Peer Review_A Ruby Romp Novella

by Ruby Rowe

  They plan on telling my parents at dinner tonight, and they think with Laurel present, Mom and Dad won’t cause a scene.

  I need to be sure that’s the case. I don’t want my parents embarrassing me in front of my girl, and I don’t want them pissed at Colton.

  He’s my best friend, who’d do anything for me, and I owe my sister a lifetime of favors after treating her shitty for years.

  “Dad, I need to tell you something.”

  He drags his blue eyes away from the television and looks at me.

  “Oh, don’t tell me it’s too late and I’m gonna be a grandpa.”

  “Dammit, Dad. No, you’re not going to be a grandpa; however, I do have some surprising news.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Please, hear me out before you react.”

  “OK.”

  “Colton and Summer are in a relationship.”

  “That’s not surprising news.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Shrugging, he glides a hand over his thinning blond hair. “I’ve always noticed the way she looks at him, and your mom figured it out this summer when she kept finding them together while you weren’t around. Your mother knows things. Don’t question it.”

  I smile. “Yeah, Mom doesn’t miss much. I want you to know Colton treats Summer like a queen and plans to stay with her for good, so I want you to be cool about it. He’s tripping, worried you’re going to be pissed.”

  “I could have some fun with this. Colton deserves some payback for eating me out of house and home over the years.”

  “Whatever, just don’t embarrass me in front of Laurel.”

  “I wouldn’t dare.” He gives me a sly grin. Yeah, I don’t trust him.

  Laurel

  Putting my car in park, I stare up at the lavish brick home Jason was raised in. It reminds me of my parents’ house, except Jason’s has a southern charm to its design.

  This neighborhood is affluent, and as I glance around, I wonder if Jason’s parents will be accepting of me.

  There was a time when I didn’t worry about gaining older adults’ respect. As soon as I would tell them my father was a physician, I had it.

  Now, I see how stupid that was. An education and title doesn’t make someone respectable. My disgraceful father proved that.

  The knock on my window causes me to jump. I turn my head and find Jason staring at me. His straight white teeth are showing behind his heart-stirring smile.

  Exhaling a taxing breath, I open my door. The second I’m standing, he pulls me into his arms and stares down at me.

  “I hope you weren’t already thinking of leaving.”

  “No. I was taking in my surroundings and thinking about the home I grew up in. It seems like forever ago.”

  “I’m sorry you’ve had a long day. I wish I could’ve been there with you this morning, but you’re stubborn.”

  “Yes, I am, but right now, I’m mainly nervous. I’m usually proud to talk about my parents, but I don’t know what I’ll say if I’m asked about them.”

  “I’ll change the subject until the day comes when you’re comfortable telling them. Besides, I think Colton and Summer are going to be the topic of the evening. I’m apologizing ahead of time for any embarrassing moments.”

  “I’m sure they’re all great like you.”

  “They’re going to direct you to the guest room, but if you end up in my bed, they’re not going to care, so I’m saying it now … please find your way into my bed.”

  I giggle. “We’ll see.”

  “If you don’t, I’ll find my way into yours.” Moving out of his arms, I take his hand.

  “Come on. Let’s get the introductions over with so I can relax a little.”

  Jason directs me into his childhood home, and I smell something delicious. It’s evening, so I imagine we’ll have dinner soon.

  We walk down a hallway to a family room where I spot Colton sitting on a couch. An older man hurries to his feet from a recliner.

  “Dad, this is Laurel. Laurel, this is my dad, John.” I shake his hand and notice how much Jason favors him. The man has aged well, hardly seeming old enough to have a child Jason’s age. His thinning hair is the only feature giving it away.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Laurel.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, too.”

  “And you’ve met Colton already.”

  “Hi, Laurel,” Colton says with a faint smile.

  “Hi.”

  “I’m going to introduce her to Mom and Summer. Come on. They’re in the kitchen.” Before I can respond, he’s leading me down the hall again to the spacious kitchen.

