Page 75 of Protect My Heart
‘We don’t know yet,’ I say. ‘We haven’t picked a date.’
‘Let me see the ring.’ My mom looks at my hand.
‘We don’t have it yet. It’s at the jeweler’s being sized.’
‘I bet it’s beautiful,’ my mom gushes.
The waitress comes by with our drinks. ‘Hey, Jason.’ She smiles at him. ‘How was Nick’s wedding last night?’
‘It was good.’ He picks up his menu and looks through it.
‘I bet it was pretty at the orchard with all the trees in bloom.’
‘What orchard?’ my mom asks. ‘Is it that one in town? The one everyone talks about?’
‘Yeah,’ the waitress says. ‘Kanfield Orchard. Jason’s parents own it. His brother got married there last night.’
‘Perhaps you two should get married there too,’ my mom says to Jason and me. ‘Oh, Walter, we have to go see it today!’
‘What do you mean?’ the waitress says. ‘Jason’s not—’
‘We should order,’ Jason says, interrupting her. ‘I’d suggest the pancakes, but the omelets are good too.’
Mom smiles at the waitress and points to Jason and me. ‘They just told us that they’re engaged! We’re beyond the moon happy about it, aren’t we Walter?’
He grunts and picks up his coffee.
‘What are you talking about?’ The waitress laughs. ‘Jason’s not engaged.’
Jason clears his throat. ‘Actually, I am.’ He gives me a look like this plan is already turning into a disaster. But it’s just the waitress. She’s not going to tell anyone.
‘You’re engaged?’ the waitress says to Jason. ‘I didn’t even know you were dating anyone.’
‘Hi.’ I turn to the waitress. ‘I’m Mia. Jason’s fiancé.’
She gives me a confused look. ‘I don’t get it. I’ve never seen you before. And just a few weeks ago Jason was going out with—’
‘A friend,’ Jason says. ‘I was out with a friend.’ He puts his arm around me. ‘You haven’t seen Mia because she lives in Madison. I usually go there to see her instead of having her come here.’
‘Oh.’ The waitress eyes him like she doesn’t believe him. ‘Well, congratulations!’
‘Are we gonna order?’ my dad says as he looks at the menu. ‘I’ve gotta eat. Gotta take my pill.’
‘Yes, dear, we know you have to eat,’ my mom says as she scans the menu. ‘I’ll go with Jason’s suggestion and get the pancakes.’
‘I will too,’ I say.
‘I want eggs and bacon,’ my dad says, setting his menu down.
‘And for you, Jason?’ the waitress asks.
‘I’ll have the usual.’
She nods and takes off for the kitchen.
My mom grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. ‘I’m so happy for you, honey. I just wish you’d told us about Jason sooner. Where did you two meet?’
I glance at Jason as I try to come up with a story.
