Page 115 of Booked on You
Before sitting, Scarlett stands in front of me and places her palm against my abs, causing me to breathe deeper.
“My parents adored my ex. It took a long time for them to forgive me when I broke it off with Jason, and they compare everyone to him like he’s the pinnacle of relationships for me.”
It’s the first time she’s said his name. I slide my hands around her waist and pull her close. I lean down and capture her lips again.
“Once they meet me, they’ll forget he ever existed.” I pull her chair out for her, and she sits.
Her eyes give away her amusement. “Confident.”
“You’re damn right about that. I know what I bring to the table as a lover, a partner, and a friend,” I confirm.
She shyly smiles. “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you before.”
“I can tell.”
All she does is snicker, then she stands. “Let me get my phone. Better to do it now than later.”
Scarlett sits at the table next to me. “Do you think we’re rushing things?”
“The sooner I meet my in-laws, the better,” I say with a wink.
“You’re cute.” She taps the screen, setting the phone against her coffee mug as the call connects. It barely rings once before her mom answers. She looks just like Scarlett but older, with silver streaks in her dark hair.
“Good morning!” her mom says, green eyes sparkling as she glances between us. “And you must be Ezra! We were actually expecting a call from you this morning.”
Scarlett’s dad appears over her mom’s shoulder, offering a familiar smile. “Morning, kids. So, uh, interesting way of telling us about your new relationship.”
Scarlett’s cheeks turn pink as she shifts beside me, and I can tell she’s growing nervous. I grab her hand under the table, offering support.
“Things just happened, and I’ve been writing so much while here. You know how I hyperfocus when I’m in deadline mode. I’d lose my head if it weren’t screwed on.”
Her mom laughs. “Your aunt Linda sent me screenshots of your post and comments. Then my yoga group was gossiping about you two.”
“Oh no.” Scarlett groans, hiding her face in her hands.
I squeeze her knee under the table and lean toward the screen. “Sorry you had to find out from Aunt Linda.”
Her dad laughs. “Better Aunt Linda than my other sister.”
Her mom agrees with a nod. “Wow, look at you two. You’re both…glowing.”
Scarlett’s face is beet red. “Don’t embarrass me.”
Her dad laughs. “We saw you’re a potter, Ezra. That’s interesting.”
“It is. Being an artist is a rewarding job,” I tell them with a grin, surprised they didn’t mention my father first. It’s what happens with most people.
“Of course, we had to do our research and learn who our baby girl was in love with,” her mom says. “You look happy, Scar.”
Scarlett smiles so wide, she might as well be sunshine. I wish I could bottle it up.
“I am. I’m very happy. Things are still very new, but great. I’m excited to see where it goes. I just…I dunno, I thought maybe I’d have privacy.”
Concern is on her parents’ faces. “Ezra seems like he can handle the spotlight with no issues.”
“I can,” I say with a grin. “Some would say I was born for it.”
This answer satisfies her folks, and Scarlett notices.
