Suzy didn’t know who was more horrified at this point, Gray or John. All she knew was that she loved this woman. She was so outspoken that she made her seem tame. She’d never imagined she’d feel so at home with Gray’s parents, but it was as if she’d known them for years.
“Mother, I’m sure Suzy is fascinated by my fat years, but you didn’t finish answering the question about why you were waiting for us.”
With a dramatic sigh, Victoria said, “He’s always so impatient. So as I was saying Gray, your brother told us about that tramp Reva and what she’s been putting you through. I will say, Gray, that I’m not proud of you for sleeping with that girl.”
Gray looked completely mortified to be having this discussion with his mother. If they hadn’t been discussing him sleeping with another woman, Suzy would have found the whole conversation hysterical.
“Mom, I’m sorry that you feel that I didn’t treat Reva well, but I don’t think this is the time to discuss it.”
“Gray, honey, I’m just pointing out that if you had listened to my pep talks all of these years, you would have remembered the most important one concerning people like Reva, “If you roll with dogs, you will get fleas.”
Suzy couldn’t help it; she threw her head back and laughed until her sides hurt. Gray hung his head in defeat as his mother continued imparting more of her wisdom. When she finally caught her breath, John winked at her and said, “Welcome to the family, Suzy, imagine our Christmas dinners each year.”
“So what’s the plan with this woman, son? We could talk to her parents, Bart and Jean, but I don’t know how much good it will do. We aren’t really friends, and frankly I find them both obnoxious. Have you thought of a restraining order?”
“I’m thinking of talking to her first, Dad.”
Suzy put her hand on Gray’s arm and added, “He means that we are going to talk to her first. I told Gray that I felt that she needed to see us together so that she’d understand that he has moved on.” With a dead-pan expression, Suzy added, “If that doesn’t work, I plan to shove one of my crutches up her ass.”
Victoria jumped to her feet and clapped her hands. “Grayson, you have found your match. There will never be a boring day in your life with this one; she and I are going to be the best of friends.”
Gray looked as if he couldn’t decide if that was good or bad news. He rarely ever stood a chance against his mother and now with her firmly aligned with Suzy; the men in his family might as well wave the white flag now. “I think we are going to settle in, and Suzy needs to rest for a while after our ride. I’m going to arrange to meet Reva later on for a drink. I don’t want her in my house and I don’t want to go to hers. Hopefully this will be the end of it tonight.”
His mother gave him a somber look saying, “I’d like to think so honey, but if she’s anything like her mother, I can’t see her giving up that easily. Jean is a lot like Reva and she’s relentless when she wants something. I’m afraid, my dear, that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. If we need to, your father and I can make things very difficult for them socially. I don’t really enjoy playing those types of games, but I also don’t enjoy some tart stalking my son, either.”
Gray’s father stood and put his arm around his wife. “Your mother and I are going to take off and give you two a chance to relax. We would appreciate a call this evening after you speak with Reva.” They each took turns giving both Gray and herself a kiss on the cheek. “Suzy, it’s been a pleasure meeting you and I think I speak for Vicky when I say, we are both happy that you’re in our son’s life.”
“Happy heck, we are thrilled my dear. I was terrified he’d end up with some uptight, socialite. I’ve taught my boys well, Suzy. If you love them, they will take care of you for the rest of your life.”
“Um, Mom, it sounds like you’re discussing a puppy.” With more hugs, Gray’s parents were finally out the door and Gray collapsed against it when it closed. “Oh man, I’m so sorry baby; I know you weren’t expecting that. If you want to run now and never look back, I couldn’t blame you. I’d follow you, though, so you have fair warning.”
With a smile, Suzy said, “Are you kidding? I loved them! I wish my parents were like that. You have what I always dreamed of, cool parents. I wanted to ask your mother to borrow her outfit.”
With a fond smile, Gray walked over to the couch and settled in next to her. “Yeah, I really lucked out. Mom and Dad are the greatest and even though Mom is a bit of a meddler, you can’t help but adore her. Of course those boots of hers weren’t just made for walking. She kicked our butt plenty growing up, and she was right, we never could lie to her. She’s the original human lie detector. My dad has always been pretty easy going and he was who you went to when you wanted to discuss technology like computers or phones or if you wanted to borrow money. Mom was who we went to when our hearts were broken or we were feeling guilty about something. She’d throw us in the kitchen and as we baked, we talked. When whatever we had made was ready, Mom would get us both a plate and a glass of milk and we would sit at the bar with her until we felt better again. She might not look like Betty Crocker, but that woman can wield a mean whisk.”
Suzy couldn’t help but think of how much better her life would have been growing up with parents who took that much interest in her life instead of just meeting her basic needs. She’d love to be able to talk to her mother or father as Gray did to his. Her parents had only visited her home once since she’d lived there. If you wanted to see them, then you had to visit. They took a little more interest in Beth’s life since she’d at least picked a career in education, although they considered teaching children to be pretty low on the pole.
Gray rubbed her hand asking, “Do you want me to show you to the bedroom to rest for a while?”
Suzy had been dreading this discussion, but she had to make her feelings clear. “That would be great.” As if sensing a ‘but’ coming, Gray remained sitting, studying her expression. “Gray, I’d like space of my own. If you only have one bedroom, then I’ll gladly take the couch. I know that sounds silly since we have slept together, but I need for this mess to be over before we continue that part of our relationship.”