Nomads

Chapter 28

The after-church lunch with the Callahans was no walk in the park, as it turned out.

Luca had been spot on about how his grandparents would receive Mara. They were polite to the point where it was almost sickeningly sweet, with snide remarks cloaked under a mask of innocence that were pointed mostly at her but also at Bruce—who apparently hadn't shown up to a single brunch until now, understandably. They picked apart at everything; her dress (a rather unflattering color for someone with her complexion) her hair (she really ought to tame those unruly curls next time) or even her accent (what did she mean, she didn't have a specific accent? She had to come from somewhere).

Having been mentally prepared for this kind of attitude toward her, Mara handled it with the grace and poise of royalty. She didn't fight it when Luca introduced her as Naomi, despite desperately wanting to, and their rude questions and remarks were responded to with kindness and laughter to ease the tension. She figured that they only complained about her outward appearance because they could find no flaws anywhere else. Since she knew her worth, the quips about her appearance couldn't shake her. She was fearfully and wonderfully made, after all.

Luca, however, was visibly disgruntled by her grandparents grilling her and criticizing her appearance. They were begrudgingly impressed by everything else they learned about her, from her impressive academic achievements to her 'upstanding' heritage (apparently his grandparents knew of hers, and were very impressed by the fact that she was their granddaughter). Therefore the only thing they could get on her case about was the way she looked.

Of course, it was mostly his grandmother that made these comments. Luca's grandfather, whom Mara referred to as Mr. Callahan, was very stoic and had said little else to her apart from a stiff greeting upon their introduction.

She could see where Luca got his sour demeanor from.

"Lunch was delicious as always, mother. But I'm afraid I should get going. I need to prepare for a consultation with a potential client tomorrow."

Mara watched as Bruce stood rather abruptly, clearly wanting to leave as quickly as possible now that he had finished his meal.

"We haven't even had dessert yet, Bruce. It would be rude to leave now." Mrs. Callahan quipped.

"But-"

"I don't want to hear any excuses. Family is more important than your law work."

Bruce looked like he desperately wanted to argue, but bit his tongue and sat back down. "I suppose I could stay for a short while longer," he muttered defeatedly.

Mara and Luca silently observed the exchange, and the latter shifted uneasily under the now stifling tension in the room.

"Would you like some help bringing out the dessert, Mrs. Callahan?" Mara offered, cutting the silence with a demure smile.

"Why, that would be lovely," Mrs. Callahan replied, looking rather pleased by Mara's offer to help.

The girl followed the older woman out of the dining room and into the kitchen, feeling her boyfriend's concerned gaze burning a hole in her back.

"My grandson seems to really fancy you," Mrs. Callahan stated once they were alone.

"I can assure you that the feeling is mutual," Mara replied airily, with a somewhat bashful expression gracing her features.

Mrs. Callahan observed her carefully as she removed some lemon squares from the refrigerator.

"I can tell that you make him happy."

Mara blushed. "He makes me happy too."

"He's my only grandchild, I'm sure you know that. He's all I have left of Andrew..." Mrs. Callahan sighed and cleared her throat. "You are not my first choice for him. I don't know you, and I don't know if you are going to hurt him. But, you make him happy, and I know my opinion means little to him. So if you're going to play with his heart or use him, don't. I can't bear to see him in any more pain."