Page 56 of Four Weddings to Fall in Love
It’s the last thing I need.
I’ve heard so many horror stories about in-laws over the years, but a lot of my hesitation is based on my own experience.Troy’s mom intruded in our relationship and made me feel like I wasn’t treating her son properly.
I’ve never felt like a man’s priority—not even close.Never felt like, if his mom did something terrible and made completely unreasonable demands of me, that he’d stand up for me rather than side with her.
It would be better to cut my losses early, right?
Except I don’t want to.I’m looking forward to seeing Max again, and when I think of Isobel’s wedding, of how he tried to make that situation the best he could for me, I can’t help wondering if he’s different.
But the bar is so depressingly low, and I feel more uneasy than I did earlier.
I don’t know what I’m doing.I’m not the woman I was the last time I attempted to start a relationship.
Am I making a big mistake?How will this end?
Chapter 21
Max
Ofallmybrothers,Evan is the one who struggled the most with isolation during the pandemic.Leo and I don’t mind spending a lot of time at home by ourselves.Jon, to be honest, I don’t understand very well.I never have.
But Evan, I get, even if we’re quite different.He’s a pleasantly social person, and he really missed that—Zoom calls just aren’t the same for him.He also got COVID-19 right at the beginning, in March 2020, and while he was still lucky compared to some people, I know it took many months for him to feel like himself again.The fact that his girlfriend of two years dumped him just before the pandemic didn’t help matters, either.
Evan, like me, is a relationship person.He’s not interested in casual dating or sleeping around, but unfortunately, people keep breaking his heart.I know he’s tired and cynical, and I also know that he hates being that way because it’s not in his nature.
I invite him over on Thursday and tell him that I’ll cook.He’s doing better now, but I’m somewhat concerned about him eating enough, although I don’t actually say as much.
“So,” I say as we sit down to stir-fried beef with black bean sauce, “I had a date with Kim on Saturday.”
“You did?”His face splits into a grin.“Does anyone else know?”
“No, and I’m keeping it that way for now.”I told Kim that I wouldn’t say anything to my parents, but I need advice, and Evan is good at keeping secrets.
“Did it go well?”he asks.“Better than the first night?”
“Much better.I’m seeing her again this weekend, but I’m not sure where to take her.”
“You could invite her back here and cook.”He gestures to the food.“This is very good.”
“That’s what I did last weekend.This time, we’re going out, but I haven’t taken a woman on a date for a while.Two of the places I like closed down during the pandemic.”
“There are lots of great patios now.”
I make a face.“Many are right by the road and you feel like you’re sitting in traffic.”
“But they’re not all like that.”
No, but the ones that come to mind still aren’t good enough.
Perhaps I shouldn’t be obsessing over this, but I want something really nice for Kim, though not something that says I’m tryingtoohard.
“Any suggestions?”I ask.
“There’s a place in Little Italy with a really nice backyard patio.”
Okay, that sounds good.“What about the food?”
“It’s up to your standards,” Evan says with a laugh.“You think I’d suggest a place that’s all flash and no substance?”
