Chapter Ten
Kenzie
A week later, I stepped out onto the deck and glanced at my parents standing by the barbecue, looking like two newlyweds. Even though they had been married for almost thirty-seven years, they were still crazy about each other, and I hoped that I’d be lucky enough to feel something like that for someone else.
“You guys are gross,” I cringed as I placed the salad bowl on the table.
It was a beautiful day outside and in true Morris family fashion, the barbecue was lit and my dad would have a proper cookout, Virginia style.
My dad grew up there and his traditions and ways never really left him, despite moving to Miami when he was twenty. He met my mother here, and even though those Virginia roots were deep, he stayed. That was why we went to Union Hall for holidays. My grandparents were still there, as was most of my father’s family, so we went as often as we could. My mother was an only child, so I didn't have any cousins, or uncle on her side, whereas my father was one of five boys.
“You sound just like your teenage self,” my father chuckled as he flipped the steaks on the grill.
“It was gross back then and it’s still gross now,” I muttered as I sat down on the wooden bench.
“Oh, don’t worry. It didn't kill you back then, so it won't kill you now,” my father retorted, not at all fazed by my dramatic comment.
“Emotional scars are worse. It stays with you a lifetime.”
“Don’t be such a drama queen, Honey,” my mother said with an eye-roll.
“I can’t promise anything,” I said and reached for the large jug of lemonade that my mother made. I poured myself a glass and as I placed the jug back on the table, a sharp pain erupted in my right wrist. “Ouch,” I mumbled as I rolled my wrist and cringed a little. It had been a week since Wyatt and I went bowling, but somehow my wrist was still aching. Maybe I was officially getting old, or I was developing carpal tunnel syndrome from using my hands and wrists so much.
“Are you okay?” my mother asked as she looked at me with a concerned expression.
“Yeah, it must still be from the bowling.” The words were out of my mouth before I could even stop them.
“You went bowling?”
“Yes.”
Keeping my answers to a one-word answer worked the best for me, especially with my parents.
“Since when do you bowl?” my mother asked me.
“Since last week. I thought it might be fun,” I shrugged, trying to stay as cool and calm as possible.
“Who did you go with?” my father asked nonchalantly.
“Sophia,” I said.
“So did you win?” he asked.
“Not exactly. He totally beat...” Again, shut my mouth much too late, and instantly regretted it.
“He?”
Fuck.
“Who’s he?” my mother asked with an intrigued look on her face.
“Nobody,” I said, but I knew I was so busted. It was my own stupid fault really. I was born without a filter when it came to my parents and said exactly what was on my mind, and never thought anything through before saying it out loud. I frowned
“Are you sure you went with Sophia?”
“Yes.”
“Mackenzie Lee Morris.”
“Yes?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Are you lying to us?”
“Yes.”
I was weak, I admit it, but those two were like two pit bulls. They would never let this go unless I told them everything.
“Was it a date?”
I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair, flicking it over my one shoulder. “Yes.”
“Oh, Darryl, it was a date.”
“So I hear, honey,” my father said, not fazed much that something was actually happening in my personal life that even remotely resembled a relationship.
My mother rolled her eyes and turned to me. “And?”
“And what?” I asked her.
“How did it go?”
“It went really well, actually, besides the fact that he wiped the bowling alley floor with me.”
“You’ve never been one for athletic dates, Kenzie.”
“I know, but I used to have fun with Sophia when we went bowling on the odd occasion.”
“Going bowling with Sophia and going bowling with a date are two different things.”
“I know but I thought it would be fun,” I shrugged.
“Was it?” he asked.
“Up until he beat me with a strike at the end,” I sighed.
“She screwed it up,” my father muttered to my mother.
“I heard that,” I called out.
“We all know that you are a sore loser, MacKenzie,” my father pointed out as he turned the steaks over one last time.
“I know that you don't need to remind me of that all the time.”
“What did he think of your unsportsmanlike behavior?” my father said.
