What a wild turn of events.
When Lia had called, my first thought was that my surprise for her had arrived an hour early. Which wasn’t that big of a deal. Hopping in my truck, I headed for home, keeping an eye on my phone as I waited for a text to come through filled with glee and excitement.
Except what she sent me instead was a short sentence full of confusion.
Were your parents… supposed to visit this weekend ?
The answer ? No. Definitely not.
My foot hit the gas a bit harder the rest of the way to my condo, thoroughly thrown about this hitch in my plans. I’d talked to my mom two days ago, after landing back on the west coast, and she’d not given me one clue that her and my dad were planning to come down for a visit. She’d certainly mentioned wanting to come to a game since I’d been traded to the Royals, but nothing concrete. Not tonight.
Once I’d parked in my building’s underground lot, I totally disregarded the elevator and hit the stairs. Climbing two at a time, I continued up until I reached the eighth floor doorway, ignoring the slight burn in my thighs after this morning’s practice as I all but stumbled into my door, throwing it open with haste.
I heard my mom’s voice trail off at the noise, asking Derrick, is that you ? right before I skidded to a stop. There on my couch sat Lia and my mom, my dad taking the chair to the side, and it was an image I certainly hadn’t expected to come home too.
It was strange, but not wholly unwelcome.
Yeah, I replied, pausing to take a breath as my eyes flitted between the three of them. When did you guys get here ?
My attempt at being nonchalant and confident didn’t quite take despite my best effort, as I could hear the dazed tone wrapped around my words.
Twenty minutes ago, maybe, my mom said, looking to my dad for confirmation. To which he nodded. We had a free weekend and thought we’d come down to surprise you. To watch your game and see your new place. Her gaze settled back on Lia. We didn’t know you had company though, or else we would’ve called ahead.
Lia was quick to hop in. Like I said already Mrs. Wellsley, don’t even worry about it.
Her voice was confident and airy, but I didn’t miss the message her eyes sent me as she glanced back at me. The what-the-hell-is-going-on look that had me nervously rubbing the back of my neck.
Well, uh, I’m sure you guys already went through introductions, but Lia, this is my mom and dad, and mom, dad, this is Lia… my girlfriend.
My mom stood, laughing with amusement as she walked over to give me a hug. Well, I’d hope so, considering she seemed pretty at home when she answered the door. But why didn’t you tell us you were dating someone ? she asked, pulling back to pat me on the cheek. Especially someone as smart and beautiful as Lia ?
Redness immediately colored Lia’s cheeks and I felt my own embarrassment creep over me as I mumbled, Mom.
What ?
I sighed. Nothing, it’s just… new-this relationship. I wasn’t going to mention anything until I was sure we could make it work, what with the distance and everything.
Oh ! my mom responded, as though this was brand new information. She looked slightly guilty as she turned to Lia and asked, Are you not from around here, dear ?
Lia shook her head. I’m just out here for the weekend. I live in Boston, but I did grow up in San Francisco.
Derrick too !
Yeah- Lia’s lips quirked upward. -he’s mentioned it.
My mom huffed. Well now I feel like we’re interrupting your weekend together. I’m sorry I didn’t call first, I just thought-
Mom, it’s fine, really, I said with reassurance despite the flurry of issues now floating through my head at their sudden appearance. Though- A sheepish expression formed on my face, knowing I’d have to come clean about my plans for the rest of the afternoon earlier than expected. -we’ll need to take two Ubers to lunch now.
Unsurprisingly, Lia’s eyebrows furrowed with confusion. What do you mean ? We should all fit in one.
And as if they were given a perfect cue, the buzzer to my condo sounded.
We will, I responded before pointing toward the door, but they won’t.
My mom’s gaze turned back to me. You had other guests coming ?
I invited them, I hedged, moving over to buzz them into the building without using the speaker in an attempt to keep the surprise, but they’re really here for her.
My attention turned to Lia, whose eyes widened.
M-me ? she asked, stuttering with surprise.
I nodded, watching as she stood up slowly, a frown creasing her forehead, and made her way to the door.
What did you do ? she muttered as she passed by me.
You’ll see.
My parents’ eyes were on me, wondering what the hell I’d done and what they’d walked into, but my focus was on Lia. Watching her face intently as she opened the door, looking out into the hall, curious as to what-or more specifically, who-she was looking for.
And I knew the exact moment the elevator doors opened to reveal her surprise.
Her mouth fell open and she jerked her gaze back to me, silently asking if this was for real. Which it was. Oh my god ! she squealed at my grin before rushing out into the hall to greet her parents. Mom ! Dad ! What are you doing here ?
As the three of them chatted quickly in the hall, I felt my mother’s hand grip my elbow gently, turning my attention her way.