Tonight was the big night he waited all week for.
Colin sprayed himself with some of the cologne Marinette lent him as he buttoned up his polo and wiped his brow.
“Okay.... meeting your girlfriend’s parents... you can do this, Greys....” Colin said nervously.
“Why so nervous? You’ve met my parents before.” Jenny said.
“As friends, yes.... as boyfriend and girlfriend? It’s different.” Colin said.
“You met Sammy’s mom and that went just fine.” Christy said.
“Really? I mean, oh right..... I got this.” Colin smiled.
Colin ran to the door as the bell rang, blown away at the sight of Adrienne in that sleek black leather dress.
“Ready?” She smiled as those gorgeous green eyes gazed at him.
“Y-Yeah.” Colin said as he tried not to drool.
***********************************
Colin sat quietly musing over which of the dozen or so forks resting in front of him.
“Is everything okay, Mister Greys?” asked Mr. Carlyle asked.
“Huh? Oh yeah, everything’s fine... just not used to this high class dining.” Colin said as Adrienne pointed out the correct fork for the Caesar salad.
“Adrienne, you never did say... what does he do for a living?” Mrs Carlyle asked.
“Mom, don’t worry, my classes cover the bills just fine.” Adrienne said.
“I’m just curious.” Her mother shrugged.
“Well Gayle... it’s a retail job... ever heard of Bargain Co?” Colin said.
“Ah yes, the budget store on the other side of town.” Gayle replied.
“Yeah, I’m in charge of stocking shelves, delivering furniture and other big items, that sort of thing.” Colin said “Not glamorous, but it pays the bills.”
He quietly sipped the champagne as Adrienne nervously cut into her steak.
“So.... any plans for children?” Mr Carlyle asked.
Champagne shot out his nose as he went into a coughing fit.
“Harold!” Gayle yelled. “They’ve been dating for a week!!!”
“We aren’t getting any younger, Gayle.” Harold said. “Someone should help carry on the family legacy.”
“Dad, please! I’m not ready for kids!” Adrienne yelled.
“When will you be?! When I’m dead in the earth?!” Harold yelled.
“That talk is exactly what made her move out in the first place! And we all see how that worked out!” Gayle said as she pointed to her daughter’s bruised arm, “ You need to stop before she goes off with another violent bastard!”
Adrienne walked out with her arms crossed, Colin running after her.
“Wonderful, Harold... simply wonderful!” Gayle sarcastically clapped.
“Oh and bringing up the workplace of the first decent man she’s met in months was a stroke of genius!!!!” Harold yelled.
“Oh, a stroke?! You mean like that tiny little thing hanging around your office all day?!” Gayle yelled.
Adrienne quietly cried as Colin held her close.
“Sssssh... hey, it’s okay....” Colin whispered.
“I’m trying so hard and I just can’t do it!” She bawled.
“Relax, Baby, relax... look at me.” Colin said.
She wiped the snot running from her nose as he held her tightly.
“If you need help, I’ll move in n with you...” Colin said “We’ll pool our checks and we can help each other out.”
“I’m just not sure if I’m ready....” she whimpered. “What if things go bad and you start...”
“I would NEVER do that to you... promise.” He said as he gently kissed her forehead.
“O-okay.” She smiled as they deepened the kiss.....