Page 2 of Xavier

She props her perfectly manicured hand on her hip.

“Exactly, so I know how beautiful you are.” She grins and winks, causing a small smile to form on my face.

“You’re awfully conceited.” I tease.

“I’m not conceited. I’m confident and loved.” She gazes down at Dad, who is stacking our lawn chairs to move them into the storage down below.

I want to find a love like theirs.

A love so pure and strong that it can overcome anything. A love that ages like fine wine, only getting better the longer they are together.

“Mom, I’m twenty-six, almost twenty-seven. Everyone my age is married with kids or close to being married with kids.”

“So? Women my age are grandmas. One is even a great-grandma, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for me. Stop comparing yourself to others. Believe me, the right person will come into your life when you least expect it.”

I chuckle. “You make it sound like love is an approaching storm, like it’s going to sweep me off my feet and leave me spiraling.”

Mom shrugs. Her long blonde hair blows in the wind as she spins around to face Dad.

“That’s how it was when I met your father. He turned my world upside down. It didn’t matter that I was already engaged. He wanted me, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

Dad yells up to us. “You’re going to fill her head with the wrong idea of me, Elizabeth.”

Mom yells back with laughter in her voice. “I’m not lying, John, and you know it.”

Dad puts up the lawn chairs before joining us on the back deck. “I thought Austin was supposed to come over today for dinner?”

Mom glares at him.

Dad’s gaze moves from me to Mom, back to me. “Am I missing something?”

“I broke up with Austin.” My voice is low so Dad can’t hear the emotion in it.

His eyes widen. “You did? When?”

I glance up at the darkened sky. “Well, I kind of broke up with him. I did it through Andy since Austin’s not returning my calls or texts.”

“Hmm, well, I’m glad you broke up with him.”

Mom’s mouth falls open, and she slaps Dad’s arm so hard the outline of her handprint immediately shows up.

“John!”

“What?” He looks confused at her shocked expression.

“Say something comforting, would you?”

“Well, uh, let’s see.” He thinks for a moment. “I’m sorry you are hurting, but I’m glad you figured it out before you married him. He’s not good enough for you.”

“John! That is not what I meant.” Mom stares at him, bewildered.

Dad looks at me and pulls me into a hug. I laugh and say, “Thanks, Dad. I know you only want what’s best for me.”

“Of course, I do. And because I want what’s best for you, I’m sending you to the bonfire early.”

I glance around at the rest of the furniture that needs to be brought in. “We still have a lot to do.”

“Your mom and I can handle the rest. Go, and have fun. We will try to join you a little later. I heard there’s going to be a crowd tonight.”

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