Page 31 of Hooking the Captain
Ford nodded and said, “As ready as I’ll ever be, I guess.”
“Everything will be fine. I think they’re more nervous to meet you.”
As we entered the house, the aroma of my mom’s pot roast filled the air. She appeared from the kitchen, a warm smile on her face. “You must be Ford,” she said, opening her arms for a welcoming hug.
Ford’s tension seemed to melt away as he embraced my mom. “Yes, ma’am. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Call me Diane, dear. And the pleasure is ours,” she replied, giving him a comforting grin.
My dad joined us in the living room, offering a firm handshake to Ford. “Jason Cooper. Good to finally meet you, Ford.”
Ford smiled, shaking my dad’s hand. “Likewise, sir.”
“Dinner will be ready in five minutes,” Mom stated.
I nudged my head for Ford to follow me and then grabbed his hand and led him up the stairs toward my bedroom.
“Where are we going?” he asked.
“Just to my room real quick.”
His eyes widened.
“Relax. I’ll leave the door open.” I chuckled at my joke. It did feel as though we were teenagers and not twenty-something men, but I wanted him away from my parents so I could reassure him that everything was going to be okay.
Once inside, I turned to him and cupped his cheeks. “Stop being nervous. They already love you.”
“I’ve barely said two words.”
I snorted a laugh and teased, “Pretty sure it’s closer to ten.”
He rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean.”
“I do, but I’ve already warned them not to grill you about shit like I hear parents do. How’s your Red Sox knowledge?”
Ford blinked. “Baseball?”
“Yeah. My dad is a huge fan and if I remember correctly, you told me you were too.”
“I am.”
“Good. Dad will talk about baseball and hockey. Everything will be fine.”
“All right.” He blew out a breath.
I kissed him quickly and then we returned downstairs. Mom had already placed all the food in the middle of the set table, and I motioned for Ford to sit across from my usual spot. My parents took the head of the table on either side, and we passed around the food family style. Each of us filled our plates with roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a dinner roll.
“So, Ford,” Dad said after taking a few bites of his meal. “Have you been to any of Coop’s games?”
Ford shook his head. “Not yet, but hopefully I will this coming season.”
“Lucky for you, I know a guy who can get you good seats.” I winked.
“We try to make it to a few games a month,” Mom chimed in. “Maybe we can all go together.”
“I’d like that.” Ford beamed.
As the night progressed, I couldn’t help but steal glances at Ford. Despite the initial nerves, he seemed to be relaxed around my parents. They didn’t pry into our personal lives, allowing us the space to share what we felt comfortable with.
