Page 41 of In a Pickle

“Yeah, Liana.” Tori elbowed Liana in the ribs, and Liana gave her a death glare in return. “It’s kismet.”

Chapter 25: James

James helped his mother out of the car as his dad handed the car keys to the valet. Peter Alonso buttoned his blazer as he strode with his family into Mr. C, an upscale restaurant in Coconut Grove. James’ mom had guilted her son into attending a family dinner tonight. For the Alonsos, family dinners were not home-cooked affairs; they involved dressing up and white tablecloths.

James didn’t normally resent family dinners; he simply considered them obligations, things to survive. But today he felt fidgety. He was itching to see Liana. After cooking her a simple breakfast of fried eggs and toast, he’d said goodbye to her and gone to pickleball training. He was already dying to have sex with her again and then to cuddle with her afterward. She’d said she had a job interview early tomorrow morning, but maybe he could convince her to come over later, even if it was just to sleep. He couldn’t remember sleeping as soundly as he had last night with Liana snuggled into his chest.

The sound of his father calling his name broke James out of his reverie. Shit, he would have to introduce Liana to his parents soon, wouldn’t he? His parents would expect that. He had told his parents a couple of days ago that he was seeing someone, but he hadn’t told them anything about Liana yet. Although he was serious about wanting to shout from the rooftops that they weretogether, he also wanted to guard her from them. He didn’t want to subject her to their judgemental glances and his dad’s passive-aggressive comments. His parents had loved Mary Grace and he knew no one else would measure up in their eyes.

Speaking of Mary Grace — were his eyes deceiving him, or was she here in this restaurant? Why was their part of Miami so small? Why couldn’t she have picked a different restaurant? That was her all right, with her parents trailing behind her.

Be cool, James. Just say hi to her and her parents, and then you can just move on to your dinner with your parents.

But to James’ horror, the host was leading James and his parents to a table for six. Peter kissed Mary Grace’s mother on the cheek and then pulled out a chair for her at their table. What the fuck?

“I thought you said this was a family dinner.” James glared at his mom, who looked utterly unapologetic.

“Be nice, James. It is a family dinner. We consider the McMahons to be a part of our family.” She beamed at Mary Grace, who had the nerve to beam right back.

James had a sinking feeling in his gut. “This isn’t a family dinner. It’s an ambush.”

“Calm down, son,” said his father. “Take a seat. We have things to discuss. Isn’t it nice to see Mary Grace after these past few months?”

“No,” said James honestly, earning a loud bark of “James!” from both of his parents.

“It’s all right, Mr. Alonso, Mrs. Alonso,” said Mary Grace, patting James’ mom’s hand. “I thought this might be difficult forJames.” She turned to James. “I only want to talk. Please, after nearly nine years together, I think you owe me that much.”

“Owe you?” James barked. “We broke up! You and I are not together anymore, by mutual agreement I might add!”

“Son,” warned his father. “Don’t make a scene.”

“I’m going to the restroom,” James said. He stalked through the restaurant and opened his phone, intending to pull up Uber and call for a ride home. He was distracted, however, by a text from Liana.

Liana♥?: Still thinking about last night. How’s your dinner?

James:Last night was amazing. Your text is the best thing that’s happened at this shitshow of a dinner.

Liana♥?: Uh oh. What’s wrong?

James sighed. He couldn’t stand to be in this restaurant for another second. Liana was his girlfriend now; maybe that meant he could ask her to extricate him from the situation?

James: Sorry to impose but is there any chance you could come pick me up? I’m at Mr. C in the grove.

Liana♥?: Of course, no problem. I’m with Tori though. Should I ask her to go home?

A thought suddenly occurred to James. Was it devious? Probably. Would Liana resent him a little bit for it? Maybe. But surely James could explain everything to her afterward. He hoped she would understand.

James: Actually, bring Tori. When you get here could you both come inside the restaurant?

Liana♥?: Wait and meet your parents?

James: Yes. Sorry I know it’s sudden but I could really use the backup.

Liana♥?: OK. I’ll be there but you want Tori to come too?

James:Yea I’ll explain after. Thank you so much baby ♥? I owe you

James sighed, pocketed his phone, and hoped Liana trusted him.