Chapter 19 #3
“Mama, Papa,” I exclaimed. Mike let me go and quickly tried to calm his wayward hair. “It’s so good to see you.” I hugged and kissed them both.
“Good to be here, amore,” Papa said as he held me tight. “Introduce us to your fiancé.”
Mike stood stiff like a statue as I slid back over to him, taking him by the hand. My touch brought him out of his trance as he quickly looked from me to them.
“Mike, these are my parents,” I said, as he let go of my hand and shook my father’s and went in for a hug with my mother. She was as stiff as a board, too, but caught my expression warning her to be nice and hugged him back.
“It’s very nice to meet you in person. How was your trip?” Mike asked, taking Mama’s bag from her.
“Long, but uneventful,” Papa said. “We’re just tired but happy to be here.”
“Then let’s get you to the house,” Mike said, winking at me as we made our way to the truck.
As we drove, he pointed out a few landmarks, which my father seemed to enjoy. They didn’t travel much, and I wondered what this trip would be like for them and if they’d want to visit often.
“I cooked something for you if you’re hungry. We didn’t think you’d be up for going to a restaurant,” I said, turning to face them from the front seat.
“That’s perfect, Ren. Something light and a good night’s rest is all we need. Please thank your friend for allowing us to stay with you,” Mama said, her voice formal as usual.
“Oh, Luke and Sofia were happy to let you stay. Sofia is from Positano, so you’ll enjoy talking to her,” Mike said cheerfully.
He was trying so hard to make them feel welcome.
I pushed down a wild patch of hair in the back of his head, making him smile.
When I dropped my hand, he caught it and brought it to his mouth for a kiss.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my mother turn away and look out of her window. I sighed, wishing she could see how happy I was. Mike was still talking to my father about the area when we pulled up to the cottage.
“Here, let me get that,” he said, sliding out their luggage from the truck bed. He rolled the bags to the door and entered the code. I opened the front door for my parents as they stepped in, looking around.
“I’m going to let you guys get some rest, but I’ll see you soon. Ren will let me know your plans in the morning.” He looked at my parents and smiled. “It really is so good to have you here. It means a lot to both of us.”
“We wouldn’t be anywhere else. We will talk soon, Mike. Thank you for everything,” Papa said. Mama gave him a tight smile and walked to the door leading to the beach.
I walked Mike out, closing the door behind me. “Thank you so much. You were so wonderful with them. Mama will take more time, but I think Papa already likes you very much.”
He smiled and pulled me in for a hug, something I was starting to look forward to. “You are trouble, woman. I can’t believe you made me meet your parents looking like a hedgehog.” He pulled away when I laughed.
“I thought they’d take longer getting off the plane. But it was the best way for them to meet you. My Mike, not a fancy version of him. Just like I told you.”
His mock glare transformed into his wide smile as I blushed over what I’d just said.
“Well, hopefully they don’t try to drag you back to Italy after that,” he teased. “Call me tomorrow.”
“I will. And I’m a grown woman. They can’t make me do anything,” I said, pretending to be annoyed.
He chuckled and nodded. “Oh, I believe it. Enjoy your evening with them.”
I watched as he pulled away and was struck with a moment of fear out of the blue.
We were happy, but being around my parents once again brought up those old feelings of doubt that I could fall in love for real.
I sat on the porch step and tried to understand what was happening before I went back inside.
I had enjoyed being in this bubble of joy with him, but my parents’ presence had brought me back to reality and increased my anxiousness about my relationship with Mike.
“Father, I don’t want to hurt him, and I’m scared that’s just what I’m going to do. Help me with these warring feelings.”
Shaking my head to dispel the thoughts, I stood up and went inside.
After serving dinner, my parents ate in relative silence, either because that’s just how they were or because they were fatigued.
My attempts to bring my mother into the conversation were met with short answers.
She’d asked me if I missed home, missed work, and it wasn’t until that moment that I realized I didn’t.
Of course, I still loved my career, but I was enjoying the break from the overwhelming pursuit to stay on top at the firm.
She didn’t like that answer, but I was more than alright with the revelation.
When we all headed for bed, my heart ached as did my head, confusion clouding my mind. I prayed for clarity and finally fell asleep a few hours later. But that nagging thought stayed with me until morning.
What if I’m right and I won’t be able to fall in love with Mike?