“I did not behave unsportsmanlike, Dad. I just threw a fry at him when he said that I was adorable.”
“Was it a big one at least?” my mother asked with a grin.
“Fortunately not,” I sighed.
“Well, if he finds you adorable at your worst, then he is definitely a keeper.”
“Thank you,” I retorted sarcastically.
“He sounds nice.”
“And for your information, I was not at my worst,” I defended, but decided it was not worth it. I held my hands up in defeat and shook my head. “You know what, whatever.”
“So, when do we get to meet him?” my mother asked with a hopeful expression on her face.
“No, no. Wait a minute. You’ll scare him off.”
“Why on Earth would you say that?”
“Because you will. You two are pretty intense when it comes to my boyfriends. Not even to mention what Dillon would say and do to the poor guy,” I said.
Honestly, Dillon would go a bit ballistic if he had to find out that I was dating Wyatt Pearce. For some reason, unbeknownst to me, he hated the guy’s guts. Maybe I should ask Wyatt again, or maybe just go straight to Dillon, but I didn't want to cause a fight unnecessarily. Dillon had a short temper under the best circumstances, so I didn't want him to blow up. Unfortunately, the atomic explosion of Dillon’s temper was inevitable no matter what I did. When it came to Dillon
“Dillon is not that bad.”
“Do you even remember the talk he and Dad had with Aidan, my prom date?”
My dad chuckled in amusement and nodded. “Oh, yes. I remember.”
“It wasn't funny then, and it’s still not funny now, Dad. The poor guy didn't even want to hold my hand that night.”
“Good kid.”
“But you make it sound as if Dillon is not going to like this man you are dating,” my mother said.
“It is a man, right, honey?”
“Yes, Daddy,” I answered and rolled my eyes. “Dillon’s never liked any of the guys I have dated.”
“Neither did we.”
“Except for Aidan. He was a keeper.”
“Where in the world is he these days?”
“Last I heard he was in New York,” I answered and looked at my mother. “You still spoke to his mom.”
“I remember. That feels like so long ago,” my mother sighed and smiled slightly.
“So, MacKenzie, tell us more about this date of yours,” my father said.
“The actual date, or the person?” I asked with a pout.
“Obviously the person,” my mother said and rolled her eyes.
“Well, he’s very smart and educated. He’s very meticulous in what he does, and a total perfectionist.”
“Sounds like my kind of son-in-law.”
“Don’t start, Dad.”
“What else, honey? Is he attractive?”
“He’s really good looking and is incredibly sweet and funny.”
“Is he rich?” my father asked and I glanced at him in disbelief
“Daddy!”
“What? I want to know whether this dream boat can take care of you.”
"Dad, don't call him that," I said with a cringe.
"Is he?"
“That isn't going to be a problem, Daddy, I swear, but you know money doesn't bother me,” I answered with a frown.
“I know, but it doesn't hurt to have some lying around.”
“I know, Daddy.”
“So is he?”
“Yes, he is pretty well off.”
“Good,” my father said with a satisfied smile.
“What does he do for a living?” my mother asked.
I pursed my lips for a second and frowned. “He’s the CEO of his company.”
My parents glanced at me and frowned.
“Where did you meet him?” Mom asked me.
“Technically it was at the airport.”
My mother frowned and narrowed her eyes at me. “Are you talking about the rude man who sat next to you?”
“Yes.”
“Wasn't he the one who’s offices you were redoing?”
“Yes,” I answered with a cringe.
“Wyatt Pearce?” my mother asked in disbelief.
“That’s him,” I said and bit my bottom lip.
“Kenzie, you know that we would never tell you how to live your life-”
“Oh, really?”
“Just hear us out.”
“Okay, fine.”
“According to what you’ve told us, he’s not a very nice guy.”
“Trust me, I thought so too, but I got to know him-”
“Hopefully not too intimately,” my dad muttered.
“No, Daddy. Not like that,” I said and shook my head. “He’s actually a really nice guy. He’s got a really dry sense of humor, but he is amazing, and the few dates that we’ve been on has been amazing.”
