Mariah

We've been in Miami for about two hours and Tyler has been talking about his parents nonstop. Well more like coaching me on what to say and do. He talked from the airport, to the car rental place, to the hotel, and now up the street from his parents' house.

"And remember, she doesn't-"

"Doesn't do physical touch because of COVID. I know baby" I chuckled, unbuckling my seatbelt

"Yeah..." he parked the car in the drive way of a mini mansion

We got out and as Tyler walked around to my side of the car, he handed me two gift bags after opening my door. I looked at him with a confused expression.

"Just pretend you brought them" He whispered as we approached the front door

I gave him a side eye him as he knocked on the door. When the door opened, his mom and dad stood there smiling.

"Tyler, honey." She pulled him in for a hug

"Hey mom." He replied

"Son." His dad smiled as they shared a handshake "And you must be Mariah."

(Tyler's parents: Mr and Mrs Scott.)

I smiled "Yes, hi Mr.-"

"Oh honey, let the boy come in first before we start conversing with his little friend." His mother interrupted

Now she know that shit was rude. I gave his mama a quick glance and she briefly looked me up and down. Oh hell, this 'bout to be a long night.

*

"So, how has work been honey?" His mom asked as we sat around the dinner table

"It's been good. But one of my favorite clients just passed away last month."

She gasped "Oh my. How?"

"They say he got mugged leaving a nightclub."

"Goodness. That's horrible."

"Yeah. But other than that, business has been amazing."

"That's good." She smiled "So, Mary. What is it that you do?"

"It's Mariah mom." Tyler answered for me

"That's what I said." She fanned him off

I chuckled to keep from saying something rude "I own a beauty bar."

"Oh so a salon?"

"No ma'am. We specialize in multiple techniques. Such as full body