meet me at midnight.

36.

I applied for my learners permit and it arrived at the beginning of December. The weekend of the 7th, we'd all be meeting Theo's parents. Desiree told me at work that Theo was nervous and whilst he loved us all as friends, he was scared that his uptight parents would dislike us. A lot seemed to hinge on this meeting.

When we met in the early evening on Saturday at Gramercy Tavern of all places, I felt nervous too. We met out near the entrance to Gramercy Park, opposite the restaurant. A year ago I'd been at this location the night Lionel had kicked me out and being back here dredged up a lot of awful memories.

"I'm freaking out." Theo said, chain smoking.

"Babe, please," Desiree sighed. "You are puttin' us all on edge. And your folks ain't even here yet."

"I know," Theo sighed, then looked at us all. "You guys have no idea how much I appreciate you all goin' formal for this and tampin' down the goth look a little."

Zara had removed her nose ring and Aubrey had dyed the pink streaks from her hair. Peter, Johnny, Kenny and Josh had tied their hair back. I glanced at my husband. He'd removed the rings in his ears and his eyebrow barbell. All tattoos were hidden under shirts.

"I have researched topics of conversation." Aubrey said, grinning.

"So, now you know exactly what not to say," Kenny smirked. "Well done, babe."

"Shut up," Aubrey snapped, but hugged him. "You look cute."

"I feel very untrue to myself." Kenny said.

"Be yourselves, please." Desiree cackled, and Sadie giggled.

"Please do not do that," Theo pleaded. "Keep the sex jokes non-existent, the weird animal noises off the table and be pleasant and cordial."

"Understood," Peter said. "Only make animal noises from quiet animals."

"Theo, please don't worry," Sadie said, sighing. "We are capable of being normal for one night."

A car pulled up across the way and Theo's face paled. A couple got out. The woman was wearing a black dress, modestly cut and the man was wearing a suit.

"That them?" I asked Desiree, and she nodded.

"C'mon, let's do this," She grinned, and her face went pale too. A girl got out of the car with them. "Abort, they've brought Whitney."

"Whitney?" Zara asked.

"My sister," Theo groaned. "Right, this is a warning. She will flirt, but please do not give her any ammunition. She is a pain."

"Oh goodie." Sadie scowled.

Theo and Desiree led the way and we walked into the restaurant. We were led to the table and I finally got to see Theo's parents properly. His mom stood and hugged him, then Desiree, who looked tense.

"Sit please," Theo's mom said, and we all did. "Well, isn't this exciting? I'll go first with introductions. My name is Cheryl, this is my husband Robert and our daughter, Whitney."

Whitney was staring around the table, eyes taking in the guys. She leaned on her elbow, grinning smugly.

"Hey mom," Theo said. "Didn't know you were bringing Whitney."

"I saw your Instagram photos of your friends," She said, coyly. "And just had to meet them."

Sadie was staring daggers at Whitney. Theo glared at his sister then seemed to decide that he'd had enough worrying.

"That's so sweet, Whit," He said. "People in committed relationships don't usually fuck around, but thank you for comin' along to test the theory."

"Theo." Robert snapped, narrowing his eyes at his son, then looking at us all in turn. "So, names please. I'd like to know who my son and future daughter in law are spending time with."