Page 38 of Saving Little Lina: Part Two

Later that evening, after wrapping up at work, Hank and I arrived at Mike's mansion, ready to pick them up. I dialed Mike, expecting a quick confirmation that they were on their way out. Instead, I was greeted by the sight of Mike and Joe, embroiled in a spirited debate over attire—agreat tie debate, as it would soon be known.

"But Daddy, the blue tie has ducks on it! It's fun, it's quirky—it's you!" Mike argued, holding up the said tie with a grin that was both pleading and mischievous.

Joe, on the other hand, was holding a more conservative black tie. "Mike, we're going to a dinner, not a duck pond. I needto look presentable, not like I'm auditioning for a role inThe Ugly Duckling."

Mike retorted, "Butpresentabledoesn't have to meanboring. Life's too short for boring ties, Daddy. Embrace the duck!"

Their playful bickering continued until Mike noticed my laughter through the phone screen. "Oh, Lina! We'll be out in a minute, just as soon as we settle thegreat tie debateof our time," he said, his tone light and full of affection.

Minutes later, they joined us in the car, Mike sliding into the backseat next to me, Joe taking his place next to Hank in the front. Mike was dressed in a casual yet stylish ensemble, a crisp white shirt paired with dark jeans, while I was in a comfortable yet chic floral dress, hoping to strike the right balance between casual and formal.

Upon our arrival at my parents' home, the warmth and vibrancy of the atmosphere enveloped us immediately. Joan and Ron, my mother and stepfather, greeted each of us with open arms, their hugs as comforting and welcoming as always. When the moment came to introduce Hank as my boyfriend, I felt a flutter of nerves mixed with excitement.

Joan, with her characteristic blend of sass and sweetness, didn't miss a beat. "Well, it's about time our Lina found herself a boyfriend! And a handsome one at that," she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "I was beginning to think she preferred her ad campaigns over actual human company."

Her comment left me a shade of red, embarrassed yet touched by her teasing. Internally, I couldn’t help but think,If only she knew the half of it.

As we made our way inside, Mike took the opportunity to introduce Joe as his partner. Joan, ever ready with a sassy comeback, remarked, "Oh, aren't you two just the picture of adorableness? I swear, you could give those storybook couples a run for their money."

Mike, without missing a beat and with his usual flair, agreed wholeheartedly. "Absolutely, Joan! We're practically made for each other. In fact, we hold the record for never having argued. Ever," he declared, his tone brimming with pride.

Joe, not one to let such a bold claim go unchallenged, rolled his eyes and affectionately called Mike out. "Liar," he muttered under his breath, the fondness in his voice belying the label.

Mike, seizing the moment to underscore his earlier point, refrained from retorting. "See? I rest my case. I don't argue, thus proving we're perfect for each other," he said, his logic amusingly flawed yet endearing.

Joan, catching my eye with a knowing look, whispered with a wink, "Something tells me that's not entirely true, but it’s clear they're perfect for each other in their own unique way."

Dinner unfolded in the cozy dining room. The table was laden with dishes that smelled of nostalgia and warmth, each recipe passed down through generations. As we settled into our seats, the familiar banter began, enveloping us in the comforting embrace of family.

"Pass the potatoes, would you, dear?" Joan asked, her voice carrying the soft cadence of home. "And tell me, how have you been managing with all those ad campaigns? You work too hard, Lina."

I smiled, passing the dish as requested. "I've been good, Mom. Busy, but good. Hank's been a huge help, keeping me grounded."

Ron chimed in, his tone teasing yet filled with fatherly concern. "Grounded, huh? That's a full-time job with this one. Hank, how do you manage?"

Hank, ever the charmer, replied with a gentle laugh. "Well, Ron, it's all about balance. And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. Lina's passion is one of the many reasons I love her."

The conversation shifted seamlessly to our life together in Hank's mansion, a topic that seemed to pique my parents' curiosity. "So, living in that big mansion of yours, you two must be hosting grand balls every other night, right?" Joan joked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Hank played along, "Oh, absolutely. Lina here has become quite the hostess. Though, ourgrand ballsare more like quiet evenings with books and music. It's our little slice of paradise."

I added, "It's true. And Hank has made it such a welcoming home. We've been thinking about adding a little garden in the back. You know, grow some herbs, maybe some flowers. Make it even more ours."

Joan, her expression softening with affection, nodded. "That sounds lovely, dear. It's important to make a space your own. Fill it with love and memories."

Ron, with a mock stern look, leaned forward. "Just make sure Hank here helps with the gardening. It's not all about reading books in the garden, you know."

The laughter that followed was easy and genuine, a testament to the closeness and affection that had always defined my relationship with my parents. The conversation meandered through various topics, from memories of my childhood to plans for the future.

During dessert, Mike's distinctively playful character shone through, especially when he and I found ourselves in the midst of a mock-serious debate.

"Come on, Lina, everyone knows that chocolate ice cream is vastly superior to vanilla. It's like choosing between a unicorn and a horse," Mike argued, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

I couldn't help but laugh, taking the bait. "A unicorn? Really, Mike? Vanilla is classic, timeless. Chocolate is just...overrated."

The table erupted in laughter at our exaggerated claims, and it wasn't long before Hank and Joe joined in.

Hank raised an eyebrow, adopting a mock-serious tone. "Well, if we're choosing sides, I'm afraid I have to side with Lina here. Vanilla has a certain elegance to it."

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