Not Quite Like the Movies (Otis Milburn x OC)

Meet the Parents

Chapter X

As soon as Abby gets home from school, Nan notices how much her mood has improved.

"So I take it things went well with Otis today," she notes. Abby sits down next to her grandmother on the couch.

"I kinda have a boyfriend now," Abby says.

Nan raises her eyebrows. "You kinda had a boyfriend yesterday," she explains. "So I take it you made the jump?"

Abby smiles and nods. "It's great. I mean, it's only been four hours, but it's awesome. Like, I still have stuff going on in my life that sucks, and I've still got to get my shit together, but I can still deal with that and have a boyfriend, right," she asks.

"Not everyone can pull it off," Nan says. "I think you could, though. I see this great capacity for all kinds of relationships in you that you should keep nurturing and developing, instead of spending all your time reading and listening to music alone or with Adam. Because for some reason, I like the kid, but he shouldn't be the only person in your life."

"I'm actually kind of worried about that," Abby says. "Like, I think he's a bit jealous I've made new friends. Or else, you know, he's just going through stuff at home. It's hard to tell. Me and Adam don't really talk about serious stuff."

"Stuff at home," Nan repeats, concerned. "What do you mean?"

"His dad's talking about sending him to military school," Abby explains.

Nan sighs. "Well, if there's one thing I know, once Michael's mind is made up, it's made up," she says. "He gets that from his father."

Nan and Beth Groff, Adam's grandmother, have been good friends since high school, and so by default, she tolerates Beth's husband and son. Still, she probably wouldn't be as involved with the family if an impromptu playdate between Adam and Abby hadn't gone surprisingly well.

"So it's hopeless," Abby says.

"Sorry to say it, but yes," Nan tells her. "So make the most of the time you two have together."

"Do you think maybe I should put the brakes on this Otis thing so I can be there for Adam?"

"As a former guidance counselor, I would tell you to follow your heart and do what you think is right," Nan says. "As a grandmother who sees how happy this young man makes you, I'm gonna say 'hell no.'"

"God, Nan, was I depressing before or something," Abby asks.

"No," she says. "Well...sort of. You have a few trust issues, nothing severe, but I think now that you're letting more people into your life, you'll be pleasantly surprised."

"I mean, maybe I should just stay friendly with people, though," Abby says.

"No. Take the leap," Nan says. "From what I can tell, since you barely let me talk to them and I only know what you tell me, your friends are good kids. And God knows, I don't think Adam would dump any girl even if you were in hospital. So, just relax, enjoy having your first boyfriend, and invite him over to dinner here."

"What," Abby says. "You already met him."

"Well, now I want to get to know him a bit better," Nan says. "Especially if the two of you are going to be running off upstairs with each other."

"I mean, we could keep the door open," Abby bargains.

"Nope," Nan says. "An open-door policy is a bit much at your age. Hell, the only reason your father was subject to it was because he would bring home year nine girls. That being said, I think it's perfectly reasonable that we have Otis over for dinner."