Meet the parents

Wednesday afternoon rolled around and I spent the afternoon showering again, brushing my hair, and putting together an outfit. I hang up my outfit in the bathroom during my shower and iron it after. Finally wrapping up my homework and getting dressed, it’s time to get going. I look pretty good, I got some black shoes on with slacks and a blue pattern shirt. I roll the sleeves up and put on my watch, ready to face the music. Ash shot me a text while I was getting dressed. I put my shoes on, grab my jacket. And head down to the parking lot, ready to meet her as she pulls up. I hop in and she’s got some khaki slacks on with a nice blouse on. I hop in and we’re off.

“You look good.”

“Thanks, you two, but you always look good.” I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

“Ya ya, are you excited?”

“Excited, nervous, a healthy blend.”

“Well my dad promised to not go too hard on you.”

“Alright then, that’s not intimidating.” She blew a raspberry and just focused on driving. We turned into the parking lot, parked, and Ash put her hand on my thing as we parked. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, if you at any point want to leave, I will take you home.” She had turned to me, placing a hand on my thigh and looking rather pointedly into my eyes.

“Really?”

“Yes, my parents know, and are okay with it.”

“Okay then.” I squeezed her hand, and undid my seat belt and put her hand in mine. “Thank you.”

“I’d kiss you on the cheek but this lipstick would smear and that would just be awkward.” She smiled and got out as well. We walked out and held hands into the restaurant. It was another family restaurant but was far more adult. It wasn’t a steakhouse but it was a similar vibe. Darkish, but good colors. In a different set of circumstances this place could be down right intimidating. The gold vaulted ceiling added to the charm. The tables had a red hue to the wood and black leather booths.

We walked into the front waiting area. Ash went to the Hostess, pointed over to her dad, and pulled me along. I followed the line to her parents. I could only see her mom, she looked good. I could tell she wasn’t that tall, Ash’s height at a seated guess. Ash get her hair from her mom clearly. It was styled differently, but it was a bit longer than her daughter’s. Ash’s face was similar, but the cheekbones weren’t there, nor the jawline. But the nose was hers, and the ears. She had on a purple blouse that did well. Ash was a bit more endowed than her mother. But I didn’t pay much attention to that, out of respect.

Rounding the corner to their table they stepped out. Ash’s dad stood five or so inches above her mom. He had a mustache that was a pretty well kept piece. He had on a gray button up and vest with khaki slacks. Her mom was wearing a long skirt that went well with her top. I found the rest of Ash’s facial features on her father. The bone structure, the eye colors, it all rested there. His body was pretty well kept. He wasn’t ripped, he wasn’t well toned. But there wasn’t a full dad bod. It was a good middle ground. He didn’t glare, he just, took me in, as I took him in. We weren’t too far off in height, he had an inch or two on me.

“Mike, Darren. This is my wife Betty.”

“Nice to meet you Mike.”

“Nice to meet you both as well.” I said shaking their hands. It was a good grip, I knew I had to bring a strong grip. So I held a strong grip and we went to sit. Ash had already gone and sat in the booth. I sat next to her and her parent’s sat across from us. I pulled up a menu and grabbed the water before me.

“So you’re an artist?” Her father spoke. His voice was pretty strong, it had gotten him through quite a few stern meetings it seemed like. Helped lay out the “I know what I’m doing” personality.

“Yes, I am, I draw a range of different subjects.”

“Have you sold anything?”

“I haven’t, but I have pieces that will be in an art show soon.” His face finally revealed a sense of positivity. Up until now it was just, pushing a conversation forward.

“That’s good. Everyone has to start somewhere. What got you into art?”

“A lot of the other kids growing up got into sports. I just wasn't into that so I drew instead. The art rooms were where I found my peace. That’s just where I’d end up most of the time.”

“Is that what you want to do as you go into the workforce?”

“I think so, in this day and age, I can do fine art or I can work online. Both are paths I’ve thought about. But we’ll see.”

“Are you thinking of going to college for it?”

“Dad, that’s enough.” Ash chimed in, giving him a stare. I decided on food and finished with my menu. Taking another sip of water. Her mom spoke up next.

“So I have a question, but if you aren’t comfortable answering, I understand. When did your Mom pass?” That came out of left field had a feeling they’d know, but not what.

“Mom!” Ash was not happy.

“It’s alright.” I put my hand on Ash’s. “She passed away when I was 12. It was something we knew was coming. It sucked, but I got to have some sense of spending time with her and letting her get to see my art.”

