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Courtney nods. “We just got here ourselves.”
“Glad you weren’t waiting long. Someone had to change their outfit three times,” Dan says, looking over at his wife.
Tina shrugs. “It’s not every day you have your daughter's boyfriend out for dinner for the first time.”
I can’t help but chuckle at her admission. Before I can comment, a couple approaches, and with the woman’s similarities, I can only assume this is Chloe and her fiancé, Rodney.
She takes the open seat next to Courtney, while Rodney takes the seat across from her next to her mother. Chloe leans forward and smiles at me.
“Hi, I’m Chloe.” She waves.
“Merrick.” I wave back. I then turn to Rodney. “Merrick.” I reach out to shake his hand.
“Rodney. Sorry we’re late. Traffic was awful.”
“We haven’t been here long,” I assure him.
“Have you ordered yet?” Chloe asks. “I’m starving.”
“No. We were just saying hello,” Tina replies as our server approaches the table. We order our drinks and he goes off to fill our order.
“Merrick, what is it you do?” Dan asks.
“I’m a heavy equipment operator.”
He nods. “Good profession to be in.”
“I enjoy it. I’m always at a new job site, and being outside is a plus. I don’t think I could handle being in an office all day. No offense to those who do,” I quickly add.
He laughs. “None taken.”
Conversation is easy. Rodney tells me about the time his dad rented a backhoe for some work at their place, and it took them both far too long to figure it out. We’re all laughing at that when the server delivers our drinks and takes our orders.
“Chloe, how are the wedding plans?” Courtney asks.
Chloe tells us how everything is finished, other than the final dress fitting and tux fitting. She’s calm and cool, and she reminds me so much of my sisters-in-law when it came to their weddings. None of them were bridezillas. I’ve heard some horror stories, but I’ve yet to witness it for myself. There’ve been a lot of weddings in our family too.
Our meals are served and conversation flows. I keep waiting for her mother to drill us with questions about how we met, and all that, but they never come. It’s a nice dinner, with good people and good conversation. I was prepared for the worst and got the best possible outcome.
Tonight also tells me that this lack of self-esteem in my girl is also something that’s in her head. Her family seems great—loving and attentive. Maybe it’s a show for me? Only time will tell, I guess. Regardless, I’m glad I’m here and able to give Courtney a break from the pressure of finding someone.
“I’m going to run to the restroom before we leave,” Courtney tells me. Her eyes are bright, and the happiness of how well the night has gone shines back at me. Unable to help myself, I lean in and press a kiss on her cheek.
“Okay, baby. I’ll be here.”
She blushes but stands to leave.
“I’ll come with you. Babe, I’ll be right back,” Chloe tells Rodney, and he nods.
“She’s so happy,” Tina says with tears in her eyes.
“We both are,” I reply.
Tina nods. “I’m sure you’ve heard stories. I’ve been... hard on her, I guess you could say. Courtney is so special, and I want her to find someone to share her life with. I want both of my babies to be happy and in love.” Dan wraps his arm around her, while she blinks back emotion. “Thank you, Merrick, for giving her that.”
I nod. For the first time since this charade started, I’m experiencing the guilt that Courtney has been feeling. I also have a better understanding of her mother. She means well. I truly believe that. She might not have the best delivery, but she means well.
“She’s... amazing.” It’s the best reply I can come up with. Lame at best, but it’s all I can manage. It must be enough because her parents, and even Rodney, grin at me, accepting my reply.
