Shattered: A Salvation Society Novel by Bella Emy (pdf to ebook reader .TXT) 📕

So when things get serious, there will be no worries there… we just have to figure out your parents.”

Guess now is a good time as ever to let her know things are already serious.

“Erin, Kalen and I are already there. We’ve already said the L word to one another. And we may have even gone all the way…” I shut my eyes tightly even though she can’t see me, but I await her wrath. What is she going to say to me?

“Oh. Em. Gee. What? Are you serious? Oh, my God, oh, my God!”

I chuckle nervously. “Yeah, I know. It was everything I imagined! And my parents, I’m not too worried about them right now. I know they’re going to love him. I mean, come on, girl. He’s Kalen Starling… every parent’s dream, right?”

“Hmm. I guess he is the perfect boyfriend.”

I giggle. “I’ll call you later, girl. I need to shower and get ready before Kalen gets here in about two hours.”

“Okay, fine. You better call me as soon as it’s over. I’ll be waiting for details. Details, girl, details. Any you know exactly what details I want…”

I roll my eyes again and let out a chuckle. “Yes, I know. I got you. Have fun with Jason.”

“Oh, I will. Bye.”

We hang up the phone and I jump off my seat. I need to get myself ready before my man gets here.

My lips curl into a smile as I pull open the door and am met with Kalen’s gorgeous face. He looks so sexy in his black button-down shirt and black khakis. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him dressed up so nice before. He’s usually in a plain old T-shirt and jeans.

He runs a hand through his slicked-back hair and cracks a small smile, but it disappears as quickly as it formed. I can tell by his movements that he’s nervous, but I wish he wouldn’t be. He’s going to do just fine. Yet, I know how it is when you first meet the parents of your boyfriend or girlfriend. No matter how many times you think it through in your mind or how many times you practice what you’re going to say, when it comes down to it, you freak out nevertheless.

I grab his hands and pull him close to me. Sneaking in a quick peck before anyone can notice, I then shut the door and welcome him inside.

“Is this okay?” he asks, pointing to what he’s wearing. “I couldn’t really find anything. I wasn’t sure what would be suitable.”

“Are you kidding, babe? You look great. Come on. My parents are waiting for you in the den.”

I grab his hand once more and lead him down the first hallway to the back of the house where my parents are sitting around the fireplace, drinking some fancy concoction.

The burning light coming from the fireplace greets us first as we reach the den. I let Kalen’s hand go and walk in before him.

“Mom, Dad, this is Kalen Starling,” I announce, moving to the side so that they can meet him.

Both of my parents rise from their seats and I watch their expressions intently.

My father is first to offer his hand and introduce himself. “Kalen, it’s very nice to meet you. I’m Alexa’s father, Thomas Alderidge, but all my drinking buddies call me Tom.” He cracks up and Kalen chuckles politely as they shake hands.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Alderidge. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you from your daughter.”

My dad smiles widely, obviously pleased. “My little girl is something, isn’t she?” he says, then looks over at me.

“She’s amazing, and I’m quite taken by her, Sir,” Kalen admits and I blush.

My father nods. “Is that right?”

“Yes, Sir.”

Daddy thinks for a moment, considering Kalen’s words. Then as if coming back to reality says, “Well, then. I almost forgot to introduce you to the lady of the house.”

My father moves back and places a hand on my mother’s back, gently pushing her forward. But something is off. I can’t make out what it is, but my mom is as stiff as a board. She practically glares at Kalen, and I hope she’ll look at me soon so that I can motion for her to calm down. This is not at all how I was hoping today would start off. What is going on with her? Maybe she’s not feeling well. The alcohol always does seem to do a number on her. Honestly, I don’t know why the hell she even ever drinks when she knows it’s going to mess with her system. She does it all the damn time like it’s something she needs to prove to my father. I just don’t get it.

“This is Alexa’s mother, Bethany.”

Alexa’s mother? What ever happened to him introducing her as his wife?

My mother’s cold stare finally melts away, and a warm smile replaces it. It still doesn’t feel genuine to me, but maybe that’s because I know her. Maybe Kalen won’t realize it, and I can pretend like it never happened.

Yeah right. I know this is going to bug the hell out of me for the rest of the day.

Kalen takes my mother’s proffered hand in his and smiles big. “Mrs. Alderidge, it’s so lovely to meet you. Lexi looks so much like you.”

“Thank you, Kalen,” she responds and quickly retreats. “Please excuse me, I’ll need to check on brunch.”

“But I thought Walter was—” I begin to say to her, but she’s already darted out of the room.

My father places a hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay, Lexi.” Then to Kalen, he says, “You have to excuse my beautiful wife. She gets like that whenever she’s nervous. This is the first time we’ve ever met one of our daughter’s boyfriends, and I think the idea of Lexi growing up is scaring her.”

So now she’s his wife again? God, I hope Kalen doesn’t think my family is weird. Maybe I’m just reading too far into this?

Kalen