RUNNING FROM MY HUSBAND

The Proposal.

"We never hang out anymore," Casey complained as we waited for the food to be ready.

"I know. I'm sorry about that," I apologized. "It's just that things are getting really serious with Quin, and between working at the club, here, and spending time with him, the little time I get—I want it all to myself."

"I always wondered what happened between you and that handsome guy. You never told me if you went out again—and now things are getting serious?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

The food arrived just in time for me to avoid that question. I didn't think Casey needed to know everything about my love life, so I hadn't told her much. I placed the order in front of the customer and offered her a small smile.

"Will that be all for now?" I asked.

"Yes, thank you," she said.

"You will be coming to my grandfather's Thanksgiving get-together, won't you?" I asked Casey.

"Of course I will. When have I ever missed it?" she said. "Adrian looks forward to that party the whole year. He enjoys how Luke lets him help with the turkey fillings."

"Good, because I also invited Quin," I said casually, then walked away.

"You did what?" she asked, following me. "Are things that serious that you're taking him to see your grandfather? You never take any guy to your grandfather's place."

"I know, but I mentioned it once while we were out, and he wanted to come. I thought it would be rude if I said no, so I invited him."

"Love, are you sure you want to do that? After all, you've only known this guy for, what, a month?"

"A month and a half, actually," I corrected her. "And what's the big deal anyway? It's just a Thanksgiving get-together. Besides, my grandfather keeps asking me to bring a man home, saying I'm not getting any younger."

I walked to the kitchen, hands full with a tray of dirty plates.

"It's gotten so bad that the neighbors have started thinking I'm a lesbian—and I'm not."

"That's why you're taking him home? Because a bunch of old nosy neighbors think you're gay?" Casey asked.

"Why are you so against me taking this guy home?" I asked, turning to look at her.

"I just don't want what happened between me and Kevin to happen to you. He walked out on me, leaving me with a two-year-old boy to take care of," she said, her voice more serious now. I could see she was being genuine.

"It's just a dinner, Cas. No one is leaving me anywhere. And remember, I've been saving up to go back to school. I still have that to look forward to. But Casey—I like this guy, so please don't make such a big deal about it, okay?"

She sighed. "Fine. I can see that you do like him, so I'll leave it alone," she said, raising her hands. "I sure hope you know what you're doing, though."

My phone rang. It was Quin. I excused myself to answer the call.

"Hey, handsome," I said as a smile formed on my face.

"Babe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—it kind of slipped out."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, my smile fading.

"I told my mother about the dinner at your grandfather's place... and now she wants to come."

I sighed. Casey was right—this was getting out of control. Not exactly how I planned to meet his mother, but what could I do? Saying no would be rude.

"It's fine. I'll inform my grandpa about it."

"Thanks, doll. The dinner is tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, tomorrow."

"Can't wait to see you," he said, lowering his voice, and making me smile again.

"Me too, babe. I love you."

"I love you too." He hung up.

"I guess you'll be meeting the mother tomorrow," Casey said from behind me, making me jump.

"Why are you so stealthy? Are you like a thief or something?" I asked, walking past her.

"Doesn't answer my question, Love," she said, following me.

"Yes, I'm meeting his mother tomorrow. And don't say anything—I know you're going to say it's too soon and I shouldn't have said yes to her coming..."

I trailed off. She was in my head now, and all I could think of were the negatives.

"No, Love. I was going to say if you love this guy, then I'm happy for you," she said, taking me by surprise.

"Wait, what?" I asked.

"He's a nice guy. He treats you amazingly, has his life in order, and you seem happy with him—unlike with Oscar. So I say go for it."

"What happened to the girl who told me I should be careful not to end up with a kid and no father?" I asked, arms crossed.

"She realized not everyone is like Kevin. And even though he left, he gave me a beautiful son, who I've come to make the center of my world. So not everything ended badly. Now come here and hug me. But if you run off with this guy, don't forget me," she added, pulling me into a hug.

