Page 99 of The Renter

“Doesn’t ‘boyfriend’ feel so reductive?” She squints at me, knowing that I’m testing the waters. “It doesn’t seem to fully capture what we are to each other anymore.”

“Stop,” Dani exaggeratedly whispers.

The word would be fiancé. It’s a word that’s been on my mind since we were at the jewelry store. That ring we saw—so unique, like her—sparked something in me, a realization of what’s next for us.

“Remember, tomorrow I am doing brunch with my friends.”

“The Baddies.” I chuckle, finding that nickname for her friend group so cute. “You should have them over at our place sometime.”

“Our?”

“I told you. It’s our place, and the apartment is your place.”

As she stares out the window, lost in thought, I wonder what’s on her mind. “What’s going on in that brain of yours?”

“My parents are not exactly thrilled by your age.”

“I understand why they would think that.”

“Yeah, keep that in mind.” She flashes me an awkward smile.

“I’ll give them the full charm, don’t worry.” Dani’s getting so nervous about me meeting her parents, and I squeeze her hand.

“They’ll have water and soda at their house. If you want something else, we should get it on the way.”

“Fuck,” I exhale.

“What?”

“I’m arriving at their house empty-handed.”

“It’s fine.”

“No, what can we pick up?”

She bites her lip, thinking. “Scratch-offs. They love them. But only the one-dollar ones.”

85

Stepping into Dani’s childhood home, I’m greeted by two people who look to be exactly my age. They must have had her young. It’s jarring. Dani never talks about them. I don’t know what I expected. I guess two people in their mid-fifties.

“I’m Crystal.” Dani’s mom extends a hand. She’s a pretty blonde, a good sign for Dani’s future.

“Carl.” He shakes my hand firmly. With Dani’s talks about him going to rehab, I’d assumed he would have tattoos and look more weathered. He looks like a regular middle-class guy.

The evening progresses smoothly enough, but I can sense a subtle undercurrent of unease from them. I understand their concerns. After all, I am about their age. It’s a situation that warrants a deeper conversation, and I’m looking for an opportunity to speak with Dani’s dad alone.

Finally, the moment arrives as Dani and Crystal begin clearing the dinner table.

“Want to get some air?” I ask him. He nods, agreeing, albeit with a hint of reluctance.

Sliding the back door shut, he starts, “I’ll be blunt.”I like this guy already.“I don’t like that you’re about my age and dating my daughter.”

Appreciating his directness, I begin my campaign. “Carl, I understand your concern. This isn’t a habit for me. I’m not that guy chasing younger girls.” The tension on his face slightly eases. I’m making progress. “She’s the most special person I’ve ever met. What Dani and I have … It’s more than either of us anticipated.”

There’s a pause, a moment of reflection for both of us, and then the words come out of me. “I love your daughter, and I want to marry her.” Saying it aloud, especially to her father, makes it even more real. I didn’t come here planning on saying that. Now that it’s been said, I’m hoping for the best.

He studies me for a moment, his expression unreadable. “She was a very happy child … until I’m sure you know.” I nod. His face reminds me of Dani at this moment, likely a million thoughts racing in his mind before he decides what he’ll say aloud. “Ever since, there is this deep anger in her, a distrust in the world, a cynicism.”