My Only Exception (gxg)

Part 20

Toward the end of April, Poppy invited me to have dinner with her and her mom.

She was going to be coming over to Poppy's apartment for dinner, and Poppy wanted me to be there.

I obliged, gladly.

One thing about Poppy is that she can make a mean latte, but she can't cook for the life of her.

"I'm going to get a Margherita pizza, it's my mom's favorite," Poppy said to me, "I'm excited for you to meet her. Also a little nervous, but my mom is really sweet."

"I'm kind of nervous to meet her as well, only because I want to make a good impression," I said back to Poppy.

"She'll love you," Poppy reassured me, "How could she not?"

I tend to not care what adults older than me think of my more alternative, dark style, but I found myself feeling concerned about what Poppy's mom would think of me.

Should I wear something...colorful?

No. Dress how you want, Delilah. Poppy's mom will either accept you or not.

My mom was just getting home from work when I was about to go to Poppy's.

"Are you headed out?" she asked me, looking very professional in her white coat.

"I am. I'm actually going to go meet Poppy's mom."

My mom's eyes widened, "Wow! That's a big step."

"I know," I nodded, "It is."

"I'm not trying to rain on your parade...but when do you think you're going to tell Emily?"

"I'm not sure. I know I'm going to have to, though. Probably soon. I'm almost just used to it now because I've been doing this with Poppy for months...but I still feel extremely guilty and question whether I should've just told her from the start."

"You can't go back now," my mom said, "Hopefully she will be more receptive than you think."

I sighed, "I hope so."

"Sorry to bring it up. You just go enjoy dinner with Poppy and her mom."

"Thanks. Are you doing anything tonight?"

"Ordering Chinese food and watching TV with a glass of wine."

At least you're not going out.

Penelope walked up to me, and I gave her some pets and a kiss on the head, and then headed to Poppy's apartment.

Poppy greeted me at the door with a kiss, and when I walked in, her mom and a young man I'd never met before was at the table.

"Delilah, this is my mom, and my brother Chris. Chris won't be having dinner with us, but he wanted to see our mom. Mom, Chris...this is my girlfriend, Delilah."

Like Poppy, her mom was stunning. She had long, shiny black hair, the same almond shaped eyes as Poppy, except hers were dark brown, and porcelain skin. Poppy's brother Chris had the same dark hair and olive toned skin as Poppy as well.

"Ah, so you're the one that's been over here all the time!" Chris smiled, "Nice to finally meet you."

Poppy's mom got up and walked over to me. When she reached me, she pulled me into a warm hug.

"Delilah, I'm so glad to meet you. My name is Cara," she said. When we pulled away, she said, "You're just stunning."

I smiled, "Thank you, as are you."

I sat down at the dining room table with Cara and Poppy, and Chris got up to head to his girlfriend's place.

There was a large box with a Margherita pizza on the table, and Poppy said, "Let's dig in. This smells incredible."