Triple the Love

Unexpected Dinner Guests

Jack

The buzz in Chasea was unmistakable. Word had spread quickly that Corey’s parents were in town. And it felt like the entire town was waiting to see what might happen next. Even I was waiting to see what would happen next, and I wasn’t even sure why. Of course, I had been excited about the idea of officially meeting them, but I couldn’t shake the lingering worry gnawing at the back of my mind. Corey had been distant lately, more distant than usual, and while I tried not to take it personally, it was hard not to wonder if things between us weren’t as solid as I had hoped. However, I had convinced myself that Corey merely needed some time with his parents. He had been constant with his texts, and although I hadn't seen him, he had regularly informed me that he was busy. Still, as the days passed without seeing him, doubt had crept in.

“Hey, boss!” I looked over my shoulder to see Zander waving at me from the bar. He pointed at something, but as I looked around the restaurant all I noticed was that it was a slow night. It was one of those rare, quiet evenings where most of the regulars had already come and gone. Things were winding down, but that’s when I saw them. Corey and his parents. I immediately straightened and just the sight of Corey had my heart racing. Corey hadn’t mentioned that they would be dining at the vineyard and, by the look on his face, this wasn’t planned. His shoulders were tense, and his eyes flickered nervously around the restaurant. When his gaze finally settled on me, he blushed. I knew that I would have to play it cool as I headed over to where they had been seated.

“Corey,” I greeted with a friendly smile. “I didn’t expect to see you here tonight,”

“Ah…yeah, no…it was kind of a last-minute thing,” Corey explained with an awkward chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Ah…Jack…these are my parents, Barbra and Vance…Mom, Dad, this is Jack…he owns the vineyard,” Barbra smiled warmly as she extended her hand, and I quickly shook it.

“It is so nice to finally meet you, Jack. Corey has told us a lot about you,” she said, her voice was warm and friendly. I was also pleased to hear that Corey had told them about me. It made that doubt ease ever so slightly.

“It is great to meet you too, Mrs. Max,” I said as I turned to Vance, who hadn't said a word yet. His expression was unreadable, and I quickly offered him my hand. His grip was firm, but not overly friendly. “Mr. Max,” I said.

“Jack,” he replied as he released my hand. That was it. No pleasantries. Not even a smile. It was just a simple acknowledgment, and I couldn’t help but feel like the man was sizing me up.

“The vineyard is beautiful,” Barbra then remarked as she looked around the restaurant. “Do you manage all of this on your own?” I was grateful that she was at least trying to ease the tension with some light conversation.

“I have a great team that helps keep everything running smoothly. It’s a lot of work, but I love it here,” I replied. Barbra’s eyes lit up as she smiled. Of course, as nice as it was for Barbra to show an interest, it was clear that Vance wasn’t interested. Was it me? When the waitress came over, I excused myself and I gave Corey a quick nod before I went over to the bar. I could feel Vance watching me even as I tried to play it cool. I couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in my chest, despite Barbra’s friendly attitude. I poured myself a glass of whiskey and took a sip as I glanced over at their table. Corey was talking to his parents, but his posture was stiff. I wished that I could sit down with them and help him relax. But I hadn't been invited, and I wasn’t about to intrude any more than I already had.

“Don’t stare,” Zander said softly, and I quickly pulled my gaze away from Corey and his parents. Meeting the parents was supposed to be a big deal. Right? I mean, Corey hadn't officially said anything and, by bringing them here, unplanned, had to be a step forward in our relationship. Right? A part of me wanted to believe that, but I felt unsettled and uncomfortable. Was it because of Vance? He wasn’t easy to read, and it made me doubt things. While Corey had clearly told his parents about me, the question was, what had he told them? Were they aware that we were in a relationship? Or did they think we were still just friends? I glanced over at them again, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was on the outside looking in. When Zander stepped in front of me, I knew that it would probably be better for me to leave the restaurant.

“I’m going,” I hissed out as I set the glass down on the counter. I left the restaurant and headed for my office instead. My mind was filled with thoughts about what all of this meant. It felt like this should have been a step forward, but yet, it also felt like this was a bad thing. Barbra had been friendly and kind, but Vance’s detached and aloof attitude left me feeling that maybe his parents didn’t approve. Maybe they thought I just wasn’t good enough for Corey. Or maybe they didn’t know anything. Maybe I was completely overreacting. I shook my head as I sat behind my desk. As much as I wanted to join them and try to prove my worth, it was clear that I wasn’t welcome. I pushed all of these negative thoughts to the back of my mind and got started on the end-of-day tasks. At the very least, work would get my mind off it.