Chapter 8

It was Monday afternoon and we were talking again and I said, "This coming weekend, I need to take you to meet my parents."

Karen looked excited. I continued. "Love, they are as different from your parents as night is from day." I shrugged. "They are different from me, too. I'm considered the black sheep but not because I have been accident prone. They don't like it that I go to church. I made that decision in early middle school. It was popular with my grandparents but not my parents. There are relatives who look askance at me still but they have gotten used to my belief and now tolerate it. The bigger issue though is that I will not work in the family business."

She looked a little shocked. She said, "But there shouldn't be anything wrong with being a believer."

I said, "In some situations, there is. My parents tolerate my belief and don't interfere after my grandfather took a stand on my behalf.

"Karen, there is one other thing that I must tell you. I don't know how you will feel about it but you should know. My family is rich. They don't like me driving the old truck because they know that I have a trust that could have easily bought a new car for me to drive and not touch the principal yet continue to cover my tuition and expenses. I don't live expensively.

"Honey, I could have had all the work done on my truck but I wanted to do it myself. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I just hope you won't leave me now. Having money isn't bad or good. It's what you do with it and how you let it affect you." I waited for her to say something.

She said, "Brad, I had no idea. I had noticed that your clothes were quality but you aren't a clothes horse. The only thing about you that I have seen that is expensive is your truck. Even it is understated. Have I been seeing and getting to know the real you?"

"Karen, I have been honest with you all along. There was this thing that I haven't admitted or told you because you haven't asked. Charlie has no idea. I would never hesitate to spend money on you but I really haven't had much opportunity. I can give you anything money can buy but I also know that money can't buy your love. I have read stories of gold diggers and wanted us to find an emotional place before I exposed my unfortunate circumstance."

"Brad, it's not an..." She stopped and thought. "Well, maybe it can be. I don't care. Brad, I want you. Give the money away. I fell in love you, Brad. I didn't know about the money and it doesn't affect how I feel about you." She thought some more. "I can see ways that it might make our lives easier but some struggle is good." She looked at me and grimaced. "If I hadn't failed to trust you, we might still be sparing about our feelings. Instead, I found that my feelings for you were more important than my reputation or anything else I consider mine except for my faith. I believe that what you said while we were parked yesterday was true. We complete each other. That is truth."

She leaned forward and kissed me gently. "Now, sit with me until supper time. Then, we will go eat at that exclusive bistro, the dining hall. We know people there. They don't care either. Now, what else should I be warned about?"

"I will take you to dinner Friday. There is a place that my parents used to frequent before the money became too important to them. My grandparents took me there frequently. I would like you to meet Uncle Billy though he is not really my uncle." She nodded. "You can wear jeans to Uncle Billy's." She smiled. I also play with the band some. I play saxophone."

Karen said, "That's cool. That's my favorite instrument. I look forward to hearing you."

I continued, "Saturday, you will need something fancy for supper at the country club. My folks always eat there. Sunday, we'll go to Sunday School and church followed by lunch at home or somewhere. Oh, yes. One other thing. My parents have servants. Sometimes, I think they are snootier than my folks have become."

"Brad, that's a little scary."

"I know. That doesn't mean it's untrue."

She held on to me and trembled for an instant. "You will stay with me all through this?" I nodded. "Then, I can do it. I will do it with you and for you."

Friday arrived and we left in my truck with the same suitcases. We drove the hour to my parents' house. I turned off the road and into our drive. She looked at the drive that disappeared over a slight hill. It was beautifully paved and tree lined with flowers planted between the trees. Karen looked at it and muttered, "Holy crap!"

I said, "No sweat, Love. I'm going to be with you and I don't care about it one way or the other though I am used to it. I'm parking out front which ticks my folks a bit. The gardener has a better looking vehicle than I do." I parked and we exited the truck. I pulled our cases with one hand while I held Karen's in my other. We went to the front door. I could tell she was nervous. As usual, the door opened for us without knocking.

I said, "Hello, Mal. Is anybody home?"

"Mister Bradley. It's good to see you. You mother is here and as is Miss Marianne. They are in the den. They are expecting you. What should be done with the cases?"

I said, "This one is mine for my room. Put Miss Monroe's in the guest room adjacent to my room. Malcolm, this is Miss Karen Monroe, my girl friend."

"Good afternoon, Miss Monroe. Welcome to Gilman's. I will see to your bags."

I left the suitcases there and, keeping hold on Karen's hand, walked toward the den. We walked into the den. I said, "Good afternoon, Mom. Hi, Marianne. This is Karen Monroe. Karen, these are my mother and my sister, Marianne."

My mother said, "Karen, we are pleased to meet you. Bradley has never brought anyone home before. I look forward to getting to know you. Bradley, do you have plans for this evening?"

"Yes, Ma'am. Karen and I are going to Uncle Billy's."

"Oh." The tone was quite expressive and filled with disdain. She said, "At least you won't have to dress. We will be going to the club tomorrow."

I said, "Yes, Ma'am. We will probably join you. Sunday morning, we will go to church and then join you somewhere for lunch before we leave to return to school."

"Very well. You drove here in your truck?" I nodded. "You will want to get freshened up then. Stop by before you leave." It was a clear dismissal and we left still holding hands.

We walked down a long hall and came to an ornate door. I held it open and motioned for Karen to enter. Inside, I said, "This is the guest suite for this end of the house. It's smaller than the one in the other wing." I led her through a sitting area to a bedroom where I saw her suitcase. I said, "This is your bedroom, of course. The bath is through that door and you have to share it with me." I walked us in there and continued, "When you come in, lock the door over there or I might come in and embarrass you. I will do the same for the door on your side."