Could you please write a follow up to lipstick stain sometime? - the Friday night dinner.
Tonight Elaine would finally get some answers, Gail would be arriving with her mystery guest any moment. Elaine checked the roast in the oven for the third time in twenty minutes. Sheâd been torturing herself for the past day and a half on trying to figure out who this woman was that made her grouchy daughter smile. She had debated on telling Bill her suspicions about Gail but decided that it was up to Gail to share her news. All she told her husband was that Gail was bringing a guest.
Elaine was genuinely curious about what kind of woman her daughter would fall for. Sheâd never liked any of the men, boys really, that Gail involved herself with. The Diaz boy hadnât been that bad, Crispin or Carl, but he wasnât strong enough for Gail, couldnât love her the way she deserved. Soldier boy was another story, she hated him. Not only did he leave her daughter at the alter but made her feel less than worthy of love. Now Elaine knew she had a hand in Gailâs self esteem issues but that was only because she knew that Gail could be extraordinary if sheâd only try.
She was pulled from her thoughts as Bill knocked on the counter, âA strange SUV just pulled up, I think itâs Gail.â Elaine nodded and rinsed her hands at the sink. Ready or not the mystery was about to be solved.
Gail parked Hollyâs jeep but made no move to take off her seat belt. âThereâs still time to turn around and go home, we can watch Buffy on netflix.â Gail offered.
Holly squeezed Gailâs hand, âListen Gail if youâre not ready to tell your parents about us then we can wait, you can stay here and Iâll pick you up later. I understand if youâre nervous or scared, Iâm not going to push you into anything.â
âIâm not scared of telling them, Iâm terrified of them scaring you off. My parents are not like yours Holly, I know that they love me in their own weird way but they are not the best with change and trust me you are a huge change in my life.â Gail admitted.
âI donât scare that easy, now letâs go inside, eat some dinner and face an interrogation from two high ranking police officers. It should be fun.â Holly joked as she kissed Gail.
Gail knocked only once before Elaine opened the door. It was in that moment where Holly locked eyes with her girlfriendâs mother was the moment she could admit that she was absolutely terrified. Scared that the Pecks would hate her, that they would react badly to Gail coming out, and most of all petrified that Gail would run up a tree. She wanted to run but she stayed put and grabbed Gailâs hand.
âGail. Dr. Stewart?â Elaine looked flummoxed for a second but recovered. âCome in, dinner will be done in a few minutes. I hope you like roast beef.â Elaine walked away and left them standing in the doorway.
Gail bumped Hollyâs shoulder, âThis is weird, I think my mother has been abducted by aliens.â
They walked into the living room to find Gailâs father reading something on his phone. He looked up and smiled at the sight of Gail, âPiglet! Youâre here!â
âPiglet?â Holly mouthed and Gail shrugged.
âHolly Stewart! I know, George down at lab canât sing your praises loud enough. Bill Peck.â He offered his hand.
Holly took it and gave it a firm shake. âNice to meet you sir.â
âPlease call me Bill. Can I get you two something to drink? I have a new bottle of bourbon that Iâve been dying to have the opportunity to open.â Both women nodded, alcohol might help.
Just as Bill gave them their drinks Elaine called them into the dining room. Holly looked over to Gail and tried to read her mind but Gail was unreadable. They sat down and plates were filled, no one said anything and Holly wondered if this was typical of a Peck dinner. It looked like all three Pecks wanted to say something but held their tongue. Just when Holly was convinced that theyâd go all night without saying a word Gail dropped her fork and blurted out, âIâm gay, Iâm in love with Holly and I live with her. Can you pass the gravy bowl?â
Holly waited for one of the Peck parents to react but instead Bill simply passed the gravy to Gail. Gail looked like she was ready to pass out but sat tall in her chair. It was Elaine that spoke first, âWell I hope that your house is better than that frat house that she had been living in; seriously Gail the building didnât even have a working elevator.â
Gail cleared her throat, âYou did catch the part where I said I was gay right?â
Bill nodded, âIâve known since you were four. You had the biggest crush on that tv character Punky Brewster. Iâve just been waiting for you to figure it out. Nice to see that you have much better taste in women than you do in men.â
âIts not the biggest surprise of the night dear, honestly I was more shocked that youâre dating Dr. Stewart, I would have bet money that you were seeing Detective Anderson.â Elaine admitted.
âMe and Frankie? Thatâs just so much eww.â Gail turned to Holly, âYou have nothing to worry about there.â
Elaine stood, âIf weâre done here Gail can you help me clear the table.â It wasnât a request but an order. Holly picked up her plate and Elaine took it from her. âOh no, why donât you go help Bill with freshing up our drinks.â
Holly followed Bill and knew that this was probably the shovel talk time. Bill took her glass and held it, âMy daughter said that she loves you, Iâve never heard her say that about anyone other than our old dog Monty. Do you love her?â
Holly nodded, âYes sir, with all my heart I love her.â
Bill set down the glass, âMy little girl has gone through more than anyone should in a lifetime; sheâs been hurt. I need to know that youâll protect her.â
âGood, I donât think I need to show you the gun cabinet do I?â Bill said menacingly.
Holly shook her head, âNo sir.â
Bill clapped his hands, âExcellent! Youâre already my favorite of GailâsâŚpartners.â
They were joined by Gail and Elaine and the rest of the evening went by with the Pecks reminding Gail about the upcoming detective rotation and Gail telling them that sheâd think about it.
Soon they were leaving, Holly shook hands with both Peck parents and thanked them for dinner. Gail kissed Billâs cheek and accepted a hug from her mother. They walked out to the car, Holly took the keys from Gail and started the car. âThat went better than I expected. What did you mother say when you were alone in the kitchen?â
âShe told me not to screw this up, that you are a good one.â Gail said as she buckled up. âI agreed with her and promised not to fuck things up. Then she scolded me for swearing. Did my dad try to scare you off? Did he show you his gun collection?â
Holly laughed as she pulled out of the driveway, âHe just told me to treat you well and if I didnât then heâd show me the gun collection. It will take more than that to scare me off.â
Gail chuckled and kissed Hollyâs outstretched hand. âOh you just wait until they bring up marrage and when are we going to make them grandparents. Welcome to the Peck family Holly, your life will never be the same.â