Page 12 of For One Night

Now, here’s the problem. I’m pissed for the way he’s treated me since getting off the phone before we left. I am now conscience-stricken about my appearance because of him.

Yet, here I am … forgiving him.

“I’m okay.” I can feel the tension rolling off him, so I take a deep breath to show him I’ll be alright, even if I am still upset. “Really, baby. I’m good.”

He stands there searching my eyes before he releases a sigh. “Let’s go meet my parents.”

“Let’s.” I smile as I try to mask my emotions.

We enter the restaurant, and it’s packed. I’ve never been here, but it’s obvious it’s the most expensive place in town. The host greets us before the door completely closes.

“Mr. Eastman, it’s good to see you again.” He takes Carter’s hand. “Your parents are waiting. Follow me please.”

Carter fidgets as much as I do as we make our way to the table. A thin woman with long dark hair sits poised, sipping a glass of wine. A man, I’m assuming his father, is leaned back in his chair with his legs crossed looking pensive. PLEASE. Please, do not let this be his parents.

Carter comes to a stop in front of them. “Mother. Father. I apologize for our tardiness.”

“I was beginning to think you had forgotten.” His father stands, reaching for me. “You are?”

I start to speak, and Carter squeezes my hand. “Lola Turner, this is my father, Trevor Eastman.”

“Lola.” His perusal of my body makes me squeamish. “Exotic.”

I grasp his hand ever so lightly. “Mr. Eastman, it’s wonderful to meet you.” He gropes my hand, wrapping it with his before rubbing his thumb into the back of it. I slide my hand from his, trying to not draw attention to my uneasiness.

Carter tugs at my arm as he steps around to where the woman sits. He leans in, kissing her. “Mother, how are you?”

“You look well, darling.” She sips on her wine while looking me over. I feel as though I’m on display, and it’s making my skin crawl.

“I am, thank you.” Carter smiles at me. “Lola, my mother, Sharon.”

“It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. Eastman.” I lean in, pretending to kiss her but never touch her.

“I suppose it is.” She takes another drink. “He’s told us so little about you.”

“Mother.” Carter’s eyes widen.

A waiter pulls a chair out for me, and I take the opportunity to escape her line of sight. I straighten my dress, trying to avoid everyone’s scrutiny. I feel someone sit beside me and a sudden tug on my jacket.

“She’ll have red wine, and I’ll have a Johnnie Walker.” Carter’s hand is on my coat, his thumb raises, and I sit up, raising my chin.

His father sits across from me, studying my every move as he spins his drink on the table. “So, here we are.”

“It’s good to see you both. How have you been?” Carter shifts in his seat.

His father leans in, focusing on Carter. “Do you know if you’re graduating this year?”

I want to raise my hand because I know he isn’t. Carter and I will graduate next year; I’ll finish a year early. “Next year, Father. Right on schedule.”

“What about you, dear?” He downs his drink. “When will you earn a degree?”

“Next year, I’m graduating a year early with honors it looks like.” I beam with pride.

“Fantastic.” He motions at the waiter for another drink as he sets ours on the table. “What did you major in, design or secretarial?”

I can feel the burn on my cheeks, and it matches the one boiling in my belly. “Business Management with a Specialization in Operations Management.”

“Well, son, I think you’ve got a real jackrabbit here.” Mr. Eastman’s sarcasm isn’t a compliment to either of us.