Page 54 of Pieces of Us
“She needs a man to step up and take responsibility for his actions.” Her eyes move to me. “How could you be so irresponsible? This baby will be born out of wedlock, and you act like everything will be just fine. You will be alone, Melonie. Alone.” The word “alone” pierces through me as she throws her napkin on the table. “Well, I won’t sit here and listen to any more of this nonsense. Sam, we’re leaving.”
I feel my lower lip tremble and tears gather in my eyes. Linc places his hand on my back, rubbing in circles to try to calm me. “Mrs. Evans, I mean no disrespect here, but I can’t allow you to speak to Melonie like that. You can unload on me all that you want. I’ll take it all. But Mel is carrying my child, and she is one of the most incredible women I know. She’s going to be an amazing mother. I think if you don’t have anything else to say, then you’re right. We’re done here.”
Linc waives down our server and hands him his card. The table is silent as Linc signs the check, throwing the pen on the table.
“Mr. Evans, it was great to meet you. Mrs. Evans, we hope to hear from you soon with an apology for Mel.”
Linc gets up from his chair, giving me his hand.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I love you both.”
“We love you, too, Melonie.” My dad almost looks embarrassed, but manages a smile. “I’ll call you in a couple days, okay?”
“Sounds good.”
I turn to Linc, and he takes my hand, walking out of the restaurant to the car. Once we’re inside, he hugs me the best he can over the console. I can’t stop the tears from falling. He steadily rubs my back.
“I’m so sorry, Linc.”
“Mel, you don’t have to apologize for your mom.”
A horrible sob breaks free from my chest. “Why can’t she be happy for me?”
“She’ll come around, eventually. It’s her grandchild. Maybe she just needs time. I think your dad will help, too.”
I sniffle loudly and wipe the tears from my face. “I hope so. I knew she wouldn’t like all this, but I didn’t think she would say such harsh things.”
“Look at it this way—it’s over and done. Now, it’s up to her to be a better person. You have a lot of people who love you and support you until that happens.”
I nod and take a deep breath. “I do. Thank you for standing up for me.”
“No need to thank me for that. I’ll always stand up for you. Only now I know your parents don’t like me very much.” He chuckles.
“I think my dad likes you.” I let out a shaky breath. “I hope your parents like me. You haven’t said anything about how you think they will react.”
He smiles and looks out the front window of the car. “My mom has always talked about being a grandma. I think they’ll be happy, and I think they’re going to love you.”
“Well, I might borrow your parents for a bit, then.” I give him the best smile I can muster at the moment. “I hope you’re right.”
“My family is your family now, Mel. Whether we’re together or not, I know they will be there to support us.”
I nod, and he starts the car. “I’m so exhausted. This day took a lot out of me.”
“Let’s get you home, Mama.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Linc
Last night, I dropped Mel off after dinner and didn’t want to leave her. Witnessing how her mother reacted had me heated. No one talks to Melonie like that; I don’t care if she is her mother. But she assured me she would be fine and just wanted to sleep, so I reluctantly left her on her own at her place.
I jump in the shower to get ready for dinner, this time with my parents. As I wash, I feel pretty peaceful about telling them. My parents have always been supportive of my brother and me, and my mom has talked about wanting grandchildren more than a few times.
I turn off the water and towel down, wrapping it around my waist. When I pick up my comb, the doorbell rings. Mel must be early. I rush to the door, and when I open it, Mel stands, eyeswide, as she scans my body from shoulders to feet. I let her eyes roam and watch her cheeks turn the prettiest shade of pink.
“Where are your clothes?” Her eyes dart up to mine.
I usher her inside and shut the door. “Sorry, just got out of the shower, and you’re a little early. I’ll go get dressed.”