“A few dates?”
“Yes,” I answered.
“Your brother isn't going to like this.”
“I know, but I don't really care. We’re all adults now, so he should really start to act like one.”
“Okay,” my mom said, still looking really skeptical.
“Don’t worry, you guys. We’re not in a rush or anything. We’re just taking it slow.”
“Well, as long as he makes you happy, then everything is right with the world.”
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“So when do we get to meet him?”
“Well, let’s not be hasty, dear. Kenzie just told us that they were taking things slow.”
“I’ll invite him over as soon as we’re ready to do so. The same goes with meeting his parents.”
“You’re handling this with so much maturity, Kenzie.”
“We have to grow up sometime, Daddy.”
“As long as you always keep your inner child close by.”
“That’s what I’m trying to do with Wyatt. He’s so serious all the time, and I’m trying to get him to be more spontaneous.”
“How’s that working out?”
“Not great, but he hasn’t run for the hills yet.”
“Honey, not to sound pessimistic or anything-”
“Right, here we go,” I said and sat back against the backrest of the chair.
“No, just hear me out.”
“Fine.”
“Changing a man is never a good idea.”
“I’m not changing him or trying to. I just want him to try something new every time I see him.”
“That sort of behavior can scare off someone like him.”
“I know, but I'm not forcing him to do anything. He willingly, albeit reluctantly agrees.”
“He must really like you then,” my father said and I looked at him with a goofy smile.
“I really hope so, Daddy, because I really like him.”
“I can tell.”
We heard the front door open – my parents have a modified wind chime hanging by the front door, and every time the door opened, it would send a flurry of chimes echoing through the house. It could be either one of two people, and when I saw Sophia emerged from the sliding doors that led to the deck, I was relieved. I did not have the strength for Dillon at this moment.
“Hey, everyone!” Sophia beamed and greeted all three of us with a hug.
“I didn't know you were stopping by, Soph."
“We’re happy to have you over anytime, Sophia.”
“Thanks, Other-Mom and Other-Dad,” she chuckled and sat down beside me. She grabbed a piece of celery from the bowl in front of her and took a bite. “So, what’s new?”
“Kenzie has been telling us about the new man in her life.”
Sophia glanced at me and her loud chews slowed down. “She was?”
“They know,” I said with a sigh.
“Oh,” she cringed.
“Wait, you knew she was dating Wyatt Pearce?”
“Of course. I was the one who got her off her ass to call him.”
“Really?” Mom asked and looked at me.
“It’s 2017, Mom. Women are allowed to call men, you know.”
“Don’t sass me, young lady.”
“On a completely unrelated note, Sophia, are you coming with us to Union Hall this year?” Dad asked.
“Oh my gosh, I wish I could, but I have to work the whole weekend. We have an important client coming down from Washington, and I have to be here.”
“You have to work?”
“I do,” she sighed and glanced at me with a pout.
“Can't someone else fill in?” Mom asked.
“There isn't anybody else. Everyone has already made plans.”
“That sucks,” I muttered.
“I have an idea.”
I was almost too afraid to ask. “What?”
“Why don’t you invite Wyatt to go along this year?” Sophia asked.
“What?” I asked in disbelief.
“Yeah. It’ll be fun. Plus then you won’t be pining for me the entire weekend.”
“That’s actually a really good idea, Sophia.”
“Okay, can I just say something before everyone goes off into a complete flurry, please?”
They all quietened down and I looked at them. “First of all, he hasn’t met you, nor have I met his parents.”
“We could easily change that,” Dad said.
“Okay, wait. Let me just talk to him and then we’ll set up a date for when it suits all of us. Okay?” I asked and glanced at them.
“That seems fair,” Dad nodded.
“Okay, great.”
“So, that’s settled then,” Sophia said with a smile and looked at me.
