“Holy crap, it’s hot.” Tori fanned herself as they walked through the parking garage of the airport.
“Welcome to Texas, sweetheart!” Scott exclaimed in his most authentic southern drawl as he slung his arm over her shoulder. Damn, it felt good to be home.
Scott opened the door to the rental car and helped her into the tall, black SUV that his work had reserved for him.
“How far of a drive do we have?” Tori buckled her seatbelt.
“Forty-five minutes depending on traffic; this time of evening in Austin is heavy. They live south of the city, in Buda.” He pulled out of the parking garage and onto the street. “Austin has exploded since I lived here.”
“So, you moved here when you were fourteen?” Tori positioned the air vents in her direction. Sweat was beading up on her forehead. Was it her nerves or was she really that hot?
“Close; fifteen. I was born here. Moved to Germany for two years when I was three and then all over the place after that. We settled here middle of my freshman year.” He rolled down the window and handed his paperwork to the security guard, who nodded and waved him on. Scott edged out into the traffic and continued, “It was nice; my dad got a full-time job with the Navy Reserve and we got to put down roots. Mom was adamant she wanted me in one place through high school. I think she felt that moving around so much caused a lot of the issues we had with my siblings.”
“Issues?”
“Dawn and Chad gave my folks a run for their money. Dawn was always sneaking out and partying, sleeping with dudes, ended up dropping out of school and ran away from home. Shacked up with some asshole that sold weed. It about broke my mom’s heart. Dawn got knocked up in her early twenties by the dude and he took off, which was almost the best thing for her. It caused her to settle down. She moved home with Mom and Dad, got back on her feet, finished school, and got a job to support her daughter, Rebecca.”
“How old is Rebecca?”
“She’s fourteen now and a good kid as far as teenagers go. My sister Dawn is thirty-five. She met Robert a few years ago. He seems like a stand-up guy. Robert is a musician, a bit of an Austin weirdo, but then again so is Dawn. You'll fit right in here with all the hippies.” Scott chuckled.
“She just had a baby, right?”
Scott shifted in his seat. “Yeah. Yesterday.” In his excitement about bringing Tori to Austin he’d momentarily lapsed, forgetting how difficult seeing the baby could be for her. Idiot; ranting about his excitement over his new nephew.
“And your brother? What’s he like?”
“Chad, well, he’s still a goddamn mess.” Scott shook his head. “He’s thirty-seven and lucky he hasn’t landed himself in prison. Chad has a good heart; I wish he’d get his shit together.”
“That’s too bad.” Tori frowned.
“He opened a motorcycle shop about a year ago that Mom and Dad said is doing well, so there's hope.”
“So,” she hesitated, “What did you tell them about me?”
He looked over at Tori as she fiddled with the rings on her fingers. He placed his hand on her smooth bare leg and rubbed it. “I explained we’ve been friends since college, and casually dating for years, but things have turned more serious.”
“And?”
Scott chuckled. “And then I got an earful from my mom about not mentioning you sooner.”
“And?”
“And what?” A smirk passed over his face, playing with her.
“And about the glaring disability?”
“They know I lost my leg years ago. They’re totally used to the nub now.” He chuckled as she slapped him in the shoulder. “Of course, I told her.” He let out a breath. “They have fair warning you may step on the cat’s tail, knock over a few drinks, and break a few knickknacks.”
Tori snickered and shook her head. “How’d she react?”
“Well, she said she’d throw a bell on the cat, put away all the antique vases…” his laugh bellowed through the car.
Tori slapped him again. “Seriously, Scott!” she whined as she fiddled with her lip.
Scott’s laughter died down. He reached over and pulled her hand down from her mouth. “You’ve never been one to give a damn in the past what people thought. I adore that about you.”
“I guess I’m just nervous. You're quite a catch. I want them to know I’m worthy of their amazing son.”
“You, babe, are the one who's amazing.” He stroked her cheek. “Mom said she was looking forward to meeting you. If I love you, they will too.” Scott stretched the truth a little, leaving out how shocked his mom was at first.
During the rest of the drive, Scott told Tori about Austin and the scenery as they passed by, along with the uniqueness of the city and its culture with music.
“You’re going to love it here. They have this amazing park full of hippies like you,” he teased. “Zilker Park. I saw my first set of tits there.”
Tori coughed. “Excuse me?”
“Yeah. My parents and I went for a kayaking day trip. When we were headed into the park, we walked by a topless woman. Just letting it all hang out.”
Tori chuckled. “I bet you enjoyed that.”
“Not really. Why is it that the ones that are nudists should never roam around naked?”
