Page 139 of Boyfriend Material
She gave me a rueful look. “Cheers.”
We double-clinked. And drank heavily for a few moments in silence.
“I think,” said Mia finally, “this might be worse than usual.”
God help me. “There’s ausual?”
“They tend to set each other off.”
“I’ve never seen Oliver act that way.”
“And Chris only acts that way around Oliver.” She shrugged. “It’s kind of their deal.”
I finished my backup drink in a single gulp and wondered if I could get away with a third. Truthfully, I was almost angry at how little Oliver had prepared me for this. But, at the same time, I could see why he hadn’t—and that alone made me feel sorry for him. “I guess”—I had to play this carefully—“it must be difficult for Oliver because it’s pretty clear David and Miriam have a way easier time with Christopher’s life choices.”
“Hah.” Mia drained her glass too.
“Okay, I’m getting the feeling I’m missing something.”
“They’re definitely supportive.” It seemed like Mia was being as careful as I was. “And they make sure he never forgets just how supportive they’re being. Anyway, sorry I yelled at your boyfriend. I’m usually not so… Actually I probably am, but fuck it. The Blackwoods bring out the worst in me.”
“Yeah, I’m starting to think that’s a pattern. Though,” I added quickly, “for the record, David really did say the family thing.”
She drove her toe into the perfectly kept lawn. “Of course he did. But it was still cheap of Oliver to go there.”
“He…he…doesn’t seem to be handling today very well.”
“I can see how much you like him. Still not feeling particularly forgiving right now.”
“I take it…God, I don’t even know how to ask this.”
“It’s not this big sensitive issue. Or at least it’s only sensitive because, from where I’m standing, it’s crystal fucking clear. We don’t want kids. David and Miriam want us to have kids, and they seem to think that their opinion matters as much as ours does.”
“Shit. That’s…shit.”
“Especially because now it’s this cold war where they act like it’s just a matter of time and Christopher feels guilty for disappointing them and I’m pissed off that he won’t shut it down.”
“To be fair, they seem like hard peopletoshut down.”
She shrugged. “Oh, it’s always been like this. And, obviously, the last thing I want is for him to feel he has to choose between his parents and his wife.”
“Well”—I risked a grin—“you’re clearly a lot better for him than they are, so maybe it would be an improvement.”
That made her laugh. “It’s a nice idea, but he’s been trying to hang onto their approval for nearly thirty years. That’s not something you just walk away from.”
“I wouldn’t know. My dad fucked off when I was three.”
“And I’m increasingly glad my parents are normal, well-adjusted human beings.”
“Wait. Those exist?”
Before she could answer, Oliver and Christopher stuck their heads into the marquee, looking, I was pleased to see, appropriately sheepish.
“Ollie’s got something to say,” said Christopher, with a touch more aggression than the statement warranted.
Oliver shuffled. “I’m very sorry, Mia. I was angry and I lashed out, and I shouldn’t have done that.”
“It’s fine.” Mia waved a hand. “I know Chris was being a dick to you.”
