He chuckled. “I’m your father. It’s my right to scare your boyfriends.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I said with a roll of my eyes. “Why don’t you go to the kitchen and visit with Lara? She’s back there with the chefs. If I’m not mistaken, they’re making Austin’s chocolate cake recipe. I know you both loved it.” They hugged me again and took off for the back. The second my mother got back there, I figured she was going to lecture Lara for not calling her back. Little did they know that the reason for her negligence was the man behind the bar. Grayson winked at me and smiled. It was going to be a good night.
That evening, the restaurant was filled with our family and friends. Evan hadn’t arrived yet, but as soon as Austin’s parents walked through the door and saw me, I rushed over and hugged them. “It’s been so long,” I cried. Donna hugged me hard and then passed me to Jerry. Donna reminded me so much of Austin, with her light brown hair and green eyes. Jerry, on the other hand, had red hair like Grayson’s.
With tears streaming down her face, Donna put her hands on my cheeks. “You look so beautiful, my dear. I never thought I’d see you smile again.”
“I almost thought I never would, either. I heard you came in last night.”
Her face turned red. “Yes, we did. I think your sister’s avoiding us now.”
I laughed, knowing very well what she was referring to. “It’s because she’s embarrassed.”
She waved me off. “Honey, we might be old, but we’re not that old. We know what you kids do when you’re in love. Speaking of which, where’s the new beau?”
“He should be getting here soon.” About that time, Evan strolled through the door with the other players in tow. “And there he is,” I said, smiling widely. His eyes immediately found mine and my heart fluttered. I loved that feeling; it made me feel alive. I waved him over, and he squeezed through the crowd to get to me.
“Hey, babe, how did it go?” he asked, kissing me on the cheek.
“It went great. I’ll tell you all about it, but first, I want you to meet Austin’s parents.” He tensed for a second, but then loosened when he noticed Donna’s and Jerry’s warm smiles.
“It’s nice to meet you,” he said, holding out his hand.
Donna took it and wouldn’t let go. “The pleasure’s all mine. It is an honor to meet you.”
When she continued to hold his hand, Jerry chuckled and separated them. “You don’t want to scare the boy, darling.” Jerry shook Evan’s hand and let go. “I’m Jerry. It’s nice to meet you. Last week’s game was very interesting. Nice punch, by the way.”
Evan rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, that wasn’t one of my finest moments.”
“I thought it was great. Why don’t you get a drink with me and tell me all about it?” Jerry looked hopeful and Evan didn’t disappoint.
“I’d love to,” he replied happily. Evan kissed me on the cheek and winked. “I’ll be back.”
“Take your time. I have a lot of people to talk to. And my parents want to meet you, too. They’re around here somewhere.”
“Looking forward to it.” My parents were going to love him.
Jerry put his arm around Evan’s shoulder and they waltzed off to the bar with Donna following behind them. “You’re going, too?” I asked her.
“He’s adorable. I want a picture with him.” She waved and joined them at the bar.
“I told you they approved of him,” Grayson whispered in my ear. “You were worried for nothing.”
“Yes, I was. I was afraid you all would hate me.”
“You loved Austin, and I know you will for the rest of your life. That keeps him alive in your heart. I know you won’t forget him.”
Smiling, I bumped him in the shoulder. “Never.”
“Nice party,” a voice called out behind me. I turned around and greeted Philip, dressed in a blue polo shirt and dark slacks. He held out his hand to Grayson. “Good to see you again.”
Grayson smiled and shook his hand. “Likewise. I guess I’ll leave you two be. I want to find Lara anyway.”
“Yes, and make sure she stops avoiding your parents.”
He chuckled. “I’ll try. You know how silly she can be.”
Once he was gone, I turned to Philip and hugged him hard. “I’m so glad you came.”
“Me, too. How did the interview go?”
Taking his arm, I dragged him to a table and we sat down. “It went great. Susan loved the restaurant.”
“That’s good. I’m glad to see things looking up for you. I take it you and Evan are doing well.”
I nodded excitedly. “We are. I guess you can say I’ve temporarily moved in with him.”
His eyes went wide. “You what? Are you sure that’s a smart move?”