  It opens up to a dining room on the right, and I see Summer inside, setting the table. At least, I’m guessing that’s her.

  “Mom, Laurel’s here.” The lady at the stove turns around and grins at me. I notice she has the same beautiful smile as her son’s.

  Her hair is strawberry-blond, so I understand now how both Jason and Summer have such light hair.

  “Laurel, it’s so nice to meet you. I’m Susan.”

  “Hi, thank you for having me this weekend.”

  She clutches Jason’s shoulder and gazes at him affectionately.

  “I’m thrilled to see my son so happy. You’re always welcome here.”

  “Thank you.” His sister bounces into the room with a grin on her cute face. Unlike me, she’s petite. Her long hair is in a high ponytail, and she’s in skinny jeans and a cream sweater.

  “I’m Summer, and you must be the miracle worker. You bagged my brother, which is something I thought would not happen in this lifetime.”

  “Summer, really? It’s not like I’m forty and still single.”

  Gripping her hips, she shrugs, lifting both shoulders high.

  “Still, she should get a trophy.” I giggle over that remark.

  “Hi, I’m happy to finally meet you,” I say to her. “Jason’s had nothing but wonderful things to say about you and your mom. He’s always singing your praises.”

  Summer’s eyes are suddenly coated with tears, and her mother’s mouth is agape. Shit, what did I do?

  “Is dinner almost ready? I’m starved,” Jason says, changing the subject. Summer moves right in and wraps her arms around his waist, so I hurry and release his hand.

  “I knew you loved me.”

  “Yeah, yeah, let’s not make a huge production of it.” After giving her a light hug, he pulls away. His mother clears her throat, and her eyes are watery, too.

  “Dinner is ready. Let your father and Colton know.”

  Jason presses a kiss to the top of my head and strolls out. Well, at least he’s not mad at me for inciting that tender moment.

  I help Susan and Summer carry food to the dining room table. The guys walk in, and I notice Colton’s face is as white as a sheet.

  I recall that he and Summer are telling her parents about their relationship tonight, and I’m curious to see how it plays out. At least it will take the attention off me.

  Colton appears panicked as his eyes dart around at the chairs. Summer takes a seat and nods toward the one next to her.

  Hesitating, he sits down, and Jason and I take the seats across from them. His parents are at each end of the table, and this should be interesting.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Jason

  Mom fixed all my favorites: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, and biscuits. I’m also having dinner with those closest to me. The evening couldn’t get much better than this.

  “Laurel, Jason told me you’re a senior at Emory,” my father says.

  Swallowing a drink of iced tea, Laurel sets her glass down and clears her throat.

  “Yes, I am.”

  “What is your major? And what are your plans after college?”

  “English and Creative Writing is my major, and I plan to earn my master’s next. I’m hoping to become a librarian. I currently work in the main library on campus.”

  �
��Interesting. Are you from Atlanta?”

  “I think Colton and Summer have some news,” I say, diverting the attention. Not to mention, if they don’t get this over with ASAP, Colton’s going to barf up his dinner on the table from how nervous he is.

  “Colton,” my father says, “I have this young woman working as a medical assistant at my practice. She recently came on board, and she’s single. Since Jason here is in a relationship now, I thought it might be a good time for you to find a girl.”

  I watch as Colton and Summer hang on his every word.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I asked her to stop by this evening.” Colton drops his fork, and it makes a loud noise as it hits his plate. “She’s a beautiful girl, country at heart, and since you’ll be moving back here after graduation, I figured it’d be fine to introduce the two of you.”

  Instantly angry, Summer grimaces at our father.

  “Dad, why would you do that without asking Colton first? Maybe he doesn’t want to meet her.”

  Placing his elbows on the table, my father entwines his hands in front of him.

  “And why wouldn’t he want to meet a beautiful, young woman?”

  “Shit,” Colton murmurs before he grabs Summer’s hand on the table.

  “It’s because I already have a beautiful, young woman. Summer and I are dating. I sincerely hope you’ll give us your blessing, and I have no intentions of returning to Savannah until this girl returns, too.”

  Bursting into laughter, my father slings his head back. My mother joins in, snickering as she bows her head.

  I laugh, too, while taking pleasure in Summer’s and Colton’s anxiousness and confusion. Their eyes ping-pong between my parents several times.

  “What are we missing here?” Summer asks.

  Trying to regain some semblance of composure, my father coughs.

  “Sweetheart, we already knew about you and Colton. Your mother figured it out this past summer, and considering the way you followed him around like a lost puppy for years, it wasn’t a surprise.”

  “So, you’re OK with it?” she asks.

  Dad waves a hand their direction. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I want you with a great guy like Colton? I was only playing about the girl at my office. I didn’t invite anyone over.”

  Colton and Summer sigh with relief, and everyone’s all smiles. I even here Laurel giggle. Life is good.

  Laurel

  As Colton and Summer disclose some of the details of their relationship, I eat the incredible southern, home-cooked dinner in front of me.

  I also think about the special meals I used to share with my mom and dad in Atlanta. I had my parents’ undivided attention, and I see now how spoiled I was by it.

  I was there for my mother today, but the tension between us was evident. She wants me to forgive my father since she’s chosen to, but I can’t.

  At least not anytime soon. I told my mom she has to accept my decision in order for us to have a relationship. The ball’s now in her court, and all I can do is wait for her to decide.

  The doorbell startles me, and I realize how distracted I’ve been. Jason’s father pushes his chair back and leaves the room to answer it.

  I hear a female’s voice … Jason’s name … and an “Uhhh…” by Mr. Nichols.

  “Jason!” he yells.

  Hearing the woman’s voice again, Jason utters, “Shit,” and I see Colton’s eyes widen.

  “Is that—”

  “Shut up,” Jason mutters to him before he jumps to his feet and disappears from the dining room.

  Colton and Summer both stare at me. There must be a girl here to see Jason. Who is she? An ex? Why would an ex show up without warning?

  Returning to the table, Jason’s father displays an uncomfortable expression as he takes his seat.

  “Who is it, John?” Susan asks.

  “Someone for Jason.”

  “Who?”

  “It’s not important, Mom.” Summer draws out her words, her eyes round with warning.

  “It’s a girl, right?” I blurt out.

  Summer sighs. “It is, but Porsha’s no one important. She’s just a girl Jason hooks–I mean used to see when he was home from college. She probably spotted his car out front.”

  I hear the door shut, and Jason returns to the table. I stare his direction until he finally turns his head to look at me.

  “Who was that?” I ask.

  “An old friend from high school. She stopped by to say hi. No big deal.” He squeezes my hand under the table, but it’s not easing my paranoia about his feeling for this Porsha girl.

  “You know, it appears everyone’s finished with dinner, so how about I bring out dessert? Summer, will you please help me?” Susan asks before she and Summer go to the kitchen.

  It’s awkward as the rest of us wait quietly. I wish someone would say something.

  “Laurel, what do your parents do for a living?” John asks.

  OK, anything but that!

  “Dad, this isn’t an interview,” Jason says.

  “What? I’m asking normal questions.”

  “Here we go. I have your favorites pies, Jason: apple, lemon meringue and chocolate,” Susan says before she and Summer set three pies and a half-gallon of ice cream down in the middle of the table.

  She looks at me, her smile warm like a mom’s should be. “Jason’s not a huge fan of cake, but he loves pie. What kind would you like, Laurel?”

  Faster than I should, I bring my hand up to stop her.

  “No, thank you. I’m still full from dinner.”

  “Oh, OK. Jason, what kind would you like?”

  “Are you kidding? I want one of each.” He squeezes my hand again. “Babe, you have to try one. I figured you’d like the chocolate.”

  “I don’t want any.”

  “Come on. Try a piece. You’ll like it.”

  “It’s not about liking the pies. I’m sure they’re great, but I said I’m full.”

  Frowning, he releases my hand, and I don’t know what the freakin’ big deal is. How did our lovely dinner turn sour so quickly?

  I notice everyone is staring at me. Did I sound rude? Susan asks the others what they’d like, and they begin to talk again. Jason sulks as he eats his pie, and now I feel bad.

  I lean over to him. “I’m sorry if I was rude. I wasn’t trying to be.”

  “I know, but I don’t understand why you won’t at least try a piece.”

  “And I don’t understand why it’s a big deal if I don’t.”

  He whips his head my way. “Maybe I want to see that you trust me and our relationship enough to enjoy pie with me. To enjoy it again, like you used to. Is that too much to ask?”

  I blink fast several times as the room turns chillingly silent. It also begins to spin before my eyes. I cover my mouth for a few seconds.

  “Oh, my god. You’re KeepingItReal69,” I whisper. “How could you keep that from me?”

  Pushing his chair back, he shifts his body to face me.

  “Laurel, I didn’t mean for it to come out this way.” He takes hold of my hand, but I yank it away. I jump from my chair and head for the foyer where I’d left my purse on a table.

  Grabbing it, I root for my keys as I run out the door. I hear Jason following me, yelling my name, but I don’t stop.

  Picking up speed, I get in my car before he can reach me. I start the ignition, and he bangs on the window.

  “Laurel, talk to me. Don’t leave.”

  Looking up at him through the glass, I glare.

  “You should’ve told me. I’m so humiliated that you knew and I didn’t!” I yell. “Besides, your parents are never going to approve of me. Not when they find out what my father did. I’m leaving.”

  He yanks my door open, but I grab the inside handle and try with all my strength to shut it. We play tug-of-war, and I’m determined to win.

  “Laurel, I’m begging you not to go. You’re upset, and if something happened to you while you were driving, I
’d never forgive myself.”

  While keeping a firm grip on the handle, I stare up at him. Why the hell is he worrying about that?

  “I think you should be more concerned about whether you’ll have a girlfriend after this.”

  “I’m not letting go of this door, and I’m not letting you leave me.” Tears flood his eyes. He blinks several times, seeming shocked by it, and I’m shocked, too.

  “I’m begging, Laurel, don’t drive off. God, do anything else; yell at me again, hit me if you need, but don’t leave upset.”

  Tears drop to his cheeks, and the sheer desperation and panic in his red eyes is too much for me to bear. I can’t believe what I’m witnessing as his hands stay wrapped around the door, clutching it for dear life.

  “OK. I won’t leave, but I need to be alone for a while.”

  “You promise you won’t get back inside this car?”

  “Yes, geez. I’ll go in the house.” Releasing my door, Jason wipes his eyes. “I’m embarrassed as hell to face your parents. Can I go to the spare bedroom?” I ask.

  Swallowing, he nods. “Last door on the right upstairs.”

  “Thanks.” After I grab my bag of clothes from the back seat, I start toward the house. I hear his sharp breathing as he follows me inside.

  Standing in the foyer is Susan, staring at us with round eyes.

  “Is everything OK?”

  “Mrs. Nichols, I apologize for running out. I needed a breather. Dinner was wonderful, but if you don’t mind, I’m going to lie down a while. I’ve had a long day.”

  “Of course. If you need anything, I’m here.”

  “Thank you.”

  I run up the stairs, praying I don’t have to face anyone until I’ve had time to think. What the hell would I say if someone asked me what was wrong?

  I’m sorry, but I can’t eat your pie because it was something I did with my father once a week since I was five years old. Now, he’s in prison for fondling patients on his exam tables.

  Like that’d be any less humiliating.

  In the bedroom, I drop my bag and purse on the floor and fall back on the plush white comforter. I stare at the ceiling, replaying the recent events in my head.