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“I’m so excited that we’re doing this,” she says, leaning across the table.
“Me too,” I echo, her joy infectious.
“How are your parents?” she asks. “Have you heard from your father?”
The server brings my water and I take a large sip before answering. This is one of the reasons I preferred to stay away from Barbara.
“They’re okay,” I say hoping it’s the end of the questions. I hate that I’m lying to this woman who only wants to get to know her son’s wife.
“Your father must be enjoying his travels,” she continues.
“He is,” I say. Resentment comes over me. My father should not have made me make a promise that would turn into a lie. A lie that could destroy what me and Andrew are trying to build.
The only saving grace will be him waking up from that coma. Each day, Dad’s doctor assures us that it will happen any time. But time is running out. I’m digging myself more into a hole every day that he doesn’t wake up.
The server hands us each a menu and I peruse it, glad to have something else to focus on.
“So, you and Andrew,” Barbara says after we’ve given our order. She reaches across the table and takes my hand. “I’ve never seen him so happy.”
Her words warm me. It feels good to know that other people are seeing it. I’m happy too. Happier than I’ve ever been.
Barbara squeezes my hand and pulls away, her face taking on a faraway expression. “It reminds me of how he was as a little boy. Always so serious, even as a toddler. But when he smiled, it could light up a room.”
I smile, picturing Andrew as a little boy. “I can definitely see that. He still has that serious look, but when he smiles...”
Barbara nods enthusiastically. “He’s always been that way. But after he came back from his tour, he was different. Lost. We were all so worried about him.”
A pang comes over me. “He’s been through a lot.”
Barbara takes a sip of her drink, then looks at me with an intensity that makes me sit up straighter. “But lately, he seems happier. Like he’s found himself again. And I know you have a lot to do with that.”
I’m caught off guard, not sure what to say. “Actually, he’s started going to therapy,” I say, deciding to be honest. “It was something he chose to do recently.”
Barbara’s eyes widen in surprise, and then they soften. “Therapy? Really?”
“Yes,” I say, nodding. “He’s taking it seriously.”
She reaches across the table and takes my hand, her eyes glistening. “Thank you, Emily.”
“For what?” I ask, genuinely confused.
“For helping my son,” she says, her voice choked with emotion. “I know Andrew. He wouldn’t have agreed to this unless you encouraged him.”
I shake my head, trying to deflect the credit. “I didn’t do anything, really. He made the decision on his own.”
Barbara squeezes my hand, her grip firm. “You’re good for him. I’m hoping that this marriage can be something more, and now I’m confident that it will.”
Warmth spreads through me, and for once, I don’t try to push it away. “Me too,” I admit, the words slipping out before I can stop them.
She beams at me. “I’m so glad to hear that. And I hope to see you at the family dinner on Sunday.”
“I’d love to be there,” I say, my heart lighter than it’s been in a while.
We finish our lunch, talking and laughing, and for once, I feel like I truly belong in this family.
As I leave the restaurant and head towards my old apartment, I can’t help but think that Andrew and I do have a future together. Not just the one year stated in the contract.
I pull into the parking lot of my apartment building and spot Owen, leaning against the entrance.