Page 61 of The Marriage Negotiation

As soon as I hung up, I dialed Jake. "Change of plans, man," I stated as soon as he answered. "My parents are in the lobby of our building. They want to speak to me. I need to head back and deal with them."

"Do you want us there?"

I almost said yes, but these were my parents. As much as they frustrated me, I did know that they loved me. "No, it's okay. You guys go ahead to lunch. This shouldn't take very long. Maybe we'll still get a chance to join you."

"Are you sure?" Jake asked. "We can hold off on lunch for a little longer."

"I'm sure."

"Okay, call us if you need us."

I hung up with Jake and turned a regretful frown toward Zaq. "Baby—"

"I heard," Zaq replied. "You still owe me lunch."

"I won't forget."

I gave Jackson directions to return to the condo and then glanced out the window at the passing scenery. I had to wonder how they had found me considering I had never told them where I lived. I could only wonder if Peter had told them, in which case, I shuddered to think of why they had come to visit.

I doubted it was to see me. My parents hadn't come to see me in ten years. I was always going to see them. It often felt as if they would only acknowledge my existence when it was convenient for them. They never really went out of their way for me.

"Are you going to be okay?" Zaq asked.

I nodded, squeezing the hand he wrapped around mine. "I'll be okay."

"I don't know why your parents have suddenly shown up, but if mine do, run."

That brought a small chuckle to my lips. "I'll remember that."

Unfortunately, the ride back to our condo happened way too fast. Before I knew it, we were pulling into the underground garage and then Jackson was leading us to the elevators.

I really would have preferred just going up to our condo and skipping this whole scene, but it was better to get it over with. When my parents wanted something, nothing would stop them.

It was fairly quite when the elevator doors opened on the ground floor. Zaq and I waited for Jackson to step out and check before joining him. Jackson fell back to walk behind us as we made our way to the open lobby area.

I spotted my parents instantly.

I also spotted Zaq's parents.

"Didn't you say run?" I whispered.

Zaq gasped, his hand tightening on mine. "What in the hell are they doing here?"

Before we could take another step, I glanced over my shoulder to Jackson. "Call Mr. D'Amato and Mr. Cranston and tell them to hightail it back to our condo."

We needed the backup.

"When we get upstairs, make sure video and audio surveillance is recording in the condo." I had no idea what these people were up to, but the cold chill going down my spine told me it was nothing good.

"Yes, sir," Jackson answered before pulling out his cell phone.

I kept a tight hold of Zaq's hand as we entered the lobby area and walked past the security desk. Our parents looked up just as we reached them.

"Mom, Dad, I wasn't aware that you'd be visiting. You should have called ahead and we would have made arrangements for you."

Zaq didn't say a word.

"Patrick," my father started as he stood. "Is there somewhere more private we can talk? We have something important to discuss with you."

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