More Than I Wanted(50)

“Yeah, let’s just pretend you didn’t ask that. It will be fine, don’t worry. I don’t need their permission to marry the woman I love. At some point you’ll have to meet my sister, but she sort of does her own thing. We’re not super close being years apart, but I adore her, she’s a good kid.”

I wasn’t feeling very relaxed knowing it didn’t go over well last time and swallowed my pride, hoping to make it through the lunch date. I could do this, I loved Austin, and they’d see that, right?

Pulling up to the restaurant, I called up my courage and got out of the car. Austin took my hand and together we went inside.

His parents were sitting on a small bench to the side, “There you are,” she sighed. “We’ve been waiting. They’ve got a table ready for us.” She looked annoyed. “What took you so long?”

I calmed my nerves the best I was able, focusing on my breathing. I desperately wanted to be anywhere but here. I was about to be put under the microscope and every bit of insecurity I’ve got inside of me was going to bubble to the surface.

“Mom, Dad, I’ve got some news,” Austin started.

“Can’t it wait darling? I’d like to order a drink first.” She said, sitting down and opening her menu.

How could the tension be thick all ready? I wished I liked her more, but all ready my guard was up. I hoped our time together would be swift so I could get the hell out of here.

“Actually, it can’t wait,” Austin spoke up, clearing his throat. “I’ve just asked Kate to be my wife, and she’s agreed.”

“How lovely,” his father replied. “Congratulations.”

I wore a small smile, feeling on display, barely speaking, “Thank you.” I sensed his mother hatred all ready.

Rolling her eyes she finally spoke, “Austin, really, another one? Are you sure about this? I mean, you just got home, give it time. You must stop wearing your heart on your sleeve, dear boy. You’ve got enough on your plate all ready. Shouldn’t you slow things down? Besides, you’ve all ready done the marriage thing in the past. Do you think this is a good idea, I mean really, what’s the rush? Live together, be young and free, but marriage? I don’t know. It’s so,” she paused for effect, “permanent. Well, in most cases. I mean, your last one ended in divorce. Do you really want to go through that again?”

I was sitting right there, it was almost like I didn’t exist. It took every bit of strength from letting my jaw drop open at her comment.

“Mother,” Austin tensed up, I could almost feel his teeth clenching to keep his calm. “That was completely uncalled for. Please welcome Kate into the family.”

“If you insist,” she rolled her eyes again. “Welcome, dear.” It was so off the cuff; I didn’t know how to respond. I felt badly, watching Austin shake his head in frustration.

“Thank you,” I said meekly. What should have been a joyous occasion was anything but. I excused myself to the ladies room, feeling sick to my stomach. I was beside myself at her reaction. My heart broke for Austin, and my anger was bubbling up. How dare she destroy our precious celebration.

She didn’t even try to hide it to be polite. She just threw it out there, not only embarrassing us both, but being a total B-I-T-C-H! I expected her to be less than thrilled based on what he’d told me about her, but seriously? She seriously just said all of that to him – and right in front of me!

In the safety of the bathroom stall, I texted Heather, “Austin proposed. His mom hates me all ready.”

“OMG, really? Squeals of excitement!”

“Trapped in bathroom stall, don’t want to go back out there,” I texted in return.

“Be strong, he loves you.”

“You’re right, but she’s mean.”

“You can handle this. Be yourself, you’re awesome.”

“Love you, thanks.”

“Talk later, call me when you can.”

“Will do, hugs to baby AJ.”

And with that, I pasted a smile on my face, opened the door, and headed back out to join the others at our table. Drinks had been served and with orders placed, it was just a matter of time. I was counting down the minutes until I got to leave this place. The thought of spending any more time near his mother overwhelmed me.

After sitting down, Austin squeeze my hand under the table, trying to give me a reassuring boost. Looking into his eyes, I reminded myself he was all I ever needed. It didn’t matter if his parents weren’t my biggest fan. As long as I had Austin, we’d be okay.

His mother was unbearable, but somehow I managed to get through the meal. She had less than lovely comments about pretty much anything I said or did. “Oh dear, do you really need those extra starchy foods? You could stand to lose a few pounds in your hips,” I swear, I didn’t know how to respond and almost choked when the words came out.