Page 78 of Trick or Treat Nurse at My Feet
She looks away, her expression troubled. "I just want what's best for you."
"Ethan is what's best for me right now," I say firmly. "And if you keep acting like this, you will force me to choose between you and him. Is that what you want?"
Mom's eyes widen, and I see a flash of genuine fear on her face. "Of course not."
"Then please, try to accept this," I say, my voice softening. "Try to accept him. For me."
Mom looks down at her plate, not answering directly. "I need time, Tyler."
Dad reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. "She'll come around, son. This is new territory for us, too."
I'm about to reply when Ethan returns, his face composed but his eyes revealing his distress. He slides back into his seat with a quiet, "Sorry about that."
"Everything okay?" Fingers settle on his knee beneath the tablecloth, reassuring.
"Fine," he says, with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes.
Dad clears his throat. "So, Ethan, Tyler mentioned you're from Chicago originally?"
"Yes," Ethan nods, seeming grateful for the neutral topic. "North side."
"Beautiful city. Amanda and I visited last spring, didn't we, dear? The architecture tour was fascinating."
Mom nods stiffly. "Yes, very educational."
The conversation limps along through the remainder of dinner. Dad valiantly tries to keep things flowing, asking Ethan about Chicago, his studies, and his plans. Ethan answers politely but briefly, the earlier openness gone. I keep my hand on his knee, a silent apology for putting him in this situation.
Mom makes a visible effort to be civil but continuesto refer to Ethan as my "friend" and avoids asking him direct questions. When the waiter asks if we want dessert, I'm relieved when everyone declines.
As Dad signals for the check, Mom excuses herself to the restroom. The moment she's out of earshot, Dad turns to Ethan.
"I want to apologize for my wife," he says, his voice full of sincerity. "She's... struggling with this change, but she loves Tyler. She'll come around eventually."
"It's okay," Ethan says, looking surprised by the direct admission. "I understand it can be a shock."
"No, it's not okay," Dad says firmly. "You seem like a fine young man, and Tyler clearly thinks the world of you. That should be enough for us." He turns to me. "I'm proud of you, son. For being true to yourself."
Swallowing against the unexpected lump in my throat, I say. "Thanks, Dad."
Mom returns, and Dad handles the check over my protests. As we prepare to leave, I keep my arm protectively around Ethan's shoulders, showing my mom that I'm not backing down.
Outside the restaurant, Dad gives me another hug, then extends his hand to Ethan. "It was very nice to meet you, Ethan. I hope we'll have the chance to get to know each other better."
"I'd like that," Ethan replies, shaking his hand.
Mom hesitates, then offers Ethan a tight smile. "Goodbye, Ethan. Take care."
The four of us stand awkwardly for a moment before Dad says, "Well, we should get going. I have an early flight tomorrow. Tyler, I'll call you next week."
"Sounds good. Safe travels."
We watch them walk to their car; Mom’s back is stiff,and Dad’s hand is on her elbow. Neither of us speaks until they've driven away.
"I'm so sorry," Guilt crashes down, turning toward Ethan immediately. "That was awful. I shouldn't have pushed you to come."
Ethan shakes his head. "It's not your fault. You warned me your mom might be difficult."
"But I promised it would be fine, and then it wasn't." I run a hand through my hair in frustration. "She was completely out of line."
