Addicted to Mr Parks (The Parks Series #2)(91)

I wanted to say no, that it was a bit overwhelming, but I smiled. “I’m fine.”

Hand in hand, we walked through a set of gorgeous purple drapes and into the marquee. I’d never seen a space so big. Small spotlights that resembled stars covered the roof, and beautifully dressed lilac chairs stood around circular tables with mesmerizing decoration. Stunning centrepieces graced the tables, each of which included tall glass vases holding a beautiful arrangement of all kinds of purple flowers, entwined with gorgeous silver beading. The marquee’s drapes inside were also a shade of purple and wonderfully blended in with the rest of the detailed décor.

Soaking it all up made me feel even worse. If that wasn’t bad enough, what Parks said next forced my angst to peak.

“I’d like you to meet my mother before dinner.” Green, tender eyes were looking into my soul, anticipating my reaction. Not wanting to show my nervousness, I forced a genuine smile. But as Parks interlaced his fingers into mine and steered me effortlessly through the crowd towards his mother, I had visions of myself quickly legging it back to the hotel.

Parks gently tapped a woman on her shoulder, and when she turned around, her smile could have lit up Blackpool Tower. It was his mother.

Harriet was shorter than I, and her blonde hair was fixed up neat and pristine. The pearl beads that decorated her neck made her look like a movie star, and her blue eyes sparkled with warmth.

“Mom, I would like you to meet Evelyn Banks. My girlfriend.” I glanced up at him quickly, catching his warm smile. Girlfriend. I would be crazy to say that the word didn’t wash a gush of hormonal delight through me. The commitment we were building was a work in progress, but every time he gave me a label and introduced me as his girlfriend, it felt divine.

“Evelyn, what a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Welcome.” She leaned in to kiss me on both cheeks, a gesture I was unfamiliar with, so I reacted a little awkward. “Wade has never brought a woman home before, so you can imagine how thrilled I am. My son is an introvert, you see.” She winked. It was clear she’d indulged in a little Botox. Her forehead was a smooth as baby’s bottom, but the corners of her eyes held wrinkles to balance it out.

“Thank you. You have a beautiful home.” My manners surprised both myself and Parks, but I added something that made me feel more me. “And a beautiful son.”


Parks chuckled, glancing at me adorably while Harriet laughed.

“That I do, my dear.” She stroked Parks’s face tenderly, which made him stiffen. I felt his hand tightened around mine. It was strange.

I came to the conclusion that I liked Harriet very much. She was kind and genuine, but something made me feel like she was acting. Not about liking me, but holding pretences.

Maybe I was wrong.

Harriet turned slightly to give a small wave at a passerby, giving me full view of her beautiful, straight-cut, purple dress. The straps sat just above her shoulders and gave her that elegant look of sophistication.

“Have you seen your father, Wade?” I sensed a hidden meaning in her question. Maybe even hope?

Parks stiffened immensely, and his mother noticed it too. “Not now, Mother.”

Harriet shrugged off his sudden mood playfully and was about to converse with me until a little girl with platinum-blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes ran up to Parks and adorably hugged his leg.

“Uncle Wade.” She was no older than seven, and I assumed she was Jasmine’s child, even though she didn’t look like Jasmine at all.

Parks ruffled her hair affectionately and bent down to kiss her forehead. “Abigail,” he crooned.

“Who’s this?” She smiled up at me, angelically clasping her hands in front of her on a small sway.

“This is Evelyn.” Parks’s smile remained as he introduced me.

“Oh.” She giggled, leaning into Parks and making him bend down a little by pulling on his sleeve. “Is she your girlfriend?”

He rose on a laugh. “She is.”

Abigail did another small giggle, then smoothed my dress. “I like your dress.”

I grinned, touching hers like she did mine. “I like yours too.”

“Let’s go find your father, shall we, Abigail?” Harriet took hold of the small girl’s hand and tuned to me. “Evelyn, please excuse me.”

As soon as they were out of sight, I turned to Parks. “Abigail is your mum’s?”

Parks tipped his head stiffly in acknowledgment to a man passing by and took my hand.

“Yes. Come meet my grandparents.”

Really? Sure Harriet was beautiful and young-spirited, but she must have been in her late fifties. “How old is she?” My question was prying and I hated that I came across as cheeky, but it came out of my mouth before I gave it much thought. As usual.

“Seven.”

I scoffed. “I meant your mother. Why did Abigail call you uncle if you’re her brother?” Parks had explained that Jasmine was his only sibling. It was odd.

“Does it matter?” I could feel his tension. He didn’t feel comfortable talking about the subject, and I wondered if it was because his mother had another child at an older age.

We were on our way to his meet grandparents, but not before we were stopped by another gentleman. It was getting quiet tiresome. We couldn’t walk an inch without someone interrupting.