My parents were very confused when the taxi dropped us off outside my apartment building. I explained this was where I had been living since the beginning of March. When they wanted to know more, I assured them I would explain everything, but I insisted that I show them around first.

They were impressed with the view from my living room, and they liked the apartment. My mom said it was very much 'me.' I showed them some of the amenities, including the terrace view, which I could see they enjoyed as much as I did.

My parents were hungry and wanted to take me somewhere for lunch. Since we would be going to dinner at an upscale restaurant with Eric and his parents later, I suggested we go to a local bagel shop that had great sandwiches, salads, and soups.

The rain had stopped, but it was still cloudy and looked like it would pick up again. I suggested we take a cab, but when my dad learned that it was within walking distance, he refused to spend money just to go a few blocks away.

We grabbed two umbrellas and headed out. During our walk, I pointed out the various stores I frequented for my groceries and other restaurants I'd been to, that I knew they'd like.

We got to the restaurant towards the end of the lunch rush. Which was great because we were able to place our order and find a spot to sit without any wait. My father kept going on and on about the price of the bagel sandwich he ordered. He claimed it was price gouging, but I assured him it was just the cost of having a business in New York City.

"Okay, Larry! Can we now move on to more important matters, other than the cost of our food?" My mother demanded more than asked.

He huffed and proceeded to take a bite of his sandwich in response.

I couldn't help but giggle at how cute their verbal and non-verbal banter was.

My mother looked at me with concern. "Vicky, dear. Please tell us what's going on. Is everything okay with you and Eric?"

I knew this moment was inevitable. I looked down at my salad. Pushing the lettuce and veggies around the bowl. "Yes, we're fine." I thought for a second, wanting to make sure I chose my explanation carefully. "But long story short, after we got back from Naples, something happened which caused Eric and I to break up. So I got the apartment. And even though we got back together, we both thought it'd be a good idea if I kept it. At least, until we were married."

"You broke up?" My father was now showing signs of concern too. "Did he hurt you?"

I shook my head, lifting my eyes from my food to finally look directly at them. "No, I was the one who hurt him."

My parents exchanged a glance then turned back to me. My mom reached over and rested her hand on my forearm. "Darling, are you sure you want to go through with this wedding?"

I looked back at her, surprised. "Would leaving have ever been an option? I mean, all the money you and Dad would have lost would have been astronomical."

"Vicky!" My father practically threw his sandwich back to his plate and was clearly irritated. "I may be frugal and prefer to not spend more than needed, but that doesn't mean that money matters more to me than your happiness."

I wanted to cry at hearing his words, but I knew it was pointless then. Mrs. Walton's threat kept swimming in my mind. I knew my happiness would be worthless if it meant my parent's livelihood would be destroyed.

"I love you both, and I'm sorry for making you worry about all this." I forced myself to smile and made sure it looked as genuine as possible. "I promise I am honestly happy. Eric and I worked things out, and he is the man I am marrying."

My parents kept staring at me. Studying me as if they were trying to solve a complex riddle.

"Okay, but just remember, it's never too late to change your mind. While we do like Eric, we like you more! And we will always support you, no matter what you decide to do." My dad gave a loving smile before he took another bite of his food.

I smiled back and nodded, finally digging into my food too.

I was grateful when my mom changed the topic and started asking about the bachelorette party and what the plans were.

**********

That night, we dined at one of New York City's best restaurants. Not only was the food delicious, but the decor was beautiful. It was classic, yet modern. The walls and ceilings were made from mahogany wood panels, which complimented the dark-gray carpet that ran throughout the restaurant. The tables were all draped with white linen, and the seats were plush, leather chairs and matching benches.

We were seated at one of the best tables in the place. It was considered the best because it was near the gorgeous centerpiece that held five tall glass cylinders filled with water, orchids, and other greenery that stood out against the wood surroundings.

For the most part, during dinner, the conversations were pretty smooth and filled with many niceties. There was one point during dinner when Mr. Walton and my dad were getting into a somewhat heated discussion about the upcoming elections. I helped reduce a tense moment by explaining why both of them had valid points.

Eric was so impressed by my ability to de-escalate the discussion. He even leaned in and whispered how great I would be at helping him prep for future debates. If I still cared at all, I would have been flattered by the compliment. But instead, I cursed at myself for intervening and reminded myself to never do that again.

As we neared the end of dinner, a well-dressed woman I recognized but couldn't quite place approached our table. "Donna? Greg? I thought that was you! What a pleasant surprise to see you!"

Mr. Walton beamed at seeing her. I almost thought it might be one of his old mistresses. But as I glanced across at Mrs. Walton, I could see she was happy at seeing the woman too.

