Page 58 of The Five Stages of Courting Dalisay Ramos

Dalisay’s heart sinks. Evan notices the look on her face, and he leans in closer to her as Jim brings out a bowl of salad and Jenny pours everyone glasses of sparkling water. “It’s nobig deal,” he whispers. He must see the look on her face and adds, “They’re not offended.”

“What do I do with this? I can’t bring it home,” Dalisay whispers back. “If my mom finds out her famous flan was a failure, she’ll be devastated.”

“We’ll keep it at my place and bring it to work on Monday. Everyone at the office will eat it in ten minutes, I promise.”

Dalisay sighs and nods.

“I didn’t know. I’m sorry,” he adds. “About the shoes or any of it.”

“It’s okay. I know for next time!”

He squeezes her hand, and she sets the cooler at her feet.

The Saatchis are more restrained, quieter, than the Ramos family. They’re polite, and kind, and they ask Dalisay about herself, but Dalisay is so used to the chaos at home, it feels more akin to a job interview than meeting her boyfriend’s parents.

Evan tells them how they met, the stages he went through in Filipino tradition, and how it took some time to win her over.

“You two are simply adorable,” Jenny says, leaning back in her chair with a smile. “Simply adorable! You haven’t looked this happy since Becca, Evan.”

Evan deflates a little at that. His eyes dart to Dalisay, as if to apologize, and she can tell he’s nervous about how she might react.

“Did Evan tell you about his last girlfriend?” Jenny asks, sensing the shift in the air.

“He did not,” Dalisay says.

“We don’t have to …,” he mumbles.

“What?” Jenny cries, clearly not getting the hint. “I mean, youweregoing to marry her. Isn’t that something you two should talk about?”

Now that makes Dalisay’s eyebrows shoot up.Marry?

Jim clears his throat.

The muscle in Evan’s jaw jumps. “It wasn’t like we were making plans or anything. It wouldn’t have worked out anyway.” Evan’s eyes dart to his father, but then lower to his plate of food.

Jenny gestures with her fork. “Well, you wanted to! It’s not nothing. I’m just saying!”

Dalisay glances at Evan, who looks like he wants to slide under the table.

Finally, Jenny seems to understand as her eyes go to Dalisay. “I meant no offense to you, though, dear, you’re just darling.” She looks at Evan, then back to Dalisay. “Wait, you didn’t know?”

Dalisay puts on a smile but it’s a reflex. The awkwardness is almost tangible.

“Dalisay knows about Becca,” says Evan. “Just not all … this.” He looks at Dalisay apologetically.

Jenny flounders. “Oh dear, I shouldn’t have said anything. Ignore me. And don’t read into that, Dalisay! You’re just a delight. So much more …”—she rubs her hands together, searching for the right word before settling on “demure! All compliments, all compliments!”

“Jenny—” Evan starts, but Dalisay cuts him off.

“It’s okay! I don’t mind that Evan has dated other people. We’re …” She’s not sure if she should just tell his parentsthey’re not that serious yet. They’re just having fun. But she has a feeling that won’t necessarily make things better. “It’s okay,” she repeats.

Jenny seems to sense this too, because she blinks, a smile still stretching across her face, and says, “Okay! Well then! Who wants some iced tea? Yes? I’ll get it!”

When she excuses herself, making a lot of noise in the kitchen, Jim finally speaks up. “Don’t be mistaken, Dalisay. When Evan told us about you, we were so happy he finally found the right person. What he had before?” He bats his hand. “The logistics of it just didn’t make sense. Besides, then he never would have met you.”

The word “logistics” sticks out to Dalisay, but Evan’s face is fully red by this point. Whatever happened between him and Becca still bothers him. A part of Dalisay wishes he would tell her, but she would never want to pressure him. Clearly he didn’t tell her for a reason. She’s surprised by how insensitive his parents are when he’s obviously uncomfortable.

When Jenny comes back carrying a fresh pitcher, Dalisay says brightly, “This salad is delicious, Jenny. I’d love to know the recipe.”

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