Page 50 of Safer Alone
In an attempt to show Elliot some form of public display of affection, I decide to place my hand on top of his own. I feel a lot more confident. His body contact does this to me. It also gives me great joy that he seems comfortable keeping body contact with me at all times. Even in front of his parents. And in truth, it helps settle my nerves that are running rampant in my body.
Maggie has returned to sit down in the arm chair that she was seated in when we first entered the room. “So, Angela. Elliot mentioned that you will be heading home tomorrow. If you don’t mind me asking, where is home for you?” She is looking at me, awaiting an answer.
I can’t believe that they jump straight into asking me questions. So much for my plan of sitting back and watching the family dynamic, hopefully going through the night relatively unnoticed. Well, I better give this lady an answer. Remember, Angela, don’t give out too much information.
“Unfortunately yes. I do need to head home tomorrow. Nashville is home for me, Maggie. I relocated from New York four years ago.”
I feel Elliot give my hand a small squeeze, he thinks my answer is perfect, he is supporting me. Letting me know that he is here for me throughout this evening. I lift my glass to my lips and wet them without drinking any liquid. I have to ensure I don’t drink too much alcohol tonight. However, what it would appear to everyone else is that I am sipping my wine.
“How on earth did you two run into each other, then, if you’re based in Nashville?” This time it is Arthur asking the question.
I prepare myself to answer but Elliot starts before I can.
“I’ve purchased a property on the outskirts of Nashville. In the suburb of Belle Meade. Angela and I met when she sold me the property.”
I am thankful for him answering the question for me. As he did earlier for me, I reciprocate, providing a small squeeze to his hand.
I notice his parents both nod and look at each other. “Another project son. You know how I feel about you taking on more projects. You already work too hard as it is.”
It is his mother who speaks this time, her statement full of motherly worry. “Please tell me it will be a quick turnaround?”
I know that they are asking about selling the home once it is complete.
“I’m not sure I will sell this one, Mom. It’s similar to my home here in Greenwich. I think I may use it as a vacation home” This shocks his parents. Maggie’s eyes appear to double in size at this comment.
Arthur is next. “But you always sell once you’re finished.” As though he is simply stating a fact.
“Not always Father. You will understand when you see it. You will see why I fell in love with it and just had to own it.” At this comment I notice them both look at me. No doubt they thought this statement had a double meaning and that I had something to do with this. As though I am the one who suggested he keep a hold of the property for when he comes to see me. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I need to lay some cards straight on the table.
“I understand your thought process, Arthur. I will be appraising the property once it’s complete, to provide Elliot with a new sale price. I will also be keeping him abreast of any changes in the sales market so he knows when the market is hot. I have also advised him that I will be happy to list it for him when the time comes. If he chooses to sell.”
They simply nod at me. Their attention goes back to Elliot as soon as I stop speaking.
“You have certainly given me a lot to think about, Angie.” He leans in and gives me a soft peck on the cheek. It is so quick it feels as though the window was open, allowing a soft breeze to touch my face as it blows past.
I want to change the topic desperately. However, since these were Elliot’s parents, it’s best that I keep quiet, let Elliot handle the topics. Everyone else has almost finished their glass of wine and yet mine is still full. I take a couple of small sips so I can keep up with the illusion that I am indeed drinking the wine.
“Do you have any time off over Christmas, Angela?”
Arthur’s question is innocent enough. A fair question for this time of year. However, I get a feeling in the pit of my stomach he is searching for a certain answer.
“I do, actually, Arthur. The office I work in closes down for a two-week period. However most of the agents still show properties if we have an inquiry.”
Elliot then chimes in. “And during those two weeks you have agreed to come spend Christmas with me.” He is clearly brimming with happiness and it is infectious.
“Yes. Indeed I have.” We are looking at each other now. I am so happy that he is happy.
I don’t have to wait long for a question I am expecting.
“You don’t spend Christmas with your own family, dear?” Maggie asks. It is clear they are protective parents. As they should be. For all they know, I am some gold-digging woman looking to sink her teeth into their son. The term “dear,” although spoken friendly enough, appears to have a slight patronizing tone behind it.
“Not normally. My parents have never been fans of the cold winters. So they normally go on a cruise around this time of year, seeking warmer weather.”
My family used to spend every Christmas together until my grandparents passed. Now we do our own separate things, seeing each other for my birthday instead. No more is said on the topic, so it seems they are happy with my explanation.
“How’s the new job going, Dad? Are you liking it?” Elliot begins steering the conversation away from me for which I am very appreciative. His father responds in detail about his job. He is an accountant for a big company from what I can make out. It sounds as though they are being funny, talking about how his boss had given him a huge office with a view. I’m pretty sure I remember him telling me about his father working for him. It would make sense, after all he had mentioned to me before that he was a family man. I would try to remember to ask him later.
During this conversation, I sneakily keep catching glimpses of Elliot’s mother, Maggie. It is hard to do so from the corner of my eye, but I am able to see that she had not taken her eyes of us since we had sat down. She is looking at our hands intertwined and had the smallest of smiles formed on her lips. Even though it appeared she is happy, I couldn’t help feeling awkward. I wonder why she was paying so much attention to us. Is it just because she is protective?
