“I’m gonna go,” she says, scrunching her nose and looking at me like I’m a lunatic.
Whatever gets the job done is what I always say. Not sure what worked, but something in there got her to leave him alone. I take a long sip of my bubbly water, looking at him innocently. When I swallow, I then say, “She sure left in a hurry.”
“Wonder why?” His sarcasm drips as his arm comes around me, and he kisses my head.
“I didn’t get a name in that introduction, just that I’m your girlfriend and your baby mama.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think it mattered since I have no intention of ever seeing her again. Her name is Talon. She’s a flight attendant.”
“And you’ve had sex with her?”
A cocked eyebrow highlights his wide eyes. “Is that something you really want to know?”
“I already know, or you would have denied it. Since you didn’t, I guess I got my answer.”
We’re close to fighting over this, and that’s not something I want to do tonight or ever when other women are involved. We’re together, or we’re not. There’s not going to be an in-between. But I was privy to him handling that situation, and I can’t reason myself into being mad.
I take his hand and hold it proudly. I’m just about to tell him how I really feel, not about that woman, but about him, those three words that I haven’t said to any man I’ve dated.
He drags his phone from his pocket, and when he checks it, he says, “Table’s ready.”
Probably best . . .
After going to the hostess stand, we’re led through the restaurant to a quieter corner. To my surprise, my parents are already seated. There have been birthdays where they have been late . . . or just not shown up. I release Harrison’s hand to greet both of them with a hug. Then turn. “This is Harrison Decker, my boyfriend. Harrison, Camille and Laurence Devreux.”
A round of greetings is followed by us sitting down at the table and placing our drink orders. I order another sparkling water, and Harrison orders the same. A little squeeze of my leg under the table follows. Before he pulls away, I grab it, holding it like a security blanket.
“No vodka or wine?” my mom asks.
“No, I have an early meeting tomorrow, and I want to get up to work out.” That’s too much information. Rambling is always a dead giveaway to a lie. It doesn’t have to be a lie, though. I could work out. I need to.
My dad says, “Happy Birthday. Has it been a nice day?”
“I had a lovely day yesterday. The office celebrated. Harrison and I decided to celebrate with you since we were seeing you guys today.”
“I’m not a guy, Tatum,” my mom says, hot on my heels about the slang. Her attention turns to Harrison. “Weren’t you at the Christiansen’s anniversary party?”
Harrison answers confidently, “Yes, I was there. Nick and I grew up together. We weren’t introduced unfortunately, so it’s nice to finally meet you.”
My mom leans forward, her eyes studying him. “You and Tatum were not together at the dinner, from what I remember. But you did go running after her.”
Glancing at me, Harrison smiles, self-assured and ready to slay the dragon. “I didn’t run after her. I was checking on her well-being.” He gave her more than that rude question deserved.
“You are the other godparent.” A little laugh escapes her.
“I am.”
My dad jumps in the fray. “You’ve been dating him since then?”
“Officially,” Harrison replies. “But I’ve wanted to be with your daughter from the moment we met.”
“And when was that?” my mom asks.
I say, “Almost five years ago. We met in Catalina at the same time as Nick and Natalie.”
“The baby news is wonderful. They are such a lovely couple. Don’t you think?”
I say, “Of course, we think so, Mom. They’re our best friends.”
The drinks are delivered, and everybody takes a sip at the same time, like returning to your corner in the middle of a boxing match. I’ll refresh and then get pumped up for the next round.
My dad delivers the next punch. “A new relationship and a birthday. A lot of pressure comes with that, Harrison. What did you get Tatum for her birthday? She has very expensive tastes.” Oh he did not just go there.
Leaning forward, Harrison replies, “Well, sir, I haven’t given her the present yet. I was waiting until we got back to the apartment.”
I could worry about the small details like him telling my parents he’s coming home with me. But tonight, I have bigger fish to fry. We’ve gotten over one hump with that meeting my new boyfriend. I’m thinking we should wait until after the main course to tell them about the baby. I wish Harrison and I had discussed when to drop the bombshell before we got here.