Tiger Teeth - Terms & Conditions // Book Two

Chapter 12

Chroi's parents wanted to take us, or me, to dinner after they heard about the plans to go to Ireland.  I tried to insist it wasn't necessary but Aileen and Connor were having none of it.  They insisted their store was doing better and they could handle dinner.  Chroi refused to get in the middle. 

So...we were going to dinner.

Connor shook my hand and Aileen gave me a hug.  Did they know what I'd done?  It didn't seem so but then again they hardly seemed like the type of people to be outright rude to anyone.  Still, it felt nice to get a hug from a mom being that I had such issues with mine. 

I was also curious as to whether or not they knew about her stage fright issues.  But once again, if they were I doubted they'd make that outwardly known.

So I just focused on being with my love and her parents for a quiet dinner.

Connor threw his arm over the back of his wife's chair,

"Can't thank ya enough for the trip, Niall."

I shook my head after the waiter brought bread and water and left,

"Not a problem.  Figurin' we all need t'visit the homeland every now and then."

"Your grandmother can't wait to see you."  Aileen said as she reached across the table to take Chroi's hand, "We're so proud of you, honey."

I watched as Chroi became uncomfortable and took her hand back from her mother.  Aileen didn't seem to notice but I sure did. 

I quickly changed the subject,

"So, anyplace ya wanna hit when we're in Ireland?  I thought we could get everyone together for a little get together."

Aileen nodded,

"That sounds nice. Get all the families together to meet.  I'd like to meet your mother."

Now it was my turn to be uncomfortable. 

"Sh-she's excited to meet you too."  I lied.

I hadn't even told my mother I would be home for Christmas.  I wasn't even sure if she would be home.  I assumed she was headed out of town for her own celebrations.  I made a mental note to call her when I got the chance.

Chroi changed the subject to something about her grandparents, giving me a moment to gather my thoughts.  A lot had happened in the last 30 minutes. 

Once our plates were in front of us I was finally able to contribute to the discussion,

"So...are ya plannin' on bein' at the last show?"

Chroi dropped her fork.  It clanged against her plate which caused her mother to jump.  Her parents both eyed her suspiciously while she quickly apologized and regained her composure.  Her mother nodded,

"We were planning on being there."  She looked over at Chroi, "If that's alright."

Chroi quickly finished her bite,

"S-sure it's alright.  Sure."  She looked over at me, "It'll be fun to have someone I know in the audience for a change."

She looked like she was about to throw up.

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Once we were back at the hotel, I had held my tongue for as long as I could.  The moment the door closed, words were coming out of my mouth that surprised even me.  I put my hands on Chroi's shoulders and I sat her down,

"Your parents are gonna be in the audience."  I said as I looked at her pointedly.

She nodded,