Homeless Heart

"I would agree with you, Dan, she is pretty perfect." I thought he was would kiss me again, but when he got a good look at my dad watching us, he decided against it.

Mom chimed in, "Well, she's good, but far from perfect. She's a bit of a slob, but I think Phin has found out your dirty little secret, Lizzie."

"Mom! Quit trying to embarrass me."

"Yes, I know Lizzie is a little messy, but it's fine. I'm a bit of a clean freak, so we balance out. You know she works so hard organizing everyone else at her job, I can't imagine why she'd want to do it when she gets home. Plus, I like taking care of her."

I gave him a big hug in front of my parents, not caring that they were watching. When I looked over at Mom, she was smiling and giving me a thumbs-up.

"I'm glad you are aware of her faults. Did she tell you when she was little, she had an imaginary Scottish friend named Kenny? She always wanted a little brother, and I think that was her way of getting one." They told him several embarrassing stories about Kenny and me as I turned beet red. My dream was always to have a baby brother to look after, but that didn't happen. Unfortunately, after they had me, they couldn't have any more kids. I only found out recently about my parent's fertility problems. Mom shared her story after my miscarriage, which helped me get through it. She'd always been my rock.

My parents continued to tell Phin more mortifying and embarrassing stories about my childhood. Phin laughed and relaxed as he enjoyed their candor.

"Honey, you should stop before you embarrass Lizzie anymore," said my dad.

"Thanks, Daddy."

"Don't worry, Eve, I have a few stories of my own," said Phin.

I pinched his side and smiled at him, wishing he had kind parents I could meet, who could embarrass him with their stories. Having met his very cold parents, I knew he'd have an intriguing past, but I couldn't imagine the stories would be warm or sweet.

"Stop right there, everyone. Phin, let me give you a tour of the house while we wait for lunch."

I pulled him down the hall before my mother could embarrass me any further. Unfortunately, I forgot about the family photos that littered the house.

Phin stopped dead in his tracks and pointed to a photo on the wall. "Lizzie, is that you with pigtails?"

Let the embarrassment begin.

Phin

Lizzie led me out of the kitchen to show me the rest of the house and I was excited to see her childhood bedroom, however, the embarrassing photos in the hall gave me a better idea of what little Elizabeth was like as a girl. One of the photos caught my eye so I stopped.

"Lizzie, is that you with pigtails?" I continued to admire all the pictures of Lizzie at every age. She was so cute as a kid, with no teeth, short hair, long hair, or terrible fashion sense. Lizzie looked like the little girl with the red hair from Peanuts. I could see the sunshine in her blue eyes. Sadly, I knew my parents didn't have any pictures of me smiling, hanging on the walls in their house.

With her parents still in the kitchen, I took the opportunity to give her a deep and long kiss. She pushed me back and whispered, "Phin, we can't here. My parents will be here nosing around any second."

"Kids, come on lunch is ready," her mother called out.

I smiled as Lizzie mouthed, "See."

"Phin, did Lizzie show you the family photos ,especially all the ones when she was a little girl?"

"Yes, Eve, she did," I shouted back while Lizzie's cheeks turned red again, which made it hard not to jump her bones on the spot. I loved her blush; it was hot.

"Come on, kids; let's eat." The sound of Lizzie's mom's voice again was an instant mood killer.

"I'm starving." My gaze wasn't only about food. Lizzie laughed as she led me back to the kitchen.

"Come on, let's eat. We can give my stuffed animals an X-rated sex show later."

After an enjoyable lunch, we adjourned to the living room to relax, so I never got to see her bedroom. We chatted about politics, sports, Lizzie’s charity work, and they told me more stories about what she was like as a kid. The best story was the one where Lizzie had gone through the house and gathered up clothes and belongings to donate to the local homeless shelter. She’d taken the items in her wagon down to the charity shop without telling her parents. Needless to say, the items weren’t all meant for donation, so her parents had to donate some money to get the items back. I loved that she’d always been such a charitable person. Her parents were so obviously proud of her; they'd taught her always to give back and take care of others. They asked me briefly about my family, so I gave my patented answer and they didn't push it. Not sure if Lizzie had briefed them or maybe they saw the pleading look on her face to change the subject.

A few hours had blown by when Lizzie squeezed my hand to let me know it was time to go.

"Mom and Dad, we should get going. It's getting late, and we have to work tomorrow." Her parents were reluctant to let us go. They invited us to stay for dinner, but Lizzie begged off, saying she needed to get prepared as it was her first day back in the office. Lizzie's parents hugged us both goodbye and said they couldn't wait for us to visit again. I felt the same way, buzzing with happiness and hope for the first time since leaving Duke’s. The thought of having to leave Lizzie tomorrow hadn't crossed my mind all day.

We got in the car and both let out a sigh. She grinned at me as I reversed the car out of their driveway. "See, I told you they'd like you."

I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "Well, they did a good job pretending they liked me. We'll see when you talk to your mom for the real run down."

She looked at me confused. "Phin, they weren't acting; they liked you."

I was jealous of Lizzie's relationship with her parents. I wished my parents were as loving and accepting as hers; it would have been nice to have had parents to introduce her to. Of course, she'd met my parents while working on the charity. I wouldn't dare ask her what she thought of them because I knew it probably wouldn't be pleasant. We'd managed the whole week not to bring any of that up. I was eager to introduce her to Duke one day, though. I knew that he'd love her sass and rude mouth.