Page 74 of Give My Everything
He grins, something like affection crossing his face. “You sure?”
I nod again. “Let’s do it.”
He squeezes my hand and then turns his head, looking for his family. Then he gives me an easy tug and leads me off to the right.
I didn’t realize how nervous I would be about seeing Ben’s parents, and I can’t figure out exactlywhy. I’ve been racking my brain trying to identify what the fear is rooted in.
At first I thought it might be something left over from the few times I interacted with Lucas’ mom. Brenda was always nice to me, but I don’t know if she ever really liked me. She wasn’t very warm, although Lucas always tried to assure me his mom just wasn’t very maternal.
Then I wondered if maybe it’s more about my fear that I’ll be meeting Ivy as well. Ben didn’t say she’d be here, but I know she’s often with her mom. Maybe I’m just worried about being rude in some way I don’t understand since I haven’t seen her since she was around eight years old and have no idea how to do sign language.
But I don’t think it’s that either.
I’m not worried his family will talk him out of marrying me or some other stupid normal worry a girlfriend or fiancée would have about meeting future in-laws.
So I don’t get why I’m such a fidgety mess.
I’m a Wallace. I know I’m a catch in a world that’s fascinated by leveling up and names that matter.
But still. Something feels off.
“Benjamin!” The soft, feminine voice sounds surprised to see him as we approach Vivian Calloway.
She either has anamazingplastic surgeon or a magician on her household staff, because she looks like she hasn’t aged a single day since the last time I saw her.
“What are you doing here?”
Now that we’re closer and I can see her face, I note a hint of worry in her tone that instantly puts me on edge.
Her eyes dart to the side, as if she’s watching the people around us or looking for someone.
“I knew Rowan had an exhibit tonight, thought I’d do my duty as a Calloway and come support her.”
I blink, realizing for the first time that Rowan Geffries is the artist on display. We went to high school together, and I think she’s…related? Somehow she’s close with the Calloway family; that’s all I know.
My eyes turn to scan the artwork, seeing the dark, murky colors of the mixed media canvases on the walls.
I remember her being talented when we were younger, but these are stunning. I’m surprised I didn’t actually look at any of the art pieces when we first walked in.
Another reason I’m irritated by my fidgeting.
When I turn to look back at Mrs. Calloway, I see she’s looking directly at me, confusion in her eyes.
“And,” Ben continues, “I wanted to officially introduce you to my fiancée. Mom, you remember Remmy Wallace, right?”
There’s a long pause…a stretch of time that feels far too long before she responds. I brace myself, wondering what she might do or say. Maybe Iwasjust worried about how his parents would react.
But she smiles at me, something warm and genuine in it.
“Fiancée?” she whispers, and I see her eyes well up as she looks from me to Ben and then back again.
I give her a big smile, feeling my insides sag with relief that she isn’t pissed or angry or preparing to storm out of the room.
“It’s so good to see you again, Mrs. Calloway,” I say, finally finding my voice.
She waves her hand in front of her face. “Oh, please. Call me Vivian. We’re going to be family.”
And then she steps forward and gives me a hug.
