Chapter 16
I got home not too long after texting Lola, and it felt good to finally be back after a long shift at work. I spot Mya in the living room, playing with her new toy while coloring. I walk over and ask, “What did you think of Lola?”
Mya looks up at me, eyes bright. “She seemed like a nice girl! I hope you two get married one day. If you do, I want to be the flower girl.”
I laugh, smiling at her excitement. “If we do, I’ll make sure you’re the flower girl.”
She gasps dramatically. “Yes! I get to be the flower girl!”
My dad walks back inside from the backyard, where he’d been mowing the lawn. Don’t ask me why he was doing that at this hour — I’ll never understand him, but I’m sure plenty of dads are like that.
I walk over to him in the kitchen while he’s washing his hands.
“Hey Dad, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
He glances over, sounding a little worried. “What is it?”
“It’s nothing bad,” I reassure him. “Lola and her dad were talking, and her dad wants to meet all of us. He wants to know if this Saturday at 3 p.m. works. If not, he can reschedule for whatever day and time works for you.”
My dad thinks for a moment, then nods. “Oh yes, that should work. I’ll let your mother know when I see her. Let Lola know now and then tell me.”
“Great! I’ll go tell her right now.”
Mya overhears and jumps up. “We’re going to meet her family this weekend?”
“Yeah, you silly goose.”
I head upstairs to grab my phone from where it’s been charging.
In my room, I decide to call Lola instead of texting. I dial her number, and after a few rings she answers.
“Hello?”
“Hey babe,” I say. “I just spoke with my dad, and he says this Saturday at 3 should work.”
“Okay, perfect! I’ll let my dad know once he gets home from work.”
“How are you feeling though?” I ask.
“I’m feeling good. You?”
“I’m good, just tired from work today.”
“I bet. Take it easy and relax.”
“I will. I miss you.”
“I miss you too,” she says softly. “But at least I get to see you this weekend, and it’ll be fun.”
“I’m sure it will be. I can’t wait to meet your dad and whoever else shows up.”
“You’ll have to see for yourself,” she teases. “But I’ll introduce you to them, so don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried.”
“That’s good at least.”
We talk a little longer before she ends the call.
Now I can’t wait for this weekend — especially to meet her dad. She’s told me they’re close, and that she’s close with her older sister too. I’m hoping they’ll like me. I want to make a good impression.
And honestly? I want them to see how much I care about her.