Page 27 of Linc
“Hey, angel, you look great,” I greet Everly, wrapping my arms around her and then pressing my lips to hers.The sound of clicking has me pulling back, remembering we’re out in public.I pull back, tucking her into my side and then turn toward my grandparents, ignoring the questions the paparazzi are asking ten feet away.“Thanks for picking her up.”I lean in and give Grandma a kiss on the cheek and shake Grandpa’s hand.
“It was no problem.Everly gave Ellie a tour of the spa,” Grandpa says.
“Can we go in already?I’m tired of being stared at,” Grandma states glaring down the paparazzi.
“Of course, Grandma,” I motion for her and Grandpa to go ahead of us, then follow behind, as I put myself between me and the group of men gathering for a picture.“Sorry about all this.I didn’t realize Mom booked this place until about thirty minutes ago.I’d preferred going somewhere less flashy.”
“That’s what Eleanor was saying,” Everly giggles and it puts a smile on my face.
As we approach close to the door, Blaire is standing there staring at us.A frown mars her face.
“And who is this?”She asks.
As much as I want to escape into the restaurant, I also don’t want to cause a scene, so I let my grandparents head in while I hold Everly and myself back.
“Blaire Hutchins, meet Everly, my girlfriend,” I introduce.
“Your… girlfriend?”She sounds shocked at first, but then bursts out in a laugh like I just told her a joke.My back straightens as I lock Everly closer to me.Blaire must read the room because she abruptly stops laughing.“I didn’t know you were seeing anyone, especially after our lastmeetingtogether.”
I know what she’s referring to and I refuse to acknowledge or make Everly feel uncomfortable.
“Ms.Hutchins is a client with the firm.She owns a modeling agency,” I tell Everly.
“Oh, don’t be so modest, Lincoln,” Blaire says, reaching over and squeezing my upper arm.“I only sign the world’s best models.”She’s giving me her best bedroom eyes look, and I can’t help but feel uncomfortable, so I can only imagine what Everly must feel like.
“Are you guys coming to the table or should we eat without you?”Grandma’s voice yells from the door, and I’ve never been more grateful.
“Have a nice evening,” I tell Blaire, and before she can respond I’m ushering Everly around Blaire and through the door of the restaurant, following Grandma to our table towards the back.
My parents are already seated, and both stand as we approach.
“Sorry for running late,” I greet Mom with a peck on the cheek and a handshake to Dad.“Mom, Dad this is Everly Bryant.Everly, this is my mom, Alice, and my dad, Daniel,” I introduce.
“It’s nice to meet you both,” Everly shakes both of their hands and gives them a sweet smile.We take our seats with my woman sandwiched between me and Grandma.
“Whose idea was it to come here?”Grandma scrunches up her face while looking over the menu.
“I thought we could have a nice family meal while meeting Everly,” Mom says defending her choice.
“We could’ve done that at the burger joint two streets over.At least we know the food is edible there,” Grandma chides and I watch Grandpa smirk.Grandma tends to bluntly say what everyone else holds in.
I sit there and observe Everly, looking back and forth, as my mom and grandma continue to explain to each other their side as to why we should or shouldn’t be here.
“So Everly, our son tells us you’re a massage therapist,” Dad interrupts the conversation between the two women after a waiter comes around to get our drink orders.
“Yes sir, for the past three years,” she answers, and I reach over under the table and thread our fingers together.
“You didn’t want to go to college?”Mom questions, as she takes a sip from her wine glass.
Everly smiles, “No, I didn’t think college was for me.I had good grades in school, but I couldn’t see myself going another four years with a degree I wouldn’t use.”
“And your parents agreed with your choice?”Dad asks.
“Dad—” I go to intervene because it’s really none of his business why.
“I haven’t had contact with my mother since I was nine.And my dad fully supports my career decision.”
“I think it’s wonderful not to go into debt for something you’d never use,” Grandma pipes up.“Smart girl.”
