Page 75 of Trick or Treat Nurse at My Feet
"Yeah. The word ‘boyfriend’ hit her like a punch to the face. She went into full denial mode, asking if it was just a phase, if I was confused or experimenting." The memory still stings. "Then she told Dad to 'talk some sense into me' before storming off."
"Damn, Tyler. That's rough."
"Dad was better about it. Said she just needs time to process, but..." The doubt creeps back in. "What if she never comes around? What if bringing Ethan tonight just makes everything worse?"
“No, it will be fine.” Thetension in my shoulders refuses to let go. “She just needs time to adjust," The words echo what my dad told me on the phone last week. "Tonight will be fine."
Gavin doesn't look convinced, but he nods. "Well, if you need an emergency extraction, text me. I'll call with a fake fraternity crisis."
"Thanks, G," I’m genuinely touched. "But I'm sure it won't come to that."
Downstairs, I find Ethan deep in conversation with Drew about some hospital policy thing. He looks up when I approach, and my breath catches. He's wearing a dark green button-down that makes his eyes pop, paired with slim-fitting charcoal slacks. His hair is styled neatly, falling in soft waves rather than his usual, more casual look.
"Hey," he says, a hint of nervousness in his smile. "Is this okay? I wasn't sure how formal to be… to dress."
"You look amazing," The words come out honest, certain. "Absolutely perfect."
Two spots of colour appear high on his cheeks, and I'm seized with the urge to cancel dinner and just drag him back upstairs. But my parents are probably already waiting at the restaurant, so instead, I take his hand and lead him toward the door.
"You kids have fun," Gavin calls after us. "Remember, Tyler, a fake emergency is just a text away!"
"What was that about?" Ethan asks as we head
"Just Gavin being Gavin," I say lightly, not wanting to add to Ethan's nervousness. "He's offering to call with a made-up fraternity emergency if dinner gets awkward."
"That's... actually really thoughtful," Ethan says, looking surprised. "I've really misjudged frat guys."
"Just some of us," My grin is unavoidable as I open thepassenger door for him.. "Others are exactly as bad as you thought."
The drive to Marcello's is quick, but I can feel Ethan's anxiety growing with each mile. His leg is bouncing, and he keeps smoothing down his already-perfect shirt.
"Hey," Fingers reach across to lace with his. "It's going to be fine. I promise."
He gives me a tight smile. "I know. I'm just... not great with parents. My own weren't exactly supportive when I came out."
"I'm sorry," I say, keeping my voice soft as I squeeze his hand. "My parents aren't like that. My dad's been surprisingly cool about everything, and my mom..." I hesitate. "She's trying."
Ethan picks up on my hesitation immediately. "But?"
"But nothing," my voice firm, "It'll be fine."
We arrive at Marcello's, a moderately upscale Italian place near downtown. As I park, I spot my parents' car already in the lot.
"They're here already," I tell Ethan as we get out. "My dad's the tall guy with salt-and-pepper hair. My mom's blonde, petite, but somehow still intimidating."
"Great," Ethan mutters. "That's not making me more nervous at all."
Slipping my arm around his waist as we walk toward the entrance feels just right. "You'll be fine. Just be your charming self. They'll love you."
As we approach the restaurant, I feel Ethan straighten slightly beside me, his professional side kicking in. I keep my hand on the small of his back as we enter, a gesture that's become natural for us.
The hostess leads us to a corner table where my parents are already seated. My dad stands as we approach, his facelighting up with a warm smile. My mom remains seated, her expression carefully neutral.
"Tyler!" My dad’s voice is booming as he pulls me into a bear hug. "Good to see you, son."
"Hey, Dad," I say, returning his hug before stepping back next to Ethan. "Mom, Dad, this is Ethan Barrett. Ethan, these are my parents, David and Amanda Landis."
My father immediately extends his hand to Ethan. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ethan. Tyler's told us a lot about you."
