Even Through the Storm

5. Meet the Parents

"Bye, Dad!" I say the next day, heading out the door to Ash's car. I open the passenger door and get in.

"You sure you want to do this?" Asher asks as I buckle my seatbelt.

"Yes. I do."

"You know she won't change her mind. You're only going to make things worse."

"Drive." Asher starts the car. I look down at my outfit. Today, I'm wearing a purple spaghetti strap tank top, with a gray cardigan and jean shorts with the pockets showing through the bottom. I click my heels together.

"You want to go for lunch after this?" Asher asks.

"It's already eleven-thirty. Wait, you don't think she'll let me in!"

"No, it's, no. I just, no. Nevermind."

"Asher!"

"Look. You know that's not what I meant. I know this place that serves lunch until three. If you want, my mom can come with."

"Good save." He turns into his driveway and parks the car. We get out and walk into the house through the garage, and into the kitchen. Asher's mom is cooking something and talking on the phone.

"Yeah, yeah, okay, ten alright? Good, great, okay, bye." She hangs up the phone and puts it on the answering machine. Asher wraps his arms around her from behind, towering a foot over her. "Oh! Ash, honey! Hi." She turns around. "Lola! Hi. How's your father?"

"Good, Ms. Reynolds, good. How are you?" For Asher and my three-monthaversary, we and our parents went to dinner together at a restaurant. This wasn't the first time we met each other's parents, but it was the first time that they met.

"Good, I'm good. I'm making quesadillas if you want one. They'll be ready in a few minutes."

"It's okay Mom. Maybe later. We'll just be in the living room," Ash says, grabbing onto my arm and dragging me into the living room. We sit down on the couch. "I told you it'd be fine. Not even one mention about the weather, or anything."

"I know, but, I still feel weird around her." He wraps his arm around my shoulder. I nuzzle my head into his chest.

"It's okay. You've only met her like four, five times? Six max. I see your dad pretty much every day. It just takes some time."

"I guess you're right."

"Video game?" I sit up.

"Race you to the basement!"