Page 19 of Dean Daddy

“You’re right. I called to tell you that your sister is getting married.”

“Really? That’s great for her. Give her my congratulations.” My sister Emily is ten years older than me, and we’ve never been very close. She left for college when I was in elementary school and rarely came home. That was around the time when my parent’s marriage started to fall apart so I didn’t really blame her. Life at home was no picnic.

“Emily wanted to keep things small. At her age, she didn’t see the point of a big wedding but your stepmother insists that we at least have an engagement party since this is still Emily’s first marriage,” he explains.

“And you called to tell me that?”

“No, son. I called to invite you. Your sister wants you there and Marcie’s mother wants her there. Are you two still close or do I need to call her, too?”

“She’s sitting right here. I’ll be glad to give her the message.”

“How are things going with her? Is she settling in okay?”

“She’s just fine, Dad. I told you that I was going to take care of her and I will.”

“Alright, well, I’ll text you the details. Please do what you can to be there.”

“Just to be clear, you realize that Marcie and I will be coming as a couple. Right, Dad?”

“If that’s the case, so be it. Her mother wants to see her.”

“And I’m excited to see you, too, Dad,” I hang up before he has an opportunity to respond.

“What was that about?” Marcie asks.

I wrap my arms around her and squeeze her tightly, “Your mother is throwing an engagement party for my sister and we’re invited.”

12

DINNER WITH THE FAMILY

MARCIE

Under any other circumstance, a weekend away with Mason would seem like a dream come true but this isn’t a vacation. This is coming face-to-face with my mother for the first time since she found out about us. If that wasn’t stressful enough, I’ll also be meeting Mason’s sister. He says it isn’t a big deal since they’ve never really been close but that doesn’t make it feel any less stressful.

Mom tried to insist that we stay at her house but Mason put his foot down, insisting that everyone would be more comfortable if we checked into a hotel. His father fully supports us staying outside the house and even makes a reservation for us. We arrive at the hotel at three to check in before having dinner with our parents.

“There was no way I was gonna spend two nights with you sleeping in separate beds,” he tells me as he removes the luggage from the trunk of the car.

“Good because we’re too old to have our parents catching us in the act.” He flashes me a sideways look and I add, “Again.”

We inspect the room and freshen up before heading to Mason’s childhood home. I’ve been there twice when I came home to visit, but this will be the first time that we go there together, and I’m excited to hear all about his childhood antics. If we can focus our attention on positive things, maybe we can get through this without too much discomfort. Knowing my mother, however, I expect that to be a struggle.

We arrive at the stately Mitchell family home and Emily meets us at the door. She hugs Mason and says, “My baby brother.” He nearly recoils when he hears it. She releases him and looks at me. Taking both my hands, she says, “And you must be Marcella. Aren’t you just adorable? I’ve heard that you two are an item. I’ve also heard that the parents are not pleased. I say screw them! They didn’t ask our opinions before they got together, did they?”

“Congratulations on your engagement, Emily. Please call me Marcie,” I smile, elated to have Emily as our ally.

“Come meet my fiancé, James. I’m sure he’s terrified to be alone with Daddy,” Emily grabs each of us by one hand and leads us into the dining room where James and Mason’s father are seated at the table. I can hear my mother in the kitchen and almost go to her, but she’s having a heated conversation with the help. I’d rather not be a witness to her abusive behavior.

Mason’s father sees us and rises from his chair. He shakes hands with Mason and gives me a nod then returns to his position at the head of the table.

“How was the trip?” he asks.

“Fine, Dad. We made good time,” Mason replies. He holds out a chair for me and sits down beside me.

“Marcie and Mason, this is James,” Emily introduces us and my mother hears her from the kitchen. She marches into the dining room and slaps her husband on the arm.

“Why didn’t you tell me that the kids were here?” she scolds him.

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