“It’s nice to put a face to the voice,” Valerie says to Vanessa. “Logan talks about you all the time.”
“We also spoke on the day that Emma was in the hospital,” Vanessa says.
“Oh yes.”
“It’s nice to meet you too,” Vanessa says.
Valerie ushers us into the living room where Morris and Emma are. Valerie introduces Vanessa as my girlfriend which is a first for us. I like it.
Vanessa cradles Emma in her arms and peppers her with kisses. She carries her to the car, and I help to fasten her in her car seat.
“We should have brought Ivy with us,” I said.
“It would have been a circus,” Vanessa says. “Besides today is Emma’s day to meet her family.”
It’s more than that but I’m smart enough to let it go. Anything I say would only push her away. I can only imagine what’s been running through her mind. Worry that I would hurt her like that bastard did by lying to her about his marital status. Every time I remember that I want to wring his neck and flatten his nose with a punch. Vanessa is the sweetest, kindest, most genuine human being I know and the thought that someone would take advantage of her trusting nature incenses me.
“Tell me about your brothers. I’ve worn Janice’s clothes, so I feel as if I know her,” Vanessa says, making me laugh.
“I told you that Stan is a lawyer and Josh is a cop. They’re both goofy at times, serious when the occasion calls for it, and fun too. We’re each other’s best friends.”
We get to my parents’ place and as I park the car, Vanessa grows quiet, and I start to wonder whether it was a good idea to ask her to come with me.
“I can drop you back home or to Lexi’s if you like,” I tell her quietly.
“No, of course not,” she says. “I’m fine. It’s just that I’ve never had a boyfriend introduce me to his family.”
“Really?” When she nods, I ask her, “Have you ever introduced a boyfriend to your mom?”
“Not officially. She’s come home when we used to live together and found men I was dating home with me. But the answer is no.”
“It’s not a big deal, honestly,” I tell her.
My family has ever only met Lisa and I know today will be a shocker for them. I’m hoping to lessen the impact by introducing the two ladies in my life together. I carry Emma in my arms and Vanessa carries her diaper bag and we head to the entrance of the house. The door flies open before we go up the porch.
“Before you ask, yes, I was standing by the window looking out for you,” Janice says. “Give her to me.” she notices Vanessa and her interest shifts.
I hand Emma to her. “Vanessa, this is my sister, Pixie.”
Janice immediately protests. “No, I’m not. My name is Janice or Emma’s aunt.” She kisses Emma’s forehead as she studies Vanessa.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Vanessa says.
I hold the door for Vanessa and pinch her ass lightly as she walks past. She shoots me a glare and I wink at her. In the living room, everyone is interested in Vanessa, but Emma works a charm as a distraction until my mother takes her to the bedroom for her nap.
We congregate in the kitchen for lunch and every few minutes, I get up to go and check on Emma. Janice and my mother do as well, meaning that every five minutes, someone is checking on her.
“We had lost hope that Logan would ever have a girlfriend again,” Josh says.
“What Josh means is that we thought he was a bit of a loser when it came to women,” Stan adds.
My brothers are an embarrassment, but I’m used to their digs. “Can you ask them when the last time was that either of them has brought a date home?” I say.
“You’ll all make Vanessa rethink her decision to agree to come for dinner,” my mother says mildly.
“How did you two meet?” Janice asks, directing the question to Vanessa.
She shoots me an embarrassed look.
“Vanessa is my new tenant,” I say.
Janice’s eyes widen and then she wags a finger at me. “A landlord and tenant relationship are like that of a doctor and patient.”
“Or a lawyer and his client,” Stan says with a serious expression.
“Bull shit,” I say.
Then Janice’s bursts out laughing. “You should have seen Vanessa’s face. She looked horrified.”
Vanessa grins. “I wasn’t sure what to think.”
“Ah, that means you’re one with the baby girl?” Janice continues.
A soft look comes over Vanessa’s features. “Yes, her name is Ivy and she’s eight months old.”
“That’s a magical age,” my mother says.
Vanessa, Mom, and Janice talk babies for a few minutes before my mom gets up to go and check on Emma.
“Do you have a sister, Vanessa?” Stan says. “Preferably one who is single?”