Page 73 of Silent Count
EIGHTEEN
BO
My parents decidedto surprise me and come for a visit the week of Thanksgiving. I couldn’t go home because we have a game the day after. Chelsea stayed here, too, instead of going home to Florida so that we could be together; plus, she didn’t want to miss my game since it’s the last regular season home game. She’s gotten really into coming to the games, and I love seeing her in my jersey that I gave her.
We already have plans with our friends for dinner, but I told my parents we could have an early lunch with them. So, they made a reservation at the hotel where they’re staying, and we’re on our way there now. They haven’t gotten to meet Chelsea yet because she’s been busy with school and she took on another student to tutor. This one is a basketball player, and I know him. Nice guy, but I don’t love that he’s hanging out with my girl twice a week.
Chelsea wiggles in her seat and pulls the visor down to look in the mirror for the third time.
“Babe, it’s gonna be fine. Are you worried?”
“Bo, meeting the parents … and sisters is kind of a big deal, no?” She looks at me, wide-eyed and with her mouth open.
And I don’t want to minimize it because it is kind of a big deal, but I also know they’re gonna love her. Or at least my mom and sisters will.
“You’re right; it is a big deal, but you’re amazing, and they’ll love you.” I reach over and take her hand. “And I’ll be there with you, so you have nothing to worry about.”
“I’m not scared; I just have never met the parents before. I’ve never dated anyone long enough or cared enough to get that invested. This feels big, Bo.”
“If it makes you feel any better, I guarantee that my sisters will do most of the talking. They’re talkers.” I squeeze her hand.
“It’s fine. I’ll be fine.” She takes a deep breath and exhales.
I’ve never seen her like this. She’s usually so confident and not so … anxious.
“Just be yourself. Try to have fun.” I pull into the parking lot of the hotel and find a spot. “Okay, let’s get this done, so we can go back to the house and watch football with everyone. Archie plays tonight.”
She nods and unbuckles her seat belt.
“Wait here.” I get out of the car and round it so I can open her door.
Chelsea always looks beautiful, but today, she’s wearing a tight, long-sleeved black bodysuit—I think that’s what it’s called—and a tan-colored skirt that has a little belt and hits mid-thigh, which is driving me crazy. Her knee-high black boots have a little heel to them.
I take her hand as she gets out of the car.
We walk into the hotel and toward the restaurant where we’re meeting my family.
Before we walk in, I stop her. “Hey, I love you. It’ll be okay.” I frame her face in my hands and kiss her.
She nods as she takes my hand again, and we walk to the table.
“Hey, everyone.”
My mom, sisters, and dad all stand and give a collective hello.
My mom rounds the table. “Hey, sugar.” She pulls me in for a hug, then turns to Chelsea and takes her hands. “You must be Chelsea. We’ve heard so much about you. I was just dyin’ to meet you.” My mom still has a pretty heavy Southern accent.
Chelsea smiles and seems to relax a little. “I am. It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. Callaway.”
“Oh, honey, you can call me Lola.” My mom waves her off, then goes back to her seat.
My sisters come over next and hug her, which seems to take her by surprise, and then they hug me.
Caroline whispers in my ear, “She’s too pretty for you. You struck gold, brother.”
I laugh and nod. “Don’t I know it?”
My dad walks over to us, and he seems a little tenser than usual, but I’m not going to let it get to me.
