The Love Abroad

Chapter 14

Essenza is a pretty pricey place, way out of my price range.

Kris and I arrive at the restaurant to see Tom waiting in the lobby for us. "You two look absolutely stunning," he says before planting a kiss on both our cheeks.

He leads us to the table he had reserved and I see my parents laughing. It was the first time I've really seen them.... happy.

After exchanging hugs and finding our seats, Tom orders us a glass of some pinot noir. Fancy Tom and his wine. "So Joseph & Ann, what is it you both do for a living?"

My parents look at each other, "Well, I am an English professor at Colorado State University," my dad says. "And I am an artist. I work at home, on commission," finishes my mom.

Tom takes a sip of his wine then gently sitting the glass down before him. "Well! No wonder Marie is as creative as she is! She is inspired by you two."

My dad smiles, he never smiles. "What about you Tom, how is that you and my daughter met?"

See, this is exactly why I didn't even want Tom to know they were coming. "Well sir, we um.... met actually at a pub." Classy.

"A pub?" my mom interrupts, "Was football on? Marie is obsessed with football - I blame my family. You know the Spanish, a lot like the English when it comes to football." Tom laughs, followed by Kris.

"Yes ma'am, football was on. Honestly, she didn't even know whom I was when we met. But ever since then, the rest is history." he says, with his eyes looking to me.

"He insisted I went on a date with him. He texted me everyday. Yet, it took Kris to tell me who he was but even then, it didn't really matter. Tom is a fantastic guy, so genuine." I feel my face get red and so did Kris because she kicked me under the table.

"So how long have you two been together? You and Marie? She's never mentioned that she was seeing a very talented actor, let alone anyone." The question was directed to Tom, who fell silent. "You two make a lovely couple I might say."

I nearly choke on my wine. "We are not together mom. We're just.... friends, right Tom?" My eyes almost bulge out of my head. "Just friends, I'm afraid. I can't convince your daughter to find it in her heart to let me in."

My dad looks at Tom, most intensely. "I think she's let you in enough, Tom." Kris says with a slight smile.

Tom coughs up a bit, both him and I glaring at Kris. Seriously, I could slap her right now.

Luckily our food came to distract my parents from what she said. The dinner was astounding, just delicious. "Well, your father and I are going to head back to the hotel. You three have any late plans?" We all look at each other.

"No." My mom laughs and gives me a hug goodnight, my dad kissing my forehead. "Make sure these ladies get home safe, okay Tom?" The two men share a laugh.

What is this? My dad and Tom? Getting along? UGH.

"I give you my word, sir. I'll see to it that they find their beds tonight."

What even?

Had I been a guy and had a daughter and some guy said that to me, I'd be punching the dude in the face. Tom's charm is totally working on my parents too!

They get into the cab and we wave them off. "So I'm going to leave you two lovebirds alone," Kris says waving another cab.

"Not so fast!" I yell, "What the hell were you thinking saying that?" Kris turns to us with her hand on her cocked hip.

"Don't even start with me Marie!" she said, totally ignoring that Tom was standing next to me. 

"Don't pretend like you have no feelings for Tom. He told you his feelings so why can't you be honest with yourself and tell him yours? Grow up." She turns her back, looking to the road.

"How dare you, Kris." I grab her arm, pulling her away so she can look at me. "This is not the place nor the time to do this."

"Marie. Kris. What feelings? Someone fill me in." Tom pleads, making us both realize he was there listening the whole time.

"Tom. Marie loves you, okay? She has since she first met you, she is just too stubborn to admit it because she's afraid of getting hurt."

And with that, I slap Kris. I slapped her hard. "How could you...”? I say, grabbing my clutch of the cement and walking to wherever my feet led me.

"I would never hurt her."

"I know Tom, I know. But unfortunately she doesn't." She steps into the can leaving Tom on the curb.

Alone.