On the drive home, Lucas smiled.
“That went well.”
“My parents were happy.”
“They love you.”
“I know.”
“I think Mom is finally starting to like you.”
I looked out at the lights reflecting across Charleston Harbor.
“I hope so.”
Two days later, Ingrid suggested a formal engagement dinner at one of the city’s finest waterfront restaurants.
“My treat,” she announced. “A proper evening before we return to Germany.”
Mom bought a new emerald-green dress.
Dad polished his favorite shoes and wore the navy tie she gave him for their thirtieth anniversary.
Before leaving home, I stood before my bedroom mirror fastening pearl earrings and made a promise.
If Ingrid and Klaus insulted my parents again, I would stop pretending.
The restaurant overlooked the marina. White tablecloths, crystal glasses, and soft jazz created the polished atmosphere Ingrid preferred.
My parents arrived first.
Mom adjusted the collar of my navy dress.
“You look beautiful.”
“So do you.”
Across the table, Ingrid kissed my cheek.
“Absolutely stunning.”
Klaus smiled.
“You clean up very well.”
For anyone watching, we looked like two happy families preparing for a wedding.
Only I knew how fragile that picture was.
Dinner began pleasantly.
Then the German comments returned.
“At least this restaurant is acceptable.”
“Lucas finally chose somewhere civilized.”
“Emily is trying very hard tonight.”
“Americans confuse confidence with elegance.”
I ate calmly.
When Dad described restoring an old porch, Klaus called his interest in old buildings small-town nostalgia.
When Mom praised the wine, Ingrid said she probably had no idea what she was drinking.
I let each sentence pass.
Then Ingrid noticed Mom’s pearls.
“Poor woman. She believes jewelry creates sophistication.”
Klaus smiled.
“They probably saved for weeks to buy those outfits.”
My father had saved nearly a year to buy Mom’s necklace for their twenty-fifth anniversary.
Still, I remained silent.
The dessert menus arrived.
Mom began discussing wedding flowers. Dad joked that his responsibility was to stay out of everyone’s way.
Lucas raised his glass.
“I have been waiting months for this evening.”
“So have we,” Mom said.
Klaus nodded in English.
“We are off to a good start.”
Then he turned toward Ingrid.
“They are trying hard. It is almost charming.”