(Complete) When Tim Burke meets Julie at a party, she isn't impressed. When they see each other again, Julie decides to give him a chance. As Julie faces burdens and sorrow in her own life, Tim and his family provide the support and love she needs...
A/N The bigoted opinions described are not mine or my main characters.
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Both girls wore light dresses, as it was a warm, early June afternoon. They were traveling to attend a garden party at the Walker residence. Julie had on a Karin Stevens that she wore to work in the summer and was feeling uneasy.
"So Jim will definitely be there?"
"I told you Arthur said so." Kate answered impatiently.
"And Arthur never told him about Tim?"
"Jules, we've been over this. You can tell him or when Tim arrives, he'll figure it out. Besides, he could have his own date. It's been a few months."
Unfortunately, Tim couldn't arrive until after seven which meant Julie had to socialize for several hours on her own. Kate and Arthur had become sickeningly serious, so she couldn't count on Kate. She'd met some of Tim's friends, Bernie and Nate Walker and his parents. Still, she wished Tim was waiting with Arthur at the T station.
Kate engaged her in a conversation, which Julie knew she was doing to ease her nerves.
"How was your night last night?"
"It was fun. They got along."
Tim had finally met Kevin. They met him at Bennigan's, a chain bar and restaurant near the mall. Tim could talk to anyone. He would be a great doctor with his bedside manner.
"I was so glad Kevin liked Tim but really who wouldn't. Well, except my father will hate him."
"Your father hates everyone. At least Tim isn't Jewish, black, gay... Japanese..."
"Oh, please don't remind me. How many times have I heard him talk about those Jap cars? He's a bigot and is very inclusive in who he hates." Julie spoke her thoughts. "Tim's parents are wonderful and I think they like me."
She didn't mention Nick, because Kate was tired of hearing her talk about the boy. Julie enjoyed him over the weekend, as much as she had the first time they had met.
Kate laughed. "Everyone likes you. Do you love him?"
"Who Nick?" Julie avoided her question.
Kate sighed. "You and that kid but I'm talking about Tim, your boyfriend. You know the funny guy."
"I don't know. Isn't it too soon?"
"Well, I know I love Arthur and I plan to marry him."
"Marry him? You haven't been dating a year yet."
"It doesn't matter. I just know."
There were more guests than on the night she met Tim and more girls. She didn't feel as outnumbered. The garden was beautiful with a gorgeous green lawn and shrubbery around the perimeter. Following Arthur and Kate across the lawn, she didn't see anyone she knew. Her chest felt tight and her belly a bit off.
