The next day, Asher and I met my parents at the agreed upon restaurant off-campus. They were already present, seated on one side of a four-person table near the window.
Asher held my hand as we walked across the restaurant to join them. I sat opposite my mom, and he sat opposite my dad. They both glared at us as we took our seats.
“Mom. Dad.”
“Cynthia,” the both replied. Then they looked at Asher.
“This is Asher.” I gestured to him. “My mate.”
“So he said.” Dad narrowed his eyes.
The waitress came by our table to get our drink order. Since we weren’t sure if we’d be staying long, Asher and I both ordered water. The waitress nodded and left.
“Since you wanted to meet us,” Mom said, “I was hoping that you had decided to see reason.”
“I’ve always seen reason,” I replied. “I simply wan
