Page 100 of Mr. Red

“No problem. Parents love me.” He sits up straighter, puffing out his chest, and then pauses. “Well, they probably do. I’m not worried.”

My jaw drops. “Wait, you’ve never met anyone’s parents before?”

“I haven’t ever been serious with anyone.” He shrugs.

“Oh-kay. We’re going to need to do a rehearsal dinner. Lana could fill in for my dad.” I grab my phone, ready to tell Lana to come back.

“This isn’t a wedding. I meet with grown-ups everyday. I can handle a parent,” he deadpans.

“You can’t pull your macho man stuff with my dad like you probably do with everyone you work with. You have to be down to earth and charming.”

“You’re saying I’m not charming?” He raises an eyebrow.

“You do remember how we met?”

“I know how to be charming. Look at me, undeniably handsome.”

I cover my face and shake my head. “Handsome does not automatically mean charming.” I look back up at him. “Also, just want to point out my dad isn’t a woman. He won’t be swept off his feet by your muscles and amazing smile.”

“You’re kidding? I had no idea your dad doesn’t have a vagina. Weird.”

“I hope you know you aren’t as funny as you think you are.”

“Stop worrying. It’s going to be fine.”

He starts to walk away, but there’s no way this is the end of the conversation. “Matt, you haven’t ever done the ‘meet the parents’ thing, and my dad is probably going to grill you. He’s always skeptical about new guys in my life. Maybe we should just tell him you’re busy and can’t come.”

“Woah, hold on,” he says, turning to me. “You don’twantmeto meet your dad?” He points his thumbs at his chest with his mouth agape. “You’ve met my parents, butmemeeting your dad is crazy? This is happening. I’m an adult who can talk to another adult just fine.”

I used to think bossy Matt was super sexy. Right now he’s far from cute and giving me major anxiety.

Why do I do these things to myself?

I couldn’t keep my mouth shut this morning, could I?Thank you, brain, thank you very much.

“I really think you should practice.”

“Not happening, sweetheart.” He gives me a kiss on the top of my head. “Now, when are we having dinner with your dad?”

Chapter 54

Scarlett

Thursday comes quick. Matt and I are in his car on the way to the usual restaurant,Charred. I was a little confused when my dad first chose to bring his vegetarian daughter to a steakhouse, but they have quite a few options. It’s nostalgic now.

I’m keeping to myself in the passenger seat, trying not to show how nervous I am, but keep playing with my dark red blouse. Matt keeps looking over at me.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart.” He taps my thigh.

I bite my lip and nod.

Once we arrive, we find out from the hostess my dad is already sitting down. She apologizes and blushes while she stares at Matt. We follow Little Miss Gawker. Matt looks at me with a smirk, but puts his hand around my lower waist, leading us to a booth where my dad is seated.

He rises from his seat and grips me in a hug. My dad is an average height. He has dark hair, but it’s beginning to show signs of gray, especially in his goatee. He isn’t thin, but isn’t fat. What does stand out are his eyes; even with his glasses on, they’re a stark contrast to the dark hair—the same blue color as mine.

“Hi, Letti.” After a moment, he turns to my boyfriend. “This must be Matt,” he says, holding out his hand to shake.

“Yes, sir.” Matt reaches out to complete the handshake. “You must be Scarlett’s dad, Mr. Daniels.”