Thanksgiving Day.

I did my usual routine—shopping for everything my grandfather didn't have—and drove to the suburban neighborhood. My grandpa has been living here for as long as I can remember. When Grandma died, he refused to leave, despite my mother constantly pestering him to sell the house and move into a retirement home. He said he wanted to stay close to his beloved wife—and he did.

Thank God he did. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had a place to go when my mother left. With my father dead and my mother gone, I only had Grandpa. And he did a great job raising me.

"Grandpa, I'm here!" I called out as I entered the old house that held so many memories.

"I'm in the backyard!" he yelled. For a man his age, he still had a lot of energy.

I walked to the backyard, where a few people had already gathered.

"Love, you remember David McClain," my grandfather said, introducing me to a man who had grown into a very handsome version of his geeky high school self.

I chuckled. "Of course I do. We used to be best friends back in high school until he had to move away to..." I paused, unable to remember.

"Canada," David said.

"Ah yes," I replied.

"Well, he's back in town. And he's single," my grandfather added, nudging me and winking. I laughed.

"Grandpa, I'm seeing someone already. Remember the two place settings I asked you to add? My boyfriend and his mother are coming."

He looked confused, so I explained again, sighing.

"Don't worry—you'll meet them. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to do a few things in the kitchen," I said, leaving Grandpa with my five-foot-ten childhood best friend.

I was unloading the groceries when Adrian, Casey's son, came running into the kitchen.

"Hey, Love! I haven't seen you in a long time. Where's Luke? We were supposed to do the turkey!" he said excitedly.

"Hey, Adrian. He's out back. Why don't you go find him?" I said, ruffling his hair. He ran off just as Casey entered the kitchen.

"Is he here yet?" she asked, looking around.

"Is who here yet?" I asked, confused.

"Your man, i***t," she said, swatting my arm.

"It's only 2 p.m. I told him the party starts at 7. He's not arriving anytime soon."

"It's fine. I'll still be here," she said with a shrug. "So what are you doing?"

"I'm putting drinks in the fridge, clearing space for Adrian and Grandpa to start on the turkey."

"I'll help. And maybe later, we could catch up—talk about your relationship. Maybe tell me if he has a brother I can hook up with or something."

I shook my head. Leave it to Casey to want to hook up with any cute guy. But I missed hanging out with her—and I also didn't know how to tell her I was planning to quit the diner. Maybe I'd tell her today, and reason with her until she understood.

We spent the afternoon talking about everything. I told her what I planned on doing with my life. She didn't like the idea of me quitting, but she was supportive of me going back to school to finally get my degree.

By the time Grandpa and Adrian were done with the turkey, it was almost 7 p.m. I don't know what they do for five hours—it doesn't take that long to prep a turkey.

The backyard was set and more people had arrived. I was eagerly waiting for Quin. It was a quarter past seven—still no sign of him. I kept looking at the driveway. Still nothing.

To keep from overthinking, I busied myself with making juice for the kids who couldn't drink champagne or beer. I was sieving the blended mixture when someone hugged me from behind.

"Sorry we're late," Quin said.

"I was afraid you weren't coming," I said, turning to kiss him.

"I wouldn't miss this dinner for anything in the world," he replied with a cheeky smile.

Then someone cleared their throat. I turned to see a woman watching us. I could see the resemblance—Quin's mother.

I pushed him away gently and turned with a polite smile.

"I'm sorry to disturb you two lovebirds. Hello, dear—I'm Mrs. McDaniel," she said, offering her hand.

"Hi, I'm Love Richmond. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"I'm the happy one. I finally have the daughter I never had," she said with a smile.

I laughed nervously, unsure of what she meant.

"Anyway, I'll join the others," she said, walking off and leaving me with Quin.

"What is she talking about?" I asked him, confused.

"It's a surprise. You'll know by the end of the night," he said, whisking me away to join the others.