Mr. Walton stood first, placing his cloth napkin on his empty plate and hugged her. "If it isn't Patricia! Hello dear friend!"

"Hello Patty!" Mrs. Walton followed after her husband and kissed her on both cheeks, then added a half hug. Very snob-like, in my opinion. "Are you here with Hugh and the boys?"

Hugh? The boys? Patricia? My heart began to race as I suddenly recalled that she was Ryan's mother!

"They should all be here any minute. What brings you back to the city?" She asked, looking at us, smiling at seeing Eric, then turned her attention back to his parents.

"We're in town only for the weekend. We're here visiting with Eric and his fiance's family. Let me introduce you."

As Mrs. Walton made formal introductions of my parents and me to Mrs. Herman, I couldn't help but study her. I instantly noted that she was naturally stunning. Even at her age, I could see she was a timeless beauty. Though Ryan had many of his father's features, I could see that his genuine smile was from her.

Mrs. Herman beamed at me with realization. "So you're the Vicky my son told me about?"

I blushed, unsure of what she was referring to. Did Ryan talk about me to her?

I didn't know how to respond. I peered over at Eric and saw him tense up. If I still cared, I would have rested my hand on his, to reassure him that he had nothing to worry about. But I was actually enjoying seeing him squirm a little. If he wasn't going to let me go, I wouldn't make it easy for him. Even if his mother was there, shooting darts with her eyes at me.

"Adam's told me you helped the company sign a $400-million contract," Mrs. Herman continued.

Of course it would be Adam who talked about me.

"That's impressive, Vicky!" Mr. Walton reclaimed his seat and looked at me in awe. "I may have to pull you into the political realm and see what you can do to help snag the high-end donors for my next campaign!"

Everyone chuckled, including me, at the suggestion. Though I was just going along with it so I wouldn't show how annoyed I was at the thought. He sounded just like Eric. Only seeing how I can benefit him and his ambitions.

Just then, as if he was sensing I needed him, I saw Ryan making his way through the maze of crowded tables, towards us. My heart almost leapt out of my chest with excitement.

"Mother, there you are. I was-" He stopped mid-sentence when he saw who she was talking to.

Mr. Walton practically gasped at seeing him. "Little Ryan Herman? How great it is to see you! The last time I remember seeing you was right before we moved to D.C., almost ten years ago."

He stood again and embraced Ryan lightly with Mrs. Walton following his lead.

"Has it really been that long? It's good to see you both! Nice to see you again, Eric," he greeted in a calm and collected manner. It reminded me of my first day at the office when Ryan greeted me in a similar way.

"You too," Eric replied curtly.

Ryan's eyes finally met mine. Though he hadn't taken long to greet everyone, it felt like an eternity to address me. "It's good to see you too, Ms. Ashcroft. As always."

I was too busy trying to read the emotions behind his eyes to respond. More like the lack of emotions. I wanted to know if he was still hurt or upset with me, for how things ended the last time we were together. He was doing a great job of hiding his feelings. 

Though, what was I expecting him to do? Proclaim his love for me in the crowded restaurant, in front of my family and everyone around the table? I was clearly living in an unrealistic fantasy.

As I snapped back to the present and was about to respond, my mother interjected. "You're Ryan Herman?"

"I am." He smiled at my mother. A smile I didn't know I missed that much until I saw it.

"Well, it's a pleasure to finally put a face to the name. I'm Betty Ashcroft, Vicky's mother." She held out her hand. Ryan shook it and then proceeded to shake my father's hand as he introduced himself too.

"It's very nice to meet you both." He looked at me briefly then back to my parents. "Your daughter is truly someone special. I know I can say that things would not be the same without her."

My heart skipped a beat. I don't know if it was because I was flattered or embarrassed or scared. Probably a mixture of everything. I didn't dare look at Mrs. Walton then. Or Eric. I just sipped at the last drop of wine to distract me from the feeling of their eyes judging the scene they couldn't control.

My mother was touched. "That's so thoughtful of you to say."

"Yes, it really is," Mrs. Walton added somewhat snidely. "Well, Patty, don't let us keep you and your son from getting to your table! I know Gregory, and I look forward to seeing you and Hugh at the wedding."

Mrs. Herman obviously knew Mrs. Walton enough to understand her subtle hints. She smiled politely again. "We look forward to celebrating with you all! Have a wonderful evening." She turned to Ryan. "Let's go find your brother's and father, dear."

Ryan nodded and said goodbye to everyone and walked away with his mother back towards the front of the restaurant, without looking back once. I wished with every fiber of my being that I could have just leaped out of my seat and ran over to him to kiss him. But instead, I just kept watching him, as subtle as I could. Though I'm pretty sure Mrs. Walton noticed, I almost didn't care anymore.