Tori threw her head back and laughed. “How is that even possible? Wouldn’t she get arrested for indecent exposure?”
“Texas has no public law prohibiting public nudity. We even have a park here called Hippie Hollow. It’s a government-maintained clothing optional park.”
A wicked grin passed over her lips. “Good to know.”
“I need to bring you back one year for South by Southwest.” SXSW was a huge music festival held every year full of indie bands that Tori would love. He told her all this the other day at lunch with Keith, but he’d sensed she’d tuned him out while she was stuck in her head panicking.
Finally, they reached his parents’ house. Nostalgia washed over him as he pulled into the driveway and parked, killing the engine. He was home. Not a thing had changed. The ranch-style home was covered in brick and limestone with a small wrap-around porch sporting a swing. The green yard had fresh lawnmower tracks. God, he was thankful that was no longer his job.
“We're here.” He glanced to Tori who was fidgeting with her clothing and sunglasses. Never had he seen her this nervous. His normal confident girl was a mess. “You look great. You'll be fine.” He pulled her sunglasses off, placing them on the dash. “Don’t hide behind these.” Scott leaned in and gave her a loving kiss. She was so pretty, and he wanted to show her off. “I want them to see your beautiful, blue eyes and how gorgeous you are.” He kissed her again, rubbing his thumb over her cheek.
“But my black eyes…” She reached into her purse, pulling out her compact. Her hands trembled as she dabbed the puff into the powder.
“You can barely see them.” Scott knew she was concerned about more than the bruises, but she hadn’t a damn thing to be ashamed of.
“Here.” Scott took the compact from her hand and tilted her chin toward him. He helped her out, dabbing it on her skin. “There; you’re perfect.” He closed the compact and folded it up in her hand. “Are you ready?”
Was she ready? Not in the slightest. Her and her damn drunken, filterless mouth. She could kick herself now for saying she wanted to meet his family.
She’d spoken in front of hundreds of DC’s most elite people and was still more nervous to walk into a house in rural Texas.
She nodded and threw the compact back into her purse.
Tori opened the door, flicked open her cane, and waited for Scott’s arm. She inhaled, trying to calm her racing heart. Freshly cut grass and the faint scent of honeysuckle dripped through the thick Texas humidity.
A few moments later, hinges squeaked on what sounded like a screen door and rapid footsteps charged in their direction.
“There’s my handsome boy!” Scott’s mother exclaimed in the most adorable southern accent Tori had ever heard.
“Hey, Mamma,” Scott replied as she listened to them embrace.
Her heart melted hearing his sexy twang poking through his gravelly voice. She loved it when that would creep up. It reminded her of the night they met.
“Oh, my sweet boy, how I’ve missed you!” His mom sounded like she was about to burst into happy tears.
Tori had no clue what she looked like—it had been years since she’d seen Judith from a distance—but she imagined a small woman with a huge, beaming smile from that smooth, southern tone.
“And look here at this sweet girl you brought home!”
Suddenly, she was getting a bear hug from Scott’s mother. “Oh!” Tori flinched and chuckled in surprised amusement. Tori returned the warm embrace around Judith’s small, yet strong frame.
“Well, my goodness.” Judith pulled back and held onto Tori’s shoulders. “Aren’t you a pretty, little thing?”
“Thank you, Mrs. Harris.” Tori offered a genuine smile. Although the welcome was a bit much, it made her feel warm all over. She’d never been hugged that tightly before—not even by her own mother. How on earth could she have been afraid of this woman with the sweetest voice she’d ever heard?
“Please call me Judith.” She grabbed Tori’s arm and placed it under hers, patting her hand—stealing her from Scott and heading straight toward the house. “We’re so glad that Scott has brought you to meet us. I wish that Wayne hadn’t run off to grab dinner. I told him not to go—that it was shameful of me not to cook for you.” Judith sounded disgusted at the prospect of take out. “Your dad didn’t want me spending all evening in the kitchen when we had company coming.” Judith stopped walking. “Step up, sweetie,” she advised Tori kindly, and rattled on with her story. “Wayne was insistent that he had to get y’all some good Texas barbecue.”
Scott chuckled behind her. “Sounds like Dad. Trying to get you to rest for one minute.” From that, Tori got the impression that the woman never stopped moving. She could feel the energy radiating off her and hoped to have half her spunk when she turned sixty-two.
The screen door creaked open. “Now, son, go carry in the bags and I’ll take care of Miss Victoria,” she ordered.
“Yes, Mom,” Scott replied, sounding so much like a kid.
