing again next weekend.
I know it’s got lots of catches in it.” He reaches out and takes my hand, pulling me toward Emmett’s truck.
I look back at Emmett, and he’s smiling and shaking his head.
“Let’s get this show on the road.” He calls for Murphy, who was waiting on the porch like a good dog.
I swear, sometimes it’s hard to remember that he failed out of K-9 school.
Of course, I’m reminded why when he tries to jump up into the truck before the door is opened.
Ten minutes later, we’re pulling up to a house. I can tell someone takes good care of the yard, and the home definitely has a welcoming feel. As soon as Emmett parks and turns the truck off, Booker and Murphy are out of the truck and running to the back door.
Emmett comes around and opens my door. “Let’s go.
They’re anxious to meet you.” I let him help me down and take a breath, reminding myself that I can do this, to just be myself and hope for the best. I grab the bouquet of flowers and I take Emmett’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “I’m ready. Let’s go inside.”
We walk to the back door and go inside. The house is just as warm feeling inside. It’s the kind of home you see in those Christmas movies we all watch every year.
Emmett leads me through a mud room and into the kitchen.
“Hey, Mom.” A beautiful woman turns around and gives me a smile.
I can tell Emmett gets his smile from his mom.
She’s got to be at least four inches shorter than me, I’m guessing, just a couple of inches over five feet tall.
Emmett leans over and gives her a kiss on the cheek before she waves him off.
“I know you, son. I want to know all about this gorgeous young lady you brought to dinner.” Her mocha-colored hands reached up to pat him on the cheek.
Just this morning, I thought of Emmett’s hands as latte colored.
I think I’m really missing coffee, and I need to think about something else. Get out of your head, girl!
She reaches over and takes my hand. “You must be Kinsley. I know I taught this one better, but sometimes once they reach adulthood, it’s like they forget their manners.
My name is Ada, and welcome to our home.
My husband, Brooks, is around here somewhere, most likely watching a game or something.
” She looks over at Emmett. “Well, son, go on. Get yourself a beer and go find your dad. Leave us to get to know each other a bit.” He looks at me questioningly, and I give him a smile.
She may come at me with the whole twenty-questions thing, but if he can handle my dad and his anger, it’s only right that I be willing to talk with his mom, even if it ends up being an interrogation.
He nods and looks at his mom again. “Alright, Mama. Just promise me she’ll be in one piece afterward.
” Ada rolls her eyes and makes the shooing gesture again.
Emmett grabs a beer from the fridge and heads out of the kitchen.