"Can you pass me the salt hon?" Gina asks me politely from across the table. She was looking as beautiful as ever in a cute baby blue top and tight blue jeans.
I hand her the salt and return to getting interrogated by her father, Jim. He was just pushing 40, quite tall and fit but unintimidating, save for his voice. Jim was nice, but a little overprotective, asking me everything from where I worked to how long I'd been dating his daughter.
Her mother Marie, an excellent cook and a very attractive woman with long blonde hair and a slender figure, tried saving me by offering me more potatoes several times and giving her husband harsh glances, but failed. Gina offered her support by tenderly rubbing my legs under the table with her feet, and answered some of his questions herself so I could eat.
"So, have you asked her to marry you yet?" he asks sternly.
Red wine from Marie's mouth sprays the white tablecloth as Gina angrily yells "Dad!" and slaps his arm. I try my best not to laugh.
"Jim! What is wrong with you?" Marie scowls. She turns to me. "I'm so sorry sweetie. Can you excuse us please?" I nod and she hastily drags him into the living room.
"I'm sorry honey, I didn't know he was going to be such a dick. I've never brought a boyfriend to meet my parents before," she apologizes and takes my hand.
"Don't worry about it. He means well," I reply and give her a reassuring smile.
A moment later Marie walks back into the room, Jim plodding behind looking slightly embarrassed. "Well, who wants dessert?" she exclaims happily.
I help Marie with the dishes and leave Gina alone with her father, no doubt giving him hell. I complement her cooking in between her apologies and help dish out the homemade rhubarb pie.
Her mother carries the conversation this time, kindly asking me about my family and offering funny stories of Gina's childhood, while Jim sits and listens in silence.
After cleaning up and listening to more interesting stories, Gina thanks her mom for the meal and tells her that we should get going.
"Well, thank you for coming! I hope you enjoyed dinner!" she says and gives me a warm hug.
"Thank you for having me Mrs. V, you are an amazing cook," I reply. "And Jim," I add, giving him a nod and a firm handshake.
"Well, that wasn't too bad," Gina laughs as we make our way to the car.