Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 124005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 620(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 620(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
My mom chose to set aside her own career so she could be a full-time mom. With three boys and one girl and only six years between the oldest and youngest, we were a busy household. Between getting Ferris and I to our separate practices, traveling for competitive sports away games, and Manning and Paris’s extreme extracurricular schedules, my mom still found time to devote to her own volunteering. Fortunately, my dad is an oncologist and could financially support the family, making it easier for my mom to follow her heart and focus her energy on raising us. She jumped in with both feet and rocked the shit out of being the best mom possible. Even now, we’re a tight-knit family.
Her hurt at finding out about me and Wills along with the rest of the world is likely pretty deep.
“It’s pretty new, Mom.” Like a couple of hours now.
“Do not lie to your mother, Dallas! The way you were smiling in that picture tells me this has been going on for a while!”
“I promise, it couldn’t have been going on because of the no-fraternization policy with the team,” I explain. “So we were trying to stay away from each other.” Even that’s a stretch. But, if I can be the boyfriend Willy never knew she wanted, maybe I have a chance in hell of turning this fake dating into real dating.
“Wilhelmina finally knows about the crush you’ve had on her since you were young, doesn’t she?” She makes a little excited noise.
“Uh, I mean...we’re dating so...” I clear my throat so it doesn’t sound like my balls are caught in a vise. Please don’t have my yearbook open. “That was a long time ago, though. We don’t talk about our childhoods much.”
Mom has no idea what happened around prom, the nail in my proverbial coffin, and I’d like to keep it that way. She would be horrified by my actions.
“Since your dad and I are coming down for the charity game this weekend, we’ll have a chance to get to know her better.”
“Oh, uh, I don’t know. She’ll be pretty busy with the event.”
“After the event we can plan a dinner for her. What kind of food does Wilhelmina like? Do you want me to stop and get you some of those butter tarts in Orillia on the way? The chocolate chip ones?”
“Uh, I, uh... Maybe you should let me check with her first.”
“You’re serious about this girl and you don’t even know what kind of treats she likes? Dallas, I raised you better than that,” Mom chastises.
“No, Mom, I know what she likes. Anything with peaches is her favorite. I’m sure she would love the butter tarts from Orillia.” They’re the best butter tarts in the world.
“Perfect. I’ll hit the market today and make a fresh pie this afternoon.” Mom’s voice is giddy with excitement. Her pies win awards every summer.
“That sounds great, Mom, but—”
She cuts me off before I can express my concerns about the possibility of Willy murdering me over dinner with my family. As if the celebrity event isn’t stressful enough.
“No buts, sweetie. We want to celebrate this new relationship. Don’t you worry, we’ll embrace her wholeheartedly, even though you didn’t tell us before you told the rest of the world.”
Yeah, she’s stuck on that point.
“I really am sorry about that.”
“I know. You’re my impulsive one. I’ll message when we’re on our way down. Oh! And I’ll bring Grandma Bippy’s engagement ring!”
“Mom, we just started dating.”
“You’ve been in love with her forever and it’s important to be prepared. Besides, neither of your brother’s even have a girlfriend, so there’s no way they’ll be proposing anytime soon. And your sister is too busy to date.” She sighs forlornly. “Anyway, for the family dinner, I’ll cook so it can be nice and intimate. I can’t wait to see Wilhelmina all grown up! Love you. Bye, sweetie.”
“Love you too, Mom.”
She ends the call before I can protest. It sucks that I’ve gotten her hopes up to the point that she’s bringing “the ring.” Whoever gets engaged first is the proud owner of great-grandma Bippy’s rare blue diamond ring.
“Shit.” I run a hand through my hair. My hole keeps getting deeper. Wills is already pissed at me for being an idiot. I can’t see her being thrilled about a meet-the-parents dinner date. We haven’t even dealt with our friends, and now this. But there’s no getting out of it.
I can soften the blow of an unexpected family dinner, though. I step out into the warm summer day and head down the street, stopping at the local florist to buy another ostentatiously large bouquet of pink and peach-colored flowers, complete with vase and heart balloon. My next stop is her favorite coffee shop. Treats and flowers are always a winner.
Armed with more flowers and food, I return to the office, but stop at my car to grab one more thing, tucking it into the takeout bag. Unsurprisingly, my raging anxiety boner is back in full force by the time I reach her office. I do some surreptitious rearranging and hope it isn’t obvious as I prepare to knock.