Page 83 of Mr. Green
I take Grant’s hand and try to lead him away. This is too much, too soon. She’s going to scare the man to death before I can have a chance to talk with him. The little bugger doesn’t budge. Instead, he squeezes the arm around my waist, holding me to him. I’m stunned and look down in disbelief. If I were him, I’d be running from the crazy family in front of me.
Then he proceeds to answer all my mom’s questions. “I’d love to come over for dinner soon. My schedule doesn’t allow me out to Washington nearly as much as I’d like, but the next time I’m here, Lana will make plans with you.”
My mom gushes, excited, while clapping her hands together like a cheerleader.
Grant continues, smiling, as my mouth gapes open, “I’d love for Lana to move to Texas with me soon. I know I’d be taking her away from you guys, but she told me she loves it there.” He turns to me. “I haven’t thought too much about the wedding, yet.” He turns back to my mom. “I think that’s a job for Lana and your radiant self.”
My mom blushes so bright it matches her lipstick color. I was thinking maybe my dad would step in. Apologize formy mom being a little off her rocker. Instead, he shakes Grant’s hand.
“We were over the moon when we found out Lana and you are together. I know you’ll take good care of our little girl.” My dad gives a small slap to Grant’s shoulder.
What. The. Fuck.
I hold up my hands and try to get everyone back to reality. “Okay, hold on now guys. We just got together. No need to be planning anything yet. Let’s keep our cool.”
My mom flicks her hand like she’s shooing a bug. The bug being me. “Oh, Lana, you’re always so modest. Anyone could see how in love you two are from across the room.”
I try to interrupt this madness, but Grant talks before I can. “Yes, I’m sure you can. It was so nice to see you guys again. I think the groom is trying to get my attention. If you’ll excuse us?”
Grant pushes my waist to say bye to my parents. I hug them and whisper in their ear, “You guys are so embarrassing.”
My mom kisses me, which means I’ll have to run to the bathroom to get her lipstick off my cheek. “We are so excited for you, honey! We’ll see you soon. You better call me about dinner,” she says in my ear.
My dad says, “Love you, little one.” I let go of them and they go mingle with other parents. If she tells the whole world we’re getting married when he hasn’t proposed, I’ll be mortified.
Once we have some distance between us, I turn to Grant. “I’m so sorry about that.”
“I’m not. What are you sorry about?”
“My mom planning our future.”
“Sounds good to me. You’re mine, I’m yours.” He shrugs.
I stare at him with my mouth gaping open, again. “We haven’t even been dating for a month.”
“What’s with the timetables you have? We have a head start. I’ve known you for years.”
Before I can protest the logic of talking about marriageand moving in together after only being together officially for three days, Grant gets stiff.
“Shit.”
I look around the room, trying to see any threats. “What’s wrong.”
“My parents are here,” he whispers to me. “Don’t worry. I’ll make this quick.”
Two people with plastic smiles make their way over to us. Grant’s dad is in a perfectly fitted black suit with a black tie, white shirt, and white handkerchief. His mother is sporting a dirty blonde mid-length haircut and light blue dress. She looks perfect, without a wrinkle in sight or hair out of place. I’ve never met Grant’s parents. I’ve seen them in the paper, but in real life, they have a Stepford vibe going on.
“Hi, Grant. It’s been a while.” His dad puts his hand out for Grant to shake.
That alone is strange. No hugs from the happy family?
His mom embraces him in a full hug you can feel is genuine. Her perfume sweeps by me with a light vanilla scent. Grant pulls away first, eyeing her like he’s trying to read her mind.
“Hey, guys.” He looks between the two. “How are you?”
“Just fine,” his dad answers with that suspicious smile in place.
Grant motions to me. “This is my girlfriend, Lana Love.”