Chapter 14
Wednesday finally arrives, which means today is the day Lola gets to meet my family. It feels like one of those relationship milestones people talk about — the moment when things start becoming real. I’m nervous, but I know everything will be okay. Lola’s a great girl, fun to be around, and honestly? Chase’s loss is my win. I stopped talking to him a while ago for several reasons, and she doesn’t talk to him or Evelyn anymore either. She wants nothing to do with them. She’s happy now — with me — and that makes me happy too. I’m determined not to let her down.
The day moves along, and by the time the sun starts setting, I check the wall clock near the front door. 6:45 p.m. The smell of food drifts from the kitchen — my mom is cooking, which always means something good.
I grab my phone to text Lola, but I see she already messaged me.
Lola: Hey babe, I went out shopping earlier and picked up a couple of gifts for your parents and your little sister. I hope she likes sensory toys and a coloring book.
I pause, smiling. That’s so thoughtful of her.
Me: She will. You didn’t have to do that, love, but they’ll appreciate it.
Lola: It’ll break my heart if they don’t like it. I’m hoping they will, but we’ll see.
Me: Don’t stress too much about it. I’ll see you in a little bit.
Lola: See you in a little bit.
I get dressed, grab my keys, and head out.
“I’ll be back,” I tell my mom. “I’m going to pick her up.”
“Okay, darling. Food should be done by the time you come back,” she says.
Then I’m out the door.
By 8 p.m., we’re all sitting at the big dining table. Lola stands up, nervous but trying to hide it, and picks up the small gift bags she brought.
“I picked up some gifts for your parents and for your little sister, Mya,” she says softly.
She hands them out, then sits back down. “I hope you guys like them.”
My parents opened their gifts, smiling immediately. They thank her, and she relaxes a little.
“You’re welcome,” she says. “It was nice meeting all of you.”
Mya finishes her dinner and runs off to play with the sensory toys Lola got her.
My mom turns to Lola. “Lola, what’s your family like?”
Lola takes a breath. “My family is in their own worlds. I’m the youngest, and my three older siblings are barely home. It’s just me and my dad most days. He works in the office and sometimes from home. My parents have been divorced since I was in third grade. My dad is happy now in a long‑term relationship. My mom… she’s doing her own thing. I barely talk to her since she lives in another state.”
“Oh, I can imagine how hard that must be,” my mom says gently.
“It gets lonely at times,” Lola admits. “But I’ve gotten used to it. Me and my dad are close. We spend time together whenever he isn’t busy with work.”
“That’s good at least,” my mom says. “Are you working or in college currently?”
“I’m in college,” Lola says. “Community college. I found out me and Finn go to the same one, which is nice.”
“Oh, that is nice. What are you majoring in?”
“Psychology.”
My mom smiles warmly. “That’s wonderful. I can tell you’re a smart girl — the way Finn talks about you all the time.”
Lola blushes. “Thank you. Finn has a heart of gold. He’s a great guy. Your son is one of a kind.”
My mom beams. “Thank you. And he does — I’m proud of him.”
We keep talking until Lola brings up something new.
“I was thinking I could talk to my dad and set up a meeting so you can meet him and my three older siblings. They’re kind people. My dad is outgoing and knows how to make people laugh with his quirky sense of humor. He’s also a very hardworking, loving dad.”
“That would be great,” my dad says. “Just let us know what day and time works best.”
“Sounds great,” Lola says. “I’ll bring it up to him and let Finn know.”
We finish eating and excuse ourselves from the table.
In the living room, I turn to her. “See? My parents like you. They’re already thinking highly of you.”
She smiles. “I wanted to make a good first impression while still being myself. They genuinely seem like very nice people.”
“They’re good people,” I say.
We talked for a while before I drove her home.
“I’m going to go drive her home,” I tell my mom.
“Okay, drive safely. It was nice meeting you, dear,” my mom says.
“It was nice meeting you too — all of you,” Lola says. “The food was delicious.”
“Thank you,” my mom replies.
“You guys have a good night,” Lola adds, and they return the sentiment.
Outside her house, I ask, “Did you have a good time?” I wrap my arms around her, and she melts into it.
“I did,” she says, smiling before kissing me. I kiss her back.
“I’m glad,” I say. “I’ll text you tomorrow, even though I might be busy at work. I’ll do my best.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you have work tomorrow.”
“I forgot to tell you. Sorry about that.” I rub the back of my neck, embarrassed.
She notices. “I’m not mad. I understand. I hope you have a good day at work tomorrow.”
“Good. I felt bad for not saying anything sooner. And thanks — I’ll need all the luck.”
We both laugh softly.
“Well, you have a good night,” she says. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow, handsome.”
“Goodnight. I’ll text you either before I fall asleep or before I clock in.”
I slowly unwrap my arms from her. She heads inside, and I drive home.
Back in my room, I text her:
Goodnight love, I’m going to head to bed. I’ll message you when I wake up.
Lola: Goodnight and good luck tomorrow. Text me whenever you get the chance — I don’t want to disturb you while you’re working.
Me: You won’t. Goodnight.
Lola: Goodnight.
I plug in my phone, lie down, and fall asleep almost instantly.