I forced a smile and shook my head at her, but I didn't say a word. I knew what she was doing. She didn't have an important client coming down from Nevada, she was just looking for a reason not to go so that I could invite Wyatt to go along.
I had to admit, it would be nice to spend a weekend away with Wyatt, but Dillon might just drown him in the lake. No exaggerations.
I frowned to myself as I listened to Sophia talk to my parents about something – I wasn't really paying attention, as I suddenly had a lot on my mind – while I sat quietly and tried to figure out how I was going to tell Wyatt that my parents want to meet him and that they’ve invited him to come along to a family weekend.
Great.
Wyatt
There was nothing better than stepping into a freshly cleaned house. The white van of my personal cleaning crew still stood in the driveway as I drove up to my house and I swear I could smell the fresh scent of my clean house all the way from the driveway. The best and most accurate way to describe the cleaning crew was to imagine the most efficient group of people imaginable. They worked fast, thorough and it often reminded me of a cleaning crew I had seen once on a television show. Assassins hired them to clean up their crime scenes, not leaving a single trace of evidence behind. Not even a finger print.
That was how Jane and her crew handled my house. She had been cleaning my house for more than five years, and she knew exactly where everything was supposed to be. I rarely moved my furniture around, so she had become accustomed to how things were organized in my house. She was the only person I trusted to clean my house, and she was about as perfectionistic as I was, which was a good thing. She even drove an unmarked white van, which made it seems even more intriguing.
She stood in the doorway, as her crew of cleaners carried their equipment out of the house. “Mr. Pearce, welcome back.”
“Jane,” I greeted her with a smile.
“You seem happier than usual today, sir.”
“That is because I am, Jane. My house is clean, exactly the way I like it, and every aspect of my life is so much better than it has ever been.”
“May I ask why, sir?”
“I met the most perfect woman for me, Jane.”
“Well,” she gasped and smiled at me. “I am so glad to hear that, sir. Whoever she is, she is good to you, because I have never seen you smile the way you’re smiling right now.”
I smiled happily at her and she walked passed me.
“Thank you for another job well done, Jane.”
“Thank you for choosing our services, Mr. Pearce. Have a wonderful day. We’ll see you again next week.”
“Same time. Keep well, Jane.”
“And you, sir.”
I watched as the white van pulled out of my driveway and disappeared out of sight. I walked into my house and the overwhelming smell of pine and citrus filled my nostrils. It was glorious.
I often thanked my lucky stars that I came across Jane and was made aware of her service. She knew just how I liked my house to be cleaned, and as I had mentioned before, she was fast, efficient and very, very thorough. I stepped into the kitchen and took my phone out of my pocket. I glanced at it with a frown, as I saw a message on the screen. I opened it and smiled when I saw it was from Kenzie. “I’ll be there in ten,” I read the message out loud and glanced at the time the message was sent, and what the time was now.
Kenzie would be here any minute.
Normally it bothered me tremendously if people simply showed up at my house unannounced, but Kenzie was welcome at my house anytime, and she knew that. Sometimes I think she was taking advantage of that, but I didn't mind.
She was my girlfriend and I didn't have any secrets from her.
Maybe just one, but that’s not the point. I heard the soft wheezing sound of her car as it approached the gate and I pressed a button on the panel by the front door. The gate slowly opened and her white Audi pulled into the driveway. She parked the car, and slowly climbed out.
I walked to her and kissed her on the lips.
“Hey, beautiful.”
“Hey, you,” she said with a tight smile
“How was your day?”
“It was fine,” she said and took my hand. “Can we go inside and talk?”
“Okay, sure.”
I led her into the living room and she sat down on the couch. I sat down beside her and she looked at me. The strange expression on her face made my heart sink, as I had seen that very expression one too many times in my life. Usually, it meant the end of a very short relationship, and I hoped that this was not the case.
“Is everything okay?”
“I don't even know,” she shrugged.
“What’s going on?”
She looked at me and sighed. “My parents know about you.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“They want to meet you.”
“Wow, that didn't take them long to start making demands.”
