“That must be stressful,” my mother says.
“It is.”
Noah pats my leg, and I smile, and place my hand over his. Strictly speaking that’s not necessary, since the phone screen shows our faces, and not our whole bodies. But maybe it helps for overall body language or something.
“When can I throw you a party?” Mother asks.
“That’s notnecessary,” I say.
“Nonsense. I need to introduce Noah to everyone. And Noah needs to meet everyone.”
“You don’t need to go to any expense.”
“I’ll decide that.”
I nod. I know better than to argue.
“Noah.” My mother turns her attention to him. “Tell me about yourself.”
Noah draws back. “I play hockey.” Then pink ascends his cheeks. “Not like Finn, of course.”
“Where did you go to college? What did you major in?”
“Mother—” I say.
“I went to the University of New Hampshire. But I, um, dropped out to join the AHL. I was studying exercise science though.”
Mother flinches. “How interesting. And when did you seduce my son?”
Noah’s eyes widen.
“It was a mutual seduction, Mother.”
Now Noah’s cheeks pinken.
The conversation is spiraling. Noah is becoming more nervous, and Mother is becoming more dismayed at her new son-in-law.
“Finn, your father and I will visit you this weekend. Noah, I hope we can meet your parents then too.”
Noah’s face whitens.
“It was nice speaking to you, Mother. We have to go now.”
“Fine. But don’t think I don’t know you’re making an excuse. I have been a hockey mother for years.”
I give an awkward laugh.
“Don’t forget to tell me when you want your wedding celebration to be.”
“It’s not necessary...”
“Of course, it’s necessary.” My mother sighs. “Welcome to the family, Noah. I hope you make my son happy.”
Then the screen goes dark, and Noah and I are left in the hotel room alone.
“How do you think your parents will react?” I ask Noah.
“I’m not sure.”
