How Serious Are You?
Ryder
Nervous anticipation courses through me, making my palms sweat. I hope Dina doesn’t catch on. She would want to know why I am so on edge to go to lunch with the men who are like a surrogate father and a big brother to her.
Maggie comes to the house, so I quickly kiss Dina then head out for lunch with the guys, first picking up Brayden first, who is waiting in the driveway for me, looking exhausted.
“What’s up, bro? You look like hell,” I say as he gets in my car.
“Maggie and I broke up. It’s what’s best for her with me leaving in just a few days. Still, this hurts like hell, man.” He then looks at me with an impish grin. “Harrison is coming to lunch, just so you know. Heads-up, man, he thinks you’re gonna be a jackass like me.”
“Dammit. I mean, I like Mr. Lawson and all, but this is not a conversation I want to have with Maggie’s brother around. I’m nervous enough about talking to her dad.”
Those two know me, but only as Brayden’s friend. It’s different to be in a serious relationship with Dina and have to deal with them. And what I want to ask today … well, they need to understand that Dina Fowler is my whole world.
I didn’t expect Harrison to join us. He’s a constant in Dina’s life, so I know she will want his approval.
We arrive at Emerald Plantation shopping center, which is only three stoplights up from Dina’s street. I find a parking spot that I hope is far enough out so no one parks around my Camaro.
Inside, we are greeted by the hostess, who leads us back to the bar area. We grab a booth so we can still be at the bar yet have a little privacy. Not long after, Harold and Harrison arrive.
We each order a beer, except Brayden, who just gets sweet tea. I tell our waitress to make sure I have a basket of croissants to go. Dina left me with specific instructions since we are dining at her all-time favorite place.
Harrison looks at me with smugness, no pleasantries exchanged. “Davenport, good to see you and all, but cut the shit. What’s your deal with Dina? Is this serious, or are you playing her like all the other females you’ve left in your wake? I’m telling you right night, no room to play games with her, so let’s get shit out on the table now.”
Man, sometimes he pisses me off. Harrison and I have never had issues, but I know he’s just as ready to brawl for the people he loves as I am. His time in the Marines built his body up as much as mine, so we are quite the pair sitting here, having a pissing match over my relationship with Dina.
To answer his question, I reach into my pocket, pulling out the little, black velvet box. Opening it, I set it on the table, dead center, with the contents facing out to both Lawson men.
“That serious,” I say with sarcasm dripping off my tongue. “Mr. Lawson, Harold, I apologize. This isn’t how I wanted this conversation to go. I respect you and the friendship you had with Dina’s dad.” I make sure to lock eyes with the older Lawson so he can see just how serious my intent is. “As he’s not here to ask, I’m asking you for permission to marry Dina.”
He’s silent for what seems like forever. Harrison, too. They can’t seem to form words.
Then Harold takes a pull from his beer and sets it down, never breaking eye contact with me. “I don’t know you well, but over the years, I’ve seen you work hard and get your shit together. I think you and Dina’s dad would have gotten along well. Seeing that you’re this serious, I can say, yes, you have my blessing, son.” He smiles then. “Dina’s parents would have loved you and are looking down, watching over their baby girl and smiling at the happiness you’ve given her.” His eyes slightly glass over in unshed tears.
He looks at Brayden. “Your time will come, but first, you gotta get clean. Maggie and you can work this out. She loves you, but she is hurt and lost right now. She’ll sort that all out in time.”
Harrison is still staring me down. “Just so we’re clear, my dad may be happy for you, but if you hurt Dina, I’ll rip you a new one. You got me? She’s been through enough.” He then looks at Brayden. “You just need to grow the hell up. Be a man and fix your shit. ’Nuff said.”
The Lawson men leave after we eat with quick goodbyes.
When we are alone, Brayden asks, “You sure you’re ready to commit to that level, bro?”
I smile. “Never been more sure of anything in my life. We’re getting older now, and it’s time to settle down, start a family.” I clear my throat before asking, “Are you going to be okay without Maggie?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t know if I’ll ever truly be okay, but I don’t have a choice right now. I’m happy for you and Dina, if this is what you want.” He grins, but his eyes look sad. “Damn, I never thought you would be getting engaged before me.”
I’m going to leave to get Brayden back to Charlotte tonight. Brayden is having a hard-enough time with the breakup, so there’s no need to rub salt in the wound by making him stick around.
***
Maggie
Dina and I spent our day sunbathing on the beach. She’s been quiet about my breakup with Brayden, just saying she loves me and is here for me.
Late in the afternoon, we head back to the house and make some sandwiches, silent for a while, lost in our own thoughts.
“Maggie, just so you know, Ryder is leaving tonight to take Brayden back so he can have some time before rehab,” Dina finally says. Then she clears her throat, looking guilty. “If you feel settled back in our house in Charlotte, I’d like to move in with Ryder. I’m here for you always.” She tries to smile, acting perky, but it falls flat. “This is a chance for you to be completely independent. If you aren’t sure, though, speak up now and I’ll stay.”
I nod. I’m afraid to be alone, but maybe the down time and quiet will allow me to find myself again. “I need to become independent. How much do you want me to pay for rent? I’ll get the utilities switched to my name this week.”
“No rent for the first three months. Just take this time to save back up. After you get settled, tell me what you can afford comfortably, and that will be the cost, okay?” She laughs. “Next question: when do we go car shopping, and what do you want to get?” That girl loves to buy a car.
“I don’t know. I was thinking maybe an SUV this time. It would come in handy at work for the few times we have to tote around big stuff. What would you suggest?”
She grins. “Come on, girl; let’s get dressed and go to the dealerships. We may not have a good mall down here, but we can find a car. And I want to test drive one of those four-door Jeep Wranglers. They have lots of room and options. You love to accessorize, Maggie, so just think, with a Jeep, you can change the tops and all.”
Car shopping for the evening, it is. I wish I could get as excited as Dina. She loves to negotiate with the sales people. I just see a shark coming in for the kill to chew me up and spit me out after he has digested all my money.