Tori snickered. Scott getting bossed around for once by this small, fiery woman was fun.
Judith led her into the house.
“You can call me Tori. Most people do,” she offered.
“Oh, must I?” Judith asked, disappointed, rubbing her hands over Tori’s arms. “Victoria is such a pretty name and it fits you so well. I adore how lovely it sounds.” She clapped her hands together. “Victoria, Victoria, it rolls off the tongue so beautifully.”
Tori was amused so she nodded, throwing in a grin. “Whatever pleases you.” Hell, she could call me mud with that sweet accent and I wouldn’t give a shit.
“Victoria it is.” Judith gave Tori another big hug, squeezing her so tight it sucked the breath out of her. Clearly, Judith was an affectionate person. Normally, Tori would find such attention off-putting from a stranger, but Tori drank up the warmth and nurturing manner that radiated out of Judith, even if the unexpected touches were throwing her off. “Sofa is to your left, sweetheart, and mind the coffee table right in front.”
“Thank you, Judith.” Tori replied as she went for a seat. As she sat, her butt sunk down into the sofa, taking her by surprise at how deep and soft it was. “Woah!” Tori’s jaw dropped and eyes bulged.
Judith cracked up. “This darn sofa will swallow you whole. Once you get settled in, it’s impossible to climb out.” Judith flopped next to Tori.
“It’s very comfy,” Tori noted, running her hand across the soft fabric. The front door creaked as Scott wrestled with their bags.
“It’s old and ugly. It’s that horrible emerald green color that was so popular years ago, but I’ll admit it absolutely is comfortable,” Judith said.
“Are you still complaining about that couch?” Scott scoffed as his heavy footsteps crossed the room. “You know dad won’t part with it.”
“I know all too well. Been begging him years now to get a new one!” she shouted at him as he went down the hall. “Wayne is a bear when it comes to change.” Judith lowered her voice to a whisper. “He’s very particular about the things he likes. When we first got married, he had the most horrendous orange, lounge chair that had holes all in the arms. It may have accidentally fallen off the moving truck.” Judith giggled devilishly.
“Well, if you really hate the sofa that much I could accidentally spill milk on it this week and help you out. You'll never get that smell out. Blame it on the blind girl and he can’t get mad.” Tori shrugged.
Judith laughed and buried her head onto Tori’s shoulder. “You're ornery. I like it.”
“What are you two crazies laughing about?” Scott’s voice bellowed through the room. “Did I miss something?” Scott flopped down on the opposite side of Tori, slinging his arm around her.
“Oh, just girl talk,” his mom said.
“So, how’s Dawn and the baby?” Scott asked.
Beads of sweat prickled Tori’s skin as the subject of the baby came up.
“They’re both doing wonderful. That sweet, little nephew of yours is too precious for words. He has a full head of thick, black hair just like you and Dawn did. Nine pounds fourteen ounces!” she exclaimed.
“Is that big or something?” Scott asked.
“Lord, child. Yes; that’s big. You were nearly that large, you were nine pounds one ounce, and that was before we had epidurals. Almost split me in two bringing you into this world.”
“Gross, Mom,” Scott snarled.
“They almost had to do a c-section. Harris genes are strong,” Judith giggled. “The doctor looked at Dawn and congratulated her on giving birth to a toddler.”
Tori cringed at the thought of ten pounds of baby squeezing out of her if her and Scott could ever have kids. But please don’t ask me that Judith, she prayed.
“Any name yet,” he asked.
Tori could hear the jingling of the cat’s collar and she groaned inwardly as Scott’s arm jostled next to her, rubbing the damn thing. What an idiot she’d been not to admit to Scott that she was allergic. Damn pride.
“No.” Judith sounded disgusted. “They better think of something soon or else that poor child will go home nameless.” She imagined Judith was shaking her head in displeasure. “Y’all should head over there tonight after dinner so you can visit with them.”
Scott squirmed. “We'll see how the evening goes. We’re pretty exhausted.”
“Well, you have to see the baby,” Judith huffed.
Tori reached over and squeezed his thigh. “Maybe tomorrow?” Tori suggested. She had the feeling that if they didn’t go Judith would wonder why, which would bring on a slew of questions she wasn’t ready to deal with.
“Yeah, we will,” Scott agreed, but the hesitation was so clear in his voice. “Where’s Becca staying?”
“She slept here last night. She’s outside by the pool.” Judith breathed heavily. “Your brother should be here any minute.”
Good grief this was a lot of family in one day. Tori sucked in a breath trying to not show how overwhelmed she was.
