The day finally came when she was to introduce her to his family. Deanna had a knot in her stomach and couldn't eat anything all day because of her nerves. If she survived tonight, Harry and Laura would start a family together; if she failed, too, but she would have a horrible year ahead of her.
For his part Daniel felt sure of what was to come. If he didn't show his mettle, he would have to endure his mother's permanent onslaught for the duration of the marriage. That was something that should not happen, not only was his brother's wedding at stake, but also Deanna's welfare. She had to put many important things aside to help them and he needed to protect her somehow.
The meeting would be at Daniel's parents' house. Laura's parents and some close family members would also be there. Daniel insisted that it be a simple, low-key dinner. If he had to expose her to all his relatives it was very likely that Deanna would be overwhelmed. She would have enough to deal with having to deal with his mother.
He picked her up at her apartment. And Deanna looked beautiful, Laura had chosen well. A two-piece suit that covered everything, but marked her silhouette; discreet but revealing at the same time. A perfect hourglass figure, topped off with matching high heels and her hair half up. Caramel-colored hair...
- I brought you this," he said, handing her a small box.
- What is it? - A ring, an engagement ring.
- We'll need it -
- It's true -
- I hope it fits -
Daniel had suddenly become nervous. It wasn't a real ring, it didn't mean anything, it was just another accessory; however, he had a hard time handing it to her. Deanna had imagined that if she received one of those one day it would be a romantic, magical moment. Why would he give it to her any other way if it was all a lie?
At her parents' house everyone was on standby, Camila had already told them how things were, so that no one would be surprised when they saw her come in. She was prepared for the fray, while Charles had just sat down for an aperitif with Laura's father. If she failed to expose this gold-digger's true intentions tonight, Daniel would end up marrying her.
They walked down the driveway and when Deanna saw the stairs she knew she would have trouble getting up them. Not only did the skirt make it difficult for her to walk, she wasn't used to wearing high shoes. She tried to climb the first step, but she didn't have enough angle. Daniel watched her impatiently, what was taking her so long?
- What's wrong, why don't you come up? -
- It's hard with this skirt -
Daniel came back down and offered her his hand. At the sight of him Deanna just smiled at him, that open and frank smile, and the world froze for a few seconds. But it wasn't enough, so with her other hand she took some of the fabric and pulled it up to her knees, at least now she could move her legs more easily.
- Well, here we are - He told her when they were in front of the door.
- Well, here we are - He told her when they were in front of the door. security. And something moved inside of him.
When they entered the first one to approach them was Camila, she went directly to stand in front of her. Deanna stood expectantly at Camila's inspection.
- Mom, please... -
- Good evening, I presume you are Deanna -
- Yes, how do you do?
- I'm Daniel's mother –
- It's a pleasure, ma'am -
- Yes - That was it? Just "yes"? This night was going to be a long one.
Harry came to the rescue.
- Dean! Hi, girlfriend. How are you? Let me introduce you to the rest of the family -
- Your mother is going to poison my food... - She said low as they walked away.
- This is my father - Charles stood up, but unlike Camilla his expression was friendly and good-natured.
- It's a pleasure to meet you, sir -
- Well, well! The pleasure is all mine Deanna. Welcome to the family
- Thank you so much - It was a relief to hear a friendly bell.
- Daniel told me you were pretty, but he fell short with that description... Well done, son! - Daniel wanted to die.
Harry continued to introduce her to the rest of the people and then they moved on to the table. Fortunately, Deanna was seated between Daniel and Laura. But Camila couldn't wait any longer.
-So... How did you two meet? -
- Harry introduced us, Mom.
- Yes son, but I was asking Deanna -
- Harry introduced me to Daniel at a dinner party at his apartment - She replied.
They had rehearsed and gone over what they had to say regarding their relationship, both stories had to match.
-I see... and why did he introduce them? -
- Why? I don't understand...
- Surely you were interested in meeting him?
- Mom...
- Harry thought we might be compatible...
- Of course. Were you looking for a husband? -
- Looking for a husband? No -
- And besides studying at the university, what do you do for a living? -
- I work part-time in a clothing store.
- What about your parents? -
- I was raised by my grandmother and my mother, but I never knew my father.
- What does your mother do? -
- She has a restaurant.
Everyone looked at them in silence, it seemed like a quiz show. Camila would fire off questions and Deanna would answer them instantly. I was trying to throw her off balance, but she resisted.
- What did you see in my son? Daniel is not the classic hopeless romantic
- He's a gentleman and he's considerate -
- Daniel? - Harry couldn't resist.
- Do you know Deanna? It's all the rage lately for young girls to seek out a considerate gentleman to live off of -
- Is that so? -
- That's right. Don't you think it's embarrassing? -
- Mom, please... - Daniel was beginning to feel annoyed.
- Very. But there wouldn't be such young ladies if there weren't willing gentlemen -
- And my son is willing? -
- I doubt it very much. Daniel wouldn't be fooled like that, he's an intelligent and focused man. He has shown himself to be very considerate despite his brusque attitudes and from what I have seen he is an excellent father. He would hardly fall into a situation like that.
Everyone was surprised by her answer, especially Daniel. She was showing strength in front of Camila, delimiting the line that she was on. But the atmosphere was getting heavy, neither of them was willing to back down. If Deanna didn't fight back, she was going to be eaten alive.
-Dear, why don't we have dinner and then continue with your interrogation? - That was Charles' way of shutting her up once and for all.
Little by little things began to settle down quietly, between small talk and trivial comments. Daniel said very little; it was evident that he was annoyed with Camila, just watching Deanna out of the corner of his eye as she talked to Laura and Harry. He felt a little guilty that she had to go through all this.
- So when is the wedding, Daniel? - Laura's mother asked
- In a couple of weeks -
- That's fast! Will you have time to organize it in just a few weeks, dear? -
Organize the wedding? She didn't know how to organize a wedding, but Laura surely did. In fact, they had talked about it. She would have preferred not to have to elope, she wanted a beautiful wedding, big, full of guests and she had told her in detail about every little aspect. She would have preferred not to have to elope, she wanted a beautiful wedding, big, full of guests and she had told her in detail about every little aspect. So why not?