Page 63 of Out of the Gold

I swallow. “Yeah. It’s new, but he’s my boyfriend. I think you and Daddy will really like him.”

She peers into the phone’s camera. “Isn’t he the older brother to that awful Lindsay Wainwright?”

At the mention of my childhood nemesis, I wince. “Well, you can’t pick your family.”

Her eyes widen a fraction before returning to her usual demeanor. “Then tell me about him. Does he treat you right?”

“He’s wonderful!” My mind replays how he treated me yesterday in bed, but I don’t share that info. Not something I’ll ever tell her. “He’s a great actor and we’re here in New York so he can audition for a role in a modern-day Hamlet on Broadway.”

She digests my words. “Doesn’t he usually play the pretty boys? Isn’t he Doctor Manipul8?”

“Well, yes, he’s the main character on the movie we’re filming. But he has a deep desire to do live work.”

“That’s a good ambition.”

“Right? And I helped him prepare on the flight over. He’s going to nail the audition, I know it.”

“Princess, is that you?” My dad’s voice floats through the air, and his head pops onto the screen with Mom.

“Hi, Daddy.” I giggle. “Yes, it’s me.”

“How is Italy?”

I indulge him, giving a description of the places I’ve visited. “And the food. Oh, the food!”

He nods. “Like we told you before you left, we love Italy. So different from here, in a good way.”

My parents gaze into each other’s eyes, and I get the distinct impression they’re recalling their own memories of Italy. For the first time in my life, I understand their look. Love and memories. And shared experiences. All the stuff I’m starting with Charles. Although, thinking about my parents in this way is disconcerting.

“How’s the movie treating you, Princess?”

My dad’s welcome question takes us off on a discussion about the set, costumes, and the trials and tribulations of the nasty bug we’re currently dealing with. “Hopefully, we’ll be filming again tomorrow afternoon.”

Mom notes, “I bet Charles is anxious to finish up shooting.”

My dad turns to her. “Who?”

I giggle. “I’m dating someone from the movie.”

“Who?” He repeats, and Mom fills him in. Then he returns his attention to me. “I’d like to speak with this Charles.”

“He’s at an audition right now.” My eyes dart to my clock. “And he should be getting here any moment, so I guess I’d better go.”

“Princess, I want to meet him, even over the phone.”

Mom cuts him off. “She’ll introduce us when the time is right.” Thank God for my mother.

“Yeah, Daddy, I’ll do that later. Right now, I better go. It’s been great seeing you. I’ll be back in touch soon.” Before they can reply, I click off.

Whew. I love my parents, but I’m not ready to introduce Charles to them yet. My dad can be intimidating when he wants to be. Plus, I want to keep him all to myself for a while longer.

I walk to the cabinet and pull out plates when a knock announces dinner’s arrived.

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