Page 39 of Feel It All

“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” She asks as she climbs in.

“No, it was good. Your dad didn’t kill me and only minimal embarrassing stories for you.” I tug lightly on her ponytail, “Remind me to take you to the beach more often.”

“You don’t have to take me to the beach to get me naked, just out of my parents’ driveway and I’m all yours.” Winry teases me with a sexy smirk.

Before work Wednesday, I decide to call my mom back. She has messaged me nonstop asking questions about Winry.

She answers by the second ring. “Finally, you call me back.”

“I know, sorry, Mom. How was your day?”

“No, don’t try to act normal, like you didn’t tell me that you found a girl you want to marry. You’d better not have been lying to me, Graham. I have been waiting for this day. Even though I am a little sad it’s not Claire, but happy, nonetheless.” She is talking a mile a minute.

“Mom, calm down, I’m not lying to you. Her name is Winry, and I’m serious about her, Mom, so no more Claire talk,” I say, annoyed.

“Winry, interesting name. Tell me about her,” Mom demands.

“Well for starters she is beautiful, with dark hair and hazel eyes. She is my neighbor and my chief’s daughter actually. She runs her own business; it’s a bookstore and café called Crossroads. I realize that it is a little quick, but I don’t know, I just know she is the one.” I normally would never be so candid with my mom, but Winry has brought out a new side of me.

“She runs her own business? Rather ambitious. I mean, have you thought much about how that will affect your family? Both of you having demanding jobs, Graham, is not ideal. Plus, you should really think about a different field too if you want a family.”

My good mood immediately soured. “Mom, come on. I am talking to you about a girl I am serious about, and you are ruining it.”

“I am most certainly not ruining it. Graham, these are things you have to think about before you decide if you want to marry this girl. I mean it is probably best you move back here too.”

I rub my hand over my face and take a deep breath. This is exactly what I was worried about. “And why would I need to move back?”

“Well, I am here for one. I am retired, I could watch the children.” She responds like I am stupid or something.

“Mom, you are years ahead of us right now, there is no reason to be talking about this right now. I am not moving back, and I am not making a career change, and I’m not going to have her do those either. I called to talk positively about the girl I am seeing, Mom.” I let my aggravation out a little bit.

“Graham, I am just being realistic. But I suppose we can start small; I need to meet her.” Mom says bluntly. “It’s the Summer Festival this weekend in Rosewood, why don’t you bring her for the weekend?”

“That actually isn’t a bad idea, but before you ask, we aren’t staying at the house. I’ll get us our own place.” After this conversation I am hesitant to bring Winry to meet my mom, but I do love the summer festival. I want to make memories there with her.

“Why not? There is nothing wrong with my house,” she says defensively.

“That’s the deal, Mom, take it or leave it.” I know once she meets Winry, she will love her, and I hope all of the questions and judgment will cease.

“I’ll take it. I can’t wait to meet her.” I can hear the joy in my mom’s voice.

“Okay, we will work something out for this weekend. I’ll talk to you later.” We say our goodbyes then I send off a group message to Winry’s sisters and Ivy.

Me: Does Winry like festivals and carnivals?

Ivy: Yes, she will kick your ass at some carnival games.

Wyla: She sure does. Does this have to do with her birthday?

Me: Yeah, there is an annual summer festival in my home town that always has a bunch of booths set up and a carnival. I thought it would be fun for her birthday. Thoughts?

Waverley: She would love that. Gold star, Graham.

Me: I was planning on us staying the weekend, but y’all could drive up Saturday; I thought it would be good for her to have you guys there too.

Waverley: Even better!

Ivy: I’ll be there!

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