Page 45 of Level Me Up

With a sigh, I place my plate on the end table. “That’s the problem. I’m head over heels for him, and it's too soon for that. I mean, he just asked me today if I wanted to come with him to his parents' house on Sunday. Isn't it way too soon to be meeting his parents?”

“Ok, so you are freaking out then? It’s not because you want to break up with him?” asks Ruby.

“NO!” I say frantically because I don’t want to break up with him. “No, I just don’t want to be so into him like I am, yet. And I can’t help it, it all just seems to be moving so fast. So yeah, I’m freaking out.”

"Well that makes sense, and I can tell you that he was worried about asking you to meet his family. Mrs. Roberts has actually been asking him since Link mentioned you right after Comic-Con, to bring you home,” shares Bernie. “She’s been dying to meet you.”

“Do you talk to Dex’s parents on a regular basis?” ask Ruby.

“No, but I’ve known them for a few years. They are very supportive of Dex. They flew out to our last tournament. His mom asked me about you,” she says through a smile. “I told her she’d love you, and it’s the truth.”

“Well, great. Now that you’ve talked me up...” I say as I slump back into the couch.

“I don’t know why you’re worried, there is no doubt in my mind that she will love you, and you know it,” scoffs Gia.

“I’m just saying that Dex’s family wants to meet you, but Dex was afraid that he’s going to scare you off. Apparently, he was right, but his family is important to him, and you are important to him. His mom sees that, and she wants to meet you.”

“Why is his mom so excited to meet her, though? Does Dex not bring a lot of girls around?” asks Ruby.

“Well, not really. Mrs. Roberts is dying for one of her boys to get serious about…uh…you know, settling down. Please don’t let that freak you out, Morgan. I don’t think you need to worry about Dex wanting to move fast, it’s just that…you’re special. We all know it. The team, his family, and he knows it.”

I gulp.

“What about his brother?” asks Ruby. Bernie’s face flushes slightly at the question.

“Wade, he’s older and not tied down and far from it.”

“Ahh,” Ruby replies with understanding. I understood, too. Mrs. Roberts really wants at least one of her sons to settle down.

“Ok. Listen up, Mo,” demands Gia, “here’s the deal. I get it. You really like Dex, more than you expected to, so soon into your relationship. Things are moving fast, but you’re an adult. Adult relationships move faster than they did in college, and high school relationships don’t count. So, you need to get over that.” She takes a breath. “As for meeting the parents, if you don’t feel comfortable meeting them yet, then tell Dex. I’m sure he will understand.”

Bernie and Ruby are nodding in agreement “But, I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” she adds.

I know she’s right. I know I’m being stupid. I get inside my own head sometimes, and as she says all this, it makes sense. I feel better than I did at the start of the night, but there is still a hint of panic buried deep in my gut. Sometimes, I don’t remember what it’s like to have a real family. From what I can tell, Dex’s family is amazing. What happens if I adore his family and then this thing with Dex doesn’t work out?

“Ok, ok. You’re all right,” I sigh and force a smile.

“Good. Now text him and tell him you’ll go Sunday,” Ruby says, picking up my phone from the end table and shoving it in my hand.

Morgan:I’ll go with you Sunday.

Dex:That’s good news.

Dex:Is this too soon? I don’t want you to feel like you have to meet them if you aren’t ready.

Morgan:No, I want to meet them. Promise.

Dex:Are you enjoying your girls’ night?

Morgan:Why? Do you miss me?

Dex:Yes.

Morgan:I miss you too.XOXO

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