When Stars Collide (Light in the Dark #2) - Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,80
but it hurts anyway.
“How was work?” I ask my dad.
Small talk is good, right?
“Good,” he says, picking up his water. “We closed the Holtzman account today, so you know how glad I am to get that account.”
“Oh, wow, congrats, Dad. That’s fantastic.”
It really is. He’s been working for months to get that account. It’s a huge deal for designing a building downtown and three more over the next ten years.
“Yes,” he says, setting his glass down, “so this is like our celebration dinner.”
My mom sets down her menu and crosses her fingers. “Really? I thought this dinner was for my son to explain to me why he got married and didn’t tell me?”
I need a drink. Or ten.
“Mom—” I start, but she promptly holds up her hand.
“I need my food and a glass of wine before I hear anything you have to say.”
I glance at Thea and she’s holding in a snicker.
I’m glad she’s amused by this.
Our waiter stops by the table with a basket of bread and a bottle of wine.
“Can I interest you in a glass of our house wine. It’s—”
My mom holds up her glass. “We’ll take the whole bottle since my son’s paying.”
Thea smacks her hand over her mouth, but not quick enough to hide her snort.
“Oh, okay.” The waiter pours her glass then reaches for another empty one.
“Oh, no, that won’t be necessary,” my mom says, grabbing the bottle from him. “This is just for me.”
This time Thea’s laugher escapes and she does nothing to stop it. Instead, she sits there cackling, entirely amused by this situation.
“I’ll give you another minute to decide what you want and I’ll be back soon.”
“Thanks,” I mumble. I’m pretty sure my cheeks are red with embarrassment right now and Thea’s still laughing.
I slide my menu to the edge of the table. I’ve already picked out my meal, but it hardly matters because I doubt I’ll be able to eat it.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. The weather, that’s what she goes with?
“This wine is fantastic.” My mom points to her glass. “I’d offer you all some, but it’s mine.” She cradles the bottle like a baby.
I cover my face with my hands.
Please, tell me this is a nightmare?
I open my eyes and she’s drinking straight from the bottle.
I think I might die.
“All right, that’s enough. You’ve embarrassed him sufficiently.” My dad grabs her arm and forces the bottle from her mouth.
She sets the bottle on the table and gives us all a big grin. “I think so too. That was good, right?” she asks my dad.
“What?” I say, exchanging a look with Thea.
“After this little stunt, you deserve to be embarrassed a lot worse than this, so hold your tongue, Xander.” I press my lips together. “And start talking. I thought you guys were dating, when did you get married?”
I glance at Thea with a what the fuck expression. I feel like I’ve slipped into a parallel universe or something. But it looks like my mom has just been fucking with me, because she can.
“Vegas,” I answer. “We got married in Vegas.”
Fuck, it sounds stupid when I say it, and I guess it is. It took getting drunk in Vegas for me to finally get the girl. Where was my game at?
My mom glares at my dad. “At that stupid convention you sent them to?”
Dad raises his hands innocently. “Don’t look at me. Getting married wasn’t on the to-do list there. These two went off and did that all on their own.”
“But you told me you guys were dating when you came to dinner. Can you see how I feel a little hurt?” She frowns, picking up a piece of bread and slathering it with butter. “God, bread makes everything better,” she says after taking a bite.
“I know, right.” Thea laughs in agreement.
I clear my throat. “We figured that was easier than coming out and saying we were married—and I guess, we worried it might fizzle out and wanted to spare everyone the heartache of knowing.” I look at Thea and the love I feel for her, there’s no way that’s ever going away. I take her hand beneath the table. “But I think we’re in it for the long haul. I have faith in us and I hope you do too.” I look at my parents, waiting and hoping for their approval.
My mom sniffles, tearing up a bit. “Of course we do, but you got married without us,” she cries.