“So, Victoria, you work for the Smithsonian?” Judith sounded impressed. “What do you do there?”
The cat crawled over onto her lap and rubbed against her chest, its tail smacking her in the nose. She gave the cat a polite scratch on the head then placed the animal on the ground.
Tori cleared her tight, itchy throat before answering. “Yes, I do. I consult with them on how to make the exhibits more accessible to visually impaired guests.”
“How are you doing that? I mean what are some things you suggest?”
“Well, right now with the rise of 3D printing our options are getting better. For obvious reasons, you can’t have people going around touching fine works of art.”
The cat jumped back into her lap and rubbed his head under her chin, purring. She pushed it back toward Scott as fur tickled her lips.
Oh Lord, I think fur is in my throat. I may die.
Tori tried to continue, “b… but with the new techniques you can replicate and h… h… highlight certain aspects of the paintings and exhibits to indicate what they look like t… tactically.” She rubbed her nose. “I hope to collaborate on that in the spring with a startup company in New York trying to launch their… tech... tech…” Tori let out several sneezes. “Excuse me. Technology.” Tori wiggled her nose.
“Bless you, dear. Are you getting sick?” Judith asked.
“No, I’m fine.” Tori knew from five minutes with Judith that she’d make a huge fuss over her being allergic, probably vacuum the house, and put the poor animal in quarantine.
“If you say so.” Judith sounded skeptical. She was quiet for a moment and Tori heard the screech of brakes in the driveway. “Dad’s home.”
Tori tried to remember what Scott's dad looked like. She thought Scott resembled his dad, but every time she tried to pull up the image she came up empty.
“Hey, old man.” Scott stood and hugged his dad, and she heard them exchange a hearty pat on the back. Emotion, along with cat dander, clogged her throat as she wished she could get a glimpse of future Scott.
Some days her blindness was merely a nuisance, other days it sucked her soul dry. Today was exceptionally difficult.
“Look who finally came to visit us: our long-lost son. About damn time.” Wayne let out a belly laugh. Tori envisioned him tall, like Scott, scanning the room and owning it from the sound of that deep, southern voice. “And you brought a pretty lady with you.”
Scott grabbed Tori by the hand and pulled her up. “Dad, this is Tori.” Scott put his arm around her, giving her a squeeze.
“Pleased to meet you, Sir.” Tori nodded her head but braced herself for another bear hug if he was anything like his wife.
Scott’s father grabbed her hand and shook it with a strong grip. “Sir?” He chuckled. “Wayne, please. We aren’t that formal here.” Wayne patted her bare shoulder gently with his leathered, calloused hand. “Nice to finally meet a lady friend of Scott’s. We were wondering if Scotty would ever find a girl who’d tame him.”
“Well, I’m glad I’m the one who did.” Tori flashed a shy grin as her cheeks heated.
Scott snorted. “Tame me?” Scott feigned shock. “I’ve been trying to catch this girl for years.” He swept Tori up off her feet and plopped her back on the sofa—causing her to squeal in amusement.
His dad laughed again. Wayne had this hearty, contagious laugh and deep southern twang. He was nice to listen to, and the hollow ache of not seeing him dissipated from her chest as she listened to his kind voice. “So, how about some dinner?” The paper sack rustled. “I’ve got ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and baked potatoes with all the fixings.”
The smoky scent was heavenly, and Tori’s mouth watered as her stomach rumbled. “It smells amazing. You can’t get good barbecue in DC.”
“Well, of course those east coast yuppies can’t make down home barbecue,” Wayne teased. “You’re in Texas now, sweetheart—this is the real deal.”
“You two wash up for dinner and we’ll set the table,” Judith said, grumbling and cursing the sofa under her breath as she got up. “And holler for Becca to come in! That girl spends all her time moping around with those headphones stuck in…” Judith ranted as she shuffled into the kitchen.
“Help me up?” Tori offered her arm to Scott, and he yanked her up from the couch. He pulled her in close and stole a quick kiss.
“See, everything is fine.” Scott rubbed her shoulders. “I told you they’d love you.”
“They’re great. Nice people.” Tori curled her nose and let out several more sneezes.
“Seriously, are you getting sick?” Scott asked. “Your eyes are swelling and getting red.”
She groaned. Bruises plus red eyes. Fabulous.
“No.” Tori sighed. “I thought you were teasing about them having a cat…I’m allergic,” she confessed.
“Oh, baby, I’m sorry. You should’ve said something.” He gave her a hug.
She looped her arm with his. “Now show me to the bedroom so I can change clothes then wash off this fur, Scotty.”