“Thank you, ma’am.”
His eyes graze the length of my body, which is wrapped in a flirty, brightly colored Nanette Lepore dress. I’ve thrown on a pair of high wedge sandals and pulled back the front of my hair to reveal gold hoop earrings.
He clears his throat. “You look beautiful.”
I realize Levi’s never seen me dressed up, at least not since that night on the beach years ago. His obvious approval considerably improves my mood.
On the way to the restaurant, I’m uncharacteristically quiet. I can’t stop fretting about how the evening will play out. My hands grip the steering wheel until my knuckles turn white. My left knee bounces continually. Of course, none of this escapes Levi’s attention.
“Darlin’, calm down.” He squeezes my shoulder to reassure me. “Everything will be fine.”
“I’m sorry she dragged you to dinner. I don’t trust her intentions. She wants me to come home. She’s likely to look for ways to make you squirm. We should have told her your back couldn’t handle sitting through a leisurely dinner.”
He pauses to consider my comments, then tilts his head. “Are you ashamed of me, or of what they might learn?” His eyes look guarded. “Is that the problem?”
My eyes widen in protest. “Absolutely not. No! This isn’t even about you. It’s about her dissatisfaction with me. You’re merely collateral damage to her. You should have heard her today, rambling on and on about Rob and the roses and New York.” I scowl at myself. “I hate how I revert to being a mouse in her presence.”
“Sweetheart, settle yourself. No one’s getting hurt tonight, least of all me. I know exactly what your mother’s doing. I’m not an imbecile.” He stares ahead, then turns to me and speaks softly. “You know she’s not mad at you. She’s under the misimpression she and I are in a competition over where you end up living. That’s all this is, and it’s silly. She assumes we can control your choices. As soon as she realizes that’s not the case, things will be easier for you.”
He’s right. If only I can figure out how to cut the apron strings with Mom, this battle between us will end. Levi’s confidence always empowers me. I love that about him.
The valet takes my car. When we enter the restaurant, my parents are already seated. I introduce Levi and my father. Levi kisses my mother’s hand when greeting her. Before seating himself, he pulls out my chair for me. My father’s already selected a bottle of wine, so Levi and I each take a glass and toast to my birthday.
At first, the conversation stays light. We discuss the restaurant motif, the menu, the weather, their flight, and other nonconfrontational topics. Dad and Levi end up conversing about the financial markets. I’m relieved because Levi can hold his own on this topic.
His Southern manners become evident when he stands each time my mom or I get up from, or return to, the table. I hope his conduct wins some approval from my parents. How can they not respect him, especially considering all he’s accomplished?
The second glass of wine helps me relax. I slouch back into my seat and listen to the casual conversation, pleased to be wrong about my mother’s intentions. Just as I blow out my last bit of tension, my mom jumps off the bench and gets in the game.
“So, Levi, your accent is charming.” Mom sips on her wine. “Where were you raised?”
“Charming?” Levi chuckles. “That’s one way to describe it, I guess. Most would call it a redneck’s dialect. But, to answer your question, I’m from a small town in southern Georgia—Tifton.”
“Oh, so you’re far from home, too. Do you visit your parents often?”
“No, ma’am. My pop died recently. I haven’t seen Mama since she left us twenty-plus years ago.” I notice Levi’s slight grin, which is likely springing from his surprising my mom with his direct and horrific answer.
I’m blown away by his casual admission, but wonder whether catching her off guard will be worth the high emotional cost of sacrificing his privacy.
“Oh my, dear.” Mom glances at Dad for help while she backtracks and considers her next move. “I’m so sorry.”
Dad jumps in, on cue. “Well, Levi, you’ve certainly overcome some difficult circumstances. It’s impressive.”
“Thank you, sir. I’ve learned to play the cards I’m dealt without complaining.” Levi winks at me. “Whining never resolves anything.”
Mom rejoins the conversation. “Good for you. I’m sure your mother would be proud to see you now. Have you ever tried to find her?”