Everett by Melverna McFarlane

Author:Melverna McFarlane [McFarlane, Melverna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: McFarlane Publishing, LLC

Now that they’d slept together, Rett accepted every invitation Celia issued.

She issued a lot.

As in, at the end of every date where he dropped her at home. The few exceptions were when they were already at her or his place. On those nights, there was never a question of anyone leaving.

Tonight, Rett was over for Celia’s movies under the stars experience. She’d set up the backyard with a projector, cushions, blankets, and snacks. Although her home had a small footprint, it worked well with the fenced-in area outside, providing privacy from her neighbors.

Celia stood facing a dutch oven whose lid trembled under the forceful popping kernels. Nothing tasted better while watching a movie than freshly popped popcorn glazed with melted butter.

In her living room, Rett’s hushed voice sparked her curiosity. While she debated whether to sacrifice this batch of corn to satisfy her nosiness, his voice drew closer.

The explosions in the pot slowed. Celia turned off the burner and lifted the lid.

“Yes, I promise. Before you hang up, Mom, Dad, meet Celia.” Rett interrupted her stirring by swinging her around to face his phone screen.

“Oh, uh, hello.” Celia waved, flustered by the unexpected introduction.

“She’s very important to me and we’ve been dating. So, please, stop trying to set me up on virtual dates with women back in Denver.”

“Denver?” Celia mouthed.

“I’ll tell you later,” he whispered.

Rett’s parents had a moment to absorb their shock in silence, prompting Celia to wonder if she was the reason for the prolonged hush.

His mother clutched her hands to her chest and a smile wobbled on her lips. “Everett, you aren’t joking?”

“No, Mom. We’re dating, and—”

“Eeek! It’s about time. Robert, find the next flight into Philadelphia. We should meet you in person. We’ll be there tomor—”

“No we won’t,” Robert said, dampening his wife’s joy. “Son, we’re happy you’ve found someone. We’ll let you get back to your date, and don’t forget to call us tomorrow.”

“Sure thing.” Rett disconnected the call and hugged Celia, who stood immobile because of the shock he’d so casually exposed her to. To add insult to injury, he pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Here, let me help you with that.”

Rett retrieved a bowl and poured the popcorn into it while sneaking handfuls.

“Did I just…did I just meet your parents?” Celia managed to push through the paralysis that had claimed her.

Rett lowered the bowl and turned to face her. Wariness darkened his eyes. “Yes…”

“You didn’t think I would want a warning first?” Celia stomped over to him, her finger pointed at his chest. “Never thought I’d want to look nice for my first impression?”

“I think you always look beautiful,” Rett said.

Aghast, Celia drew away, patting her afro puff. “How can you say that? I look unkempt. There’s frizz everywhere, and I would never wear this outfit had you given me a heads up.”

He drew her hands to her sides. “Celia, my parents prefer to know you are genuine, and that I’m happy.”

She averted her gaze. Her appearance wasn’t her sole concern.

“I’m moving too fast.

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