MY DAUGHTER HAD NEVER BROUGHT A BOYFRIEND HOME BEFORE, SO I EXPECTED MY HUSBAND TO EMBARRASS HER WITH A FEW OVERPROTECTIVE-DAD JOKES.
I DIDN’T EXPECT HIM TO STAND UP, STARE AT THE PALE, TATTOOED TEENAGER, AND ASK HIM TO LEAVE BEFORE HE HAD EVEN FINISHED SAYING HELLO.
THEN EVAN QUIETLY PLACED AN OLD PHOTOGRAPH ON OUR DINING TABLE.
ONE LOOK AT IT, AND MY HUSBAND’S EXPRESSION COMPLETELY CHANGED.
My daughter Maya was eighteen and extremely private whenever the subject involved boys.
She had dated before, but the moment I showed too much curiosity, names tended to disappear from conversation.
So when my phone buzzed while I was preparing dinner and I saw her message, I nearly dropped the vegetables in my hand.
Bringing Evan over tonight. Please be nice. I really like him.
I smiled.
Then another message arrived.
And please tell Dad to act normal.
That made me laugh.
My husband, Daniel, was sitting at the kitchen table fixing a loose cabinet handle.
“Maya says you’re supposed to behave normally tonight.”
He glanced up.
“That sounds like a lot of pressure.”
“She’s bringing home a boy.”
Daniel stopped turning the screwdriver.
“A boy?”
He gave me a thoughtful look.
“Should I ask for references?”