“You’re telling me,” she said and rolled her eyes.
“I’ve been trying to figure out how to say this to you as well, Kenzie.”
“What?”
“My parents want to meet you as well.”
“Oh boy. This is not good.”
“My parents can be pretty intense.”
“Your parents cannot be worse than mine.”
“Wanna bet?” she asked with a snort.”
“Let’s make a bet then.”
“What?”
“You heard me.”
“I don’t have anything to bet,” she shrugged.
“How about, if your parents turn out to be the worst, then I will agree to do anything you ask of me,” I suggested.
“Anything?”
“Anything.”
“Okay, but what if your parents are the worst?”
“Then you have to agree to whatever it is that I want you to do.”
“Shit, that sounds so intriguing,” she said with a smirk. “You’re on.”
“So when do you want to meet them?”
“I told them that I first needed to check with you because you’re a busy man.”
“I’m a busy man.”
“You are, and very important.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes,” she said with a smile. “What if we have one big get together with both our families?”
“Not a good idea.”
“Why not?” she asked.
“Not only will you be overwhelmed by that, but so will I, and I hate feeling that way.”
Her shoulders drooped slightly but she nodded. “Okay, I guess that makes sense. We can do separate visits, but parents only. No other family.”
“You mean keep Calvin away?”
“Not only Calvin but Dillon as well.”
“Your brother?”
“Yeah, he sort of dislikes you for some reason.”
“Story of my life, right?” I sighed with a slight smile.
“I don’t get why he dislikes you so much. I mean, he applied for a job with you guys, didn't get it, but that doesn't give him the right to hate on you like that.”
“Yeah.” I looked at her briefly and dropped my gaze. I frowned to myself and I felt guilty for not telling her the truth. I knew exactly why her brother disliked me, but I couldn't tell her that.
Could I?
“Don’t look so worried. Once Dillon meets you and gets to know you, he’s bound to change his mind,” she said and placed her hand on my knee.
“You think so?”
“What’s not to like about you, Wyatt?”
“There’s a long list.”
“Well, that list is stupid,” she said and leaned forward, kissing me sweetly on the lips. “And besides, you shouldn't care what other people think about you.”
“See, it’s easy for you to say that. You don’t have issues with yourself.”
“What are you talking about? Of course, I do.”
“Well, you definitely don't show it.”
“I try not to think about it.”
“It doesn't make it go away though.”
“I know,” I nodded.
“So why do you hide them, if you don't care what others think of you?”
“Because I don't want to be pitied. I hate being pitied. I can't stand it when people look at me, feeling sorry for me.”
“I’m sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.”
“You didn't upset me, Wyatt,” she sighed. “On the contrary, you keep me grounded.”
“Being grounded is good.”
“I know that,” she said with a slight smile.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m just a bit nervous.”
“Why?”
“Meeting you parents. It feels a little daunting.”
“You have no reason to feel that way.”
“Wyatt, are you kidding me. It was hard enough when I met you for the first time, well, technically it was the third time, but still. You are intimidating as shit.”
I glanced at her and I cracked a smile. A light chuckle escaped my throat and she looked at me with narrowed eyes.
“Stop laughing, okay. It’s not funny.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Maybe now, but then it wasn't.”
“You have nothing to worry about.”
“You must have gotten that from either your mother or your father.”
“My father.”
“Great.”
“He’s not that bad though. He’s just precise and likes order.”
“So, basically, I’m screwed. He’s going to take one look at me and think ‘oh my god, what a hippie.’ Right? I know it.”
“He won't. He’s not like that.”
“I don't know.”
“He’s used to new age shit.”
She glanced at me and narrowed her eyes again.
“You know what I mean,” I sighed. “My mom is a behavioral therapist and she does yoga and essential oils and all that stuff.”
“She does?”
“Yeah, so my dad has really gotten so used to it by now. They’ve been married for almost forty years, and he still loves her just the way she is.”
“So opposites do attract and stay attracted.”
