“Correct. Mom and Dad want us to have dinner here with everyone.”

“I see. And this is near where you have property, right?”

“Yes. St. George Parish. It’s a small little part of the island, not far from here. However, we can do that later.”

“Sounds good.”

“Ready to go in?” I ask.

“Yes. It’s just a little overwhelming.”

“Relax. They’ll like you.”

“I know. I’m sure that they will, but I’m still nervous.” she admits.

My hand reaches out, taking hers for a brief moment. I hope the gentle pressure’s enough to dissipate her doubts. We step inside, and a little Italian music wafts through the air. My eyes look around, finally finding the table in the back with my parents, along with my Aunt Cassie and Great Uncle Willie.

“Over here.”

I walk over with Sara by my side, smiling as we approach.

“Hello there,” I begin, waving.

“Hi,” Sara manages to squeak out.

My mother’s eyes widen a little bit as she places her napkin in her lap.

“There you are! And you really did it. I thought Dad was joking when he said you’d be bringing someone.”

“I don’t joke about that sort of thing, Mom,” I insist.

“I know, but this is just different, even for you.”

“It’s what you wanted, right?” I reply back. They clamored for me to find a girlfriend, and now they’re all sitting here agape and confused when, lo and behold, I bring someone.

My father gets out of his chair and walks over. He gives me a firm handshake, and he turns to Sara, who stands there holding her clutch bag. Her fingers move nervously, and my father’s eyes peer down at her for a moment.

“You’re the girl, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Sara. Nice to meet you, sir.”

He takes her hand and holds it for a moment. His eyes look Sara up and down, almost studying her like a specimen.

“Interesting choice, Robert.”

He heads back to his chair, and Sara looks at me, smiling nervously. I squeeze her hand a little tighter. My father is like that, even if I don’t like it. We take a seat, and immediately the server comes over, pouring wine for the table. My parents talk with Aunt Cassie, and I can barely keep up.

That’s how they are. They love to just talk the talk and rarely ever slow down.

“That’s exciting! So, you’re thinking about moving out here then?” Sara queries.

“Yes,” my father replies, taking a long sip of his wine. “I’m thinking now that I’ve got a sure foundation, it might be good for us.”

“Well, I’ll show you some of the beaches around here if you two decide,” Cassie winks.

“How have you been, Cassie?” I ask her.

She smiles, the Botox clear on her face. Cassie’s a bit strange because she moved out here with a guy whom she married for awhile, divorced, and somehow managed to keep half his money. I don’t know the details, other than her main focus is money and money alone.