Page 35 of 7 Miles High
Chapter 12
Natalie
I thought it was a good idea when Parker proposed planning a dinner with my folks. He just threw it out there and I responded before I thought it out. Now, as I step into my heels, I’m second-guessing myself. Back at Jenna and Jerry’s wedding, when I introduced him to a few members of my family things went smoothly. My brother and sister, an aunt. Tonight he’ll meet the most important players, the parents.
I couldn’t make the trip to San Juan Capistrano and not make plans to see my mother and father. Newport Beach is only twenty miles away, and that would be an unacceptable reason for not having a visit. I couldn’t imagine doing that. I’m one of a handful of friends who actually love hanging out with my mother and father.
But I could have arranged to go myself if it hadn’t worked out. A lunch for instance. But no. Once I heard how interested he was in meeting them, I arranged it. He’s not the only interested party. I shocked my parents by telling them I’d met someone in Cancun. That was the first surprise.
Then they heard he came all the way to Jenna’s wedding to track me down. Surprise two. The one that really peaked their ears was when I told them Parker had become my boyfriend and I was coming down from Santa Barbara to visit him.
They aren’t used to that. You practically have to blast me out of my routines. The business takes most of my time, scheduled and free. But this teaches me a valuable lesson. If you want something you’ll make time for it. Find the time somewhere. I made it clear to him it couldn’t be a one way street. Parker will have to make the trip my way as much as I travel here. He said that won’t be a problem. We’ll see.
“Do you have any antacids?” I call from the bedroom to the bathroom.
The medicine cabinet opens and I hear the rattle of a bottle of pills. Parker walks into the room.
“You have a sour stomach?”
He tosses the bottle on the bed and sits on the leather ottoman where his shoes are.
“Thanks. Yeah. These will work.”
“Are you nervous?” he says, sliding on the dress shoes.
“Maybe.”
The little laugh makes me smile.
“I know. It’s silly.”
“Are you afraid they’re not going to like me or vice versa?”
“Neither, really. I don’t know what I’m nervous about. Forget it.”
I tilt the bottle and catch a pill in my palm. Tossing it in my mouth I chew the colored relief. Then I reach for the water on the bedside table and wash any traces down.
“You look handsome, by the way.”
“Thanks, baby. I love what you’re wearing too. That blue looks great with your eyes. I haven’t seen that dress before. I’ll tell you this, it’s not going to last too long after we get home.”
“Let’s make it an early night.”
“What should I know about your mom and dad? Any topics to steer clear of?”
I go through the lengthy list in my mind. Where to start? Maybe that’s what I’m nervous about. All the minefields.
“Well, with my father, I’d avoid anything to do with Hilary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and Gloria Allred. With my mother you’d do good to steer clear of Donald Trump, Harvey Weinstein, or priests.”
His look is priceless. He thinks I’m kidding, but I couldn’t be more serious.
“So politics, religion, and misogyny. All off the table?”
“Pretty much. And that’s just the top of the list. We are a very opinionated group. My mother keeps her opinions close to her chest. My father will say just about anything. Don’t be shocked.”
“What do they like about each other? I say that with respect. Their beliefs are so different.”
I think before I speak.