“There you go.”
“So your dad’s like you?”
“Moderately.”
“What does that even mean?”
“He’s a toned down version of me, but just a lot older and supposedly wiser.”
“Right.”
“If I can give you some advice about my father-”
“That would be great,” she said with a sigh of relief.
“Introduce yourself, appear with confidence, and he’ll be putty in your hands.”
“And your mom?”
“Oh, just bring a bottle of wine and she’ll love you forever.”
“She’s that easy, huh?”
“Supposedly.”
“So I have nothing to worry about?”
“Nothing.”
“Okay.”
“Do I?”
“Well, both my mom and dad are academics, so they’ll probably like you. You’re smart and successful, so that speaks for itself.”
“So they won’t chase me out of the h ouse?”
“Of course not,” she answered confidently. “Wait, you’re not a football fan, are you?”
“Is that a trick question?”
“Are you?”
“Yes,” I answered hesitantly.
“Which team do you support?”
“Am I obligated to answer that?”
“Kind of,” she shrugged.
“I’m not a Dolphins fan though.”
“Good, because my dad supports any team, but the Dolphins, so you’ll be fine,” she chuckled.
I let out a relieved sigh and didn't really understand why I felt this way. It never bothered me before. Then it suddenly dawned on me. This wasn't just other time, and Kenzie was definitely not any other woman. I’d never say this out loud, or at least not yet, but Kenzie might be the One.
Yes, it even sounded crazy to me, but not a moment had passed by since I kissed her, or even before that, that I had not been analyzing all of this.
She was mature, at most times, she made me feel at ease, she made me laugh, and most importantly, she knew me without running for the hills. She was still here, even after she came to know me. She struck me as the type of woman who did not scare easily, which I appreciated. Too many times women thought I was too much work to even try to pursue, but Kenzie thought differently.
“And if you’re still afraid, I’ll be there, so you don't have to worry. I’ll protect you.”
“Great, I have the littlest bodyguard.”
She smiled sincerely and touched my hand. “I mean it.”
I couldn't help myself but just look at her for a while. Even though she was a fun, easy-going person, I had just witnessed a serious side of her. A protective side. I liked it, and even though she might not be able to do much damage, I knew she would protect me, even if it was from myself.
“What’s on your mind, Wyatt?” she asked me after a long period of silence as I simply stared at her.
“Just you.”
She cocked her head to the side and smiled at me. “You’re sweet.”
“And you’re beautiful,” I said honestly.
She smiled at me leaned in closer and kissed me again. She pulled away slowly and looked at me.
“There’s one more thing.”
“What?” I asked, thinking it was another warning.
“Every year for Independence Day weekend, my family get together at my father’s lake house.”
“That sounds nice.”
“They’ve sort of invited you to come along.”
How did they sort of invite me?”
“I always take Sophia along, but she can’t go this year, so she suggested that I invite you instead. My mom thought that was the best idea since sliced bread.”
“She did?”
“She did.”
“Where’s this lake house?”
“Union Hall, Virginia.”
“Virginia?”
“Yeah, my dad grew up there. It’s really pretty.”
I pursed my lips and nodded. “Okay, I’ll go, granted that the dinner will go well and they don't end up chasing me out the house.”
“They won’t, but if they do, I’ll run right behind you.”
I looked at her again and gently touched her cheek.
“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to. You don't even know my family.”
“I want to go, and it will give me a chance to get to know them.”
“Even Dillon?”
“Even Dillon. We might be able to straighten out whatever it is he has against me.”
“That would be nice, Wyatt. I don't want him to be horrible to you or say things to you that would make you uncomfortable.”’
“You’re a real gem, you know that?”
“My mom says I’m special,” she said with a chuckle.
“That you are.”
“So what do you feel like doing tonight?” she asked me.
“You know what, I feel like just sitting here with you.”
“That sounds good, just no documentaries, please. Those things are way too intense.”
“Deal,” I said and put my arms around her waist, pulling her close to me.