Lucas’ arm is pressed up against mine, and it brings me a sort of peace and confidence to be able to tell my parents that the life they wanted for me is not one I want for myself.
“You know it’s unsteady work,” he replies. “We want the best for you, Madi. We don’t want you to struggle.”
“I know,” I agree with a nod. I know how hard it is, but I’m willing to put in the work. “But I’d rather be doing something that I love and I’m actually good at than spending years working toward something that I know I hate.”
My mom’s brows furrow, and my heart sinks. She’s disappointed, but I make myself continue. “I’m not Nia. I know she was going to Harvard to follow in your footsteps, but that’s not me. I don’t want that life for myself.”
My mom breathes out a sigh, and then a smile spreads across her face. “Then I can’t wait to see you in a movie someday.”
My heart soars, a warm feeling building inside me. I’ve wanted to tell them for so long that I always let the fear of them resenting me for doing what I want instead of what they pictured for me stop me from opening up to them.
I pan the camera to Lucas, who’s eyes widen when he’s suddenly on screen. “Mom, Dad, this is Lucas.” I glance up at him and flash him a smile. “My boyfriend.”
“You’re even more handsome than I remember,” my mom gushes, grinning at him.
My dad’s face remains stiff as he looks him up and down. “He’s alright.”
I let out a laugh, and my mom smacks my dad on the arm. “It’s nice to finally meet you, darling,” she tells him.
Lucas smiles. “It’s nice to finally meet you too, Mr and Mrs Davis.”
“Are you taking care of my daughter?” my dad asks him.
My body grows hot from head to head, but Lucas remains calm as he nods. “Yes, sir,” he tells my dad. “She’s my biggest priority.”
My dad tilts his head. “I looked you up.”
Lucas winces, shaking his head. “Sir, it isn’t what it looked like.”
“I know what a PR stunt looks like when I see one,” my dad interrupts, making me freeze. Does he know we started off as nothing but an act? “I can tell from the pictures that those girls you were with were nothing more than contractual agreements, but my daughter…” he trails off, narrowing his eyes at him. “I can see you’re serious about her.”
My shoulders drop, and I breathe out a sigh of relief. Lucas nods, tightening his hold on my thigh below the camera. If my dad knew where his hand was right now, I’m certain he wouldn’t be so kind. “I am, sir,” he says. “She’s the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time, and I can’t imagine life without her anymore.”
I glance at him, my heart thudding against my chest so loudly it’s a wonder he can’t hear it.
“Did you rehearse that?” my dad asks him.
“No sir,” Lucas replies, his face remaining still.
“Hmm.” My dad leans back on the couch, staring at Lucas for a few seconds before he says, “Just so you know, I can fight.”
“Dad,” I chastise.
“I didn’t look out for you once,” my dad says, his expression tight. “I’m not taking any more chances.”
“I’d rather die than hurt her,” Lucas tells him.
My dad nods. “I’ll hold you to that.”
“Stop threatening the poor boy,” my mom says. “It was lovely to meet you, Lucas. We’re coming to visit soon, so I’m excited to get to know you more.”
“Likewise,” he says. “My mother will be ecstatic to meet you.”
My mom smiles. “I’ll see you then. Bye, darling,” she says, her eyes drifting to mine. “I love you.”
“Love you guys.”
The call hangs up, and I turn to Lucas, squinting at his expression. “You met my parents,” I point out.
