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Daddy and I have dinner reservations

Bryce came downstairs in a t-shirt and sweatpants. “Seems to me that if tomorrow night is going to be a party, then tonight is a perfect night for movies, popcorn and jammies.”

“Sounds alright to me.” Veronica said. “What’s for dinner, Mommy?”

“Daddy and I have dinner reservations. There are leftovers in the fridge or you can make something from scratch if you want.”

“Oh, that’s right. I’d better go get changed.” Charles said. “Is that what you’re wearing, Marella?”

“No, I’ll get dressed after you’re done.”

Charles shrugged and headed upstairs.

“Bryce, there are some blankets in the closet at the end of the hall upstairs. Be a dear and bring some down.”

He cocked a curious eyebrow. “Oh, sure, Mrs… Marella.” He backed away slowly and headed upstairs.

“What was that about?” Veronica eyed her mother suspiciously.

“Bryce is a very nice young man.”

“I agree.”

“I’m not ready for grandchildren, Ronni.”

“Well, neither am I. For Pete’s sake, Mommy, we haven’t even kissed yet.”

“He’s saying he loves you and he hasn’t even kissed you yet?”

“We haven’t really had a chance.”

“Well, that’s a relief. A handsome young man like that could probably have a woman for each day of the week.”

“He’s not like that, Mommy. He’s been nothing but sweet to me the whole time. He’s cute but I don’t think he has a fraction of the game his friends say he has.”

“Why would they lie about that? His friends would want to downplay that sort of thing, don’t you think?”

“I don’t want to be all judgy but they’re kind of weird.”

“Weird friends who say he’s got game. You are who you hang with, Ronni.”

“He doesn’t hang with them. I don’t think. It seemed like they were catching up on old times at the party. Some people can’t help living in the past.”

“And Bryce is not one of those people?”

“I don’t think so, Mommy. He’s very much in the here and now.”

“That’s good because he’s here now.”

“He’s here to look out for me. He feels protective because he already saved me from Krampus twice.”

“And he loves you.”

“And I love him, too.”

“Love is good but he can keep it in his pants. Understand?”

“Jeez, Mommy. We’re not there. We’re not even in the outer suburbs of there.”

“Oh? What was that crash last night?”

“I was trying to wrestle the phone out of his hand and we fell off the couch. Nothing unseemly.”

“Keep it that way. I’m not ready to be a grandmother. Wedding first. Get established. Then have kids.”Her mother pointed at her sternly. “In that order. Read me?”

“What is the matter with you? You think I don’t know that myself? If it’s not you, I’ve got Luz playing Mother Hen. Give me some credit.”

Her mother grabbed her and gave her a huge hug. “I know you’re a good girl. Even good girls make mistakes.”

“Okay, Mommy. I get it. Relax. I’m not in any hurry. Bryce and I are going to watch movies and eat popcorn. That’s all.”

“Make sure you do. I’m going to go get dressed for dinner.” She kissed her daughter on the forehead and headed upstairs.

Bryce was standing at the top of the stairs with an armful of blankets.

“Are these okay?”

“Those are perfect, Bryce. Go ahead and take them down. You guys have fun tonight.”

“Thanks.”

“But not too much fun.” Marella said as she headed toward her bedroom.

He shook his head in dismay and took the blankets down to Veronica.

“Find them okay?”

“Yeah, these are nice fluffy quilts and comforters for us to snuggle up under.” He handed them to her.

“That will be fun.”

“But not too much fun.”

She dropped the blankets and threw her hands over her mouth.

“Does your chastity belt have a key or a combination lock?”

“She’s a mother. Parents are always protective. What did you expect?”

“Good grief. We haven’t even kissed yet.”

“That’s what I said.”

“Check those blankets. They might be wet.”

“Don’t get so defensive. We weren’t going to do anything but eat popcorn and watch movies in our pajamas.”

“I know that and you know that.”

“Can’t blame parents for being protective. Besides, you are a Legendary Stud.”

“Was. That’s not me anymore.”

“We’re going to dig into that after they leave for dinner.”

“Honestly, it needs to stay in the past. I was a selfish manchild with an hyperactive libido.”

“Most guys are.”

“Cynical much?”

“Being realistic.”

“So, what’s the verdict?”

“What verdict?”

“You’re the judge and jury. What’s my verdict?”

“Let’s table this until they leave.”

“Court is in recess until dinner time.” He knocked on the fireplace mantel.

Charles came down the stairs in a stylish suit. “Who’s there?”

“Bryce is telling me knock-knock jokes.”

“I love those! Bust one out.”

Bryce shot her a look. “Knock, knock.”

“Who’s there?” Charles smiled.

“Dwayne.”

“Dwayne who?”

“Dwayne the bathtub, I’m dwowning.”

“Ha ha! I knew that one but it’s a classic.” Charles laughed. “What kind of car is in the Bible?”

Bryce scratched his head. “I don’t think they had cars in Bible times.”

“In the Book of Acts it says they were all in ‘one Accord’.”

“I see what you did there. Good one!” Bryce laughed.

“Marella. Are you ready?” Charles bellowed up the stairs.

“Coming. Hold your horses.”

“That woman.” Charles shook his head. “You have our numbers if anything comes up.”

“Yes, Daddy. We’re just watching movies. What’s going to come up?”

“Anybody’s guess. Sorry about your mom. We’ll be having our own conversation over dinner.”

“Love you, Daddy. Have a nice dinner.”

“Marella! I’m going to warm up the car. Come on already.” He put on a formal overcoat and went outside.

Marella hastened down the stairs and went out without further comment. They heard the car drive away.

“Start the popcorn?” Bryce asked apprehensively.

“Do Legendary Studs eat popcorn?”