Chapter 10

“You only made it to community college?” Mom asked, deliberately trying to embarrass her.

“That’s right. But I’ve found my motivation to study now. I plan to finish my bachelor’s degree online.” Vanessa’s posture couldn’t have been humbler.

Mom didn’t bother responding.

“Mom, our plan is this — set a date for our parents to meet, then get engaged, then have the wedding in Maui this winter,” Ethan piped up at the first opportunity.

I nearly lost it beside them — no cushioning at all? Why the panic? Was he trying to make his own agenda more obvious?

“Let’s eat first and talk about all this later,” I said, stepping in for Mom and Dad.

The meal was excruciating. All through it, Ethan kept steering back to the engagement. He said Vanessa’s grandparents were particularly eager to meet us soon.