“That’s good, when Ash mentioned it I wondered what had happened. My friend Sharon lost her mother at an early age, I’ve heard from her how hard it can be. If you need anything, don’t be afraid to ask.” It was a nice offer. But with where we were, and what the setting of this was. It seemed a bit early to make that offer. It was something I’d enjoy, but she was coming on a bit strong.

“Thank you, I appreciate that.”

The waiter came along by this point and took our orders. It was a pretty quiet night so I didn’t anticipate that long for our food to come out.

“Ashley, how's your Nana?” Her dad asked. It’s odd to me that he’d ask her about her grandparents.

“She’s good, we’re gonna get together soon and she’s gonna show me some more sewing tricks.”

“That’s good. I wish I got out to see her more.”

“Ya she wanted me to tell you that it’s getting to be gutter cleaning season.” He chuckled at that.

“Did she? I’m not surprised. Mike, would you be interested in winning it big with Ashley’s Nana?”

“Darren!” Ash’s mom elbowed him.

“What? Can you blame me? Look Mike, go over there for an afternoon, I’ll give you sixty bucks. She’ll even feed you.”

“Oh my god.” Ash’s mom was losing it. Ash was just laughing.

“Sure, Sounds good.”

“Ashley, can you help coordinate that?”

“Sure, dad. Sure.” She was coming down from her laughing fit. This was a fun discussion for me. The bit continued and led into a story of why Ash’s dad tried to shirk this task off. About family food and the situation with Ashley’s uncle. At which point our food arrived.

“What does your dad do?” He asked through his food.

“He’s an analyst for the County.” He just tilted his head in a somewhat approving manner. I don’t imagine he liked the idea of public sector work. As we ate we talked about plans for the holidays, how finals were looking.

“So Ash, are you missing cheer at all?” Her mom asked finishing her food.

“Not one bit, As far as I’m concerned they can go pound sand.”

“While I’m glad that you had the experience, I’m glad you have moved onto new pastures.”

“Ya, me to.” She said kicking my leg gently. I smiled, the check was on the way and the last of the food was being boxed up.

“Well Mike, It’s been a joy having dinner with you.”

“Thank you for having me out. I appreciate it.”

“Of course! You’re the first boyfriend our daughter is happy to tell us about.”

“Mom!” Ash was getting red in the face at that.

“And Mike, I was serious about the whole gutter thing. If you are free some weekend soon I’ll owe ya.” At that point he got another smack on the arm and started to make an exit. I got out and shook hands with Darren and hugged Betty.

We left the restaurant and got back into Ash’s car. “Well that was a lot better than I anticipated.”

“I knew it wouldn’t be that bad. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“Ya, I’m down to meet your Nana too.”

“God, he always tries to get out of that shit.” I was grinning at that point. I put my hand on her thigh and leaned over to rest my head on her shoulder before we drove off. She put her hand on my head and turned to kiss the top of my head. A sigh of contentment escaped my lips.

“And unfortunately, I can’t stay over tonight to share how happy I am that you did well with that.”

“Oh? Does someone want to dance?” my hand found its way into her crotch, her pants didn’t reveal much but the face she made showed her excitement.

“If by dance you mean pin you down and take you then yes.”

“Well I guess you’ll just have to wait till tomorrow.”

“Oh? Is that what you have planned for tomorrow?”

“In a way. You’ll just have to find out when we get there.” I pulled my hand back and sat back up. Properly adjusting my seat belt.

“Alright, but no touching yourself tonight.”

“Same goes for you young lady.”

“Fine.” We were both grinning like idiots, and Ash took off into the night. “So after tomorrow, what sort of dates do you wanna go on?”

“I’d like some more cozy dates where we just sit around, you doing sewing stuff and I do art stuff.”

“That sounds fun. I’d like to cuddle more for sure. I would also love to do a day or two of just shopping with you. From nerd stores to clothing stores.”

“Ya, I’d be down for that.” I put my head in my hand and just smiled. Getting a bit tired.We pulled into my parking lot and she pulled around to my spot. She finally leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

“That’s it?” Unbuckling my seat belt I went to return before she put a hand on my mouth.

“Yup, If I did any more I’d take you to the back seat. And I promised my parents I’d be right home after dinner.”

“Fair enough.” I moved her hand over and returned her kiss before making my way upstairs. Heading into my room I put my clothes in the laundry, put on my pj’s and went to bed. Lying in bed shortly after I received a text.

“Home.” Ash sent, followed by a picture. It was Ash, in bed, with her breasts on full display. Giving me a peace sign around her eye and sticking her tongue out like it was anime.

“HarHar”

“Oh so you don’t want lewds”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Too late, no more for you. Sleep well >:P” No one could say she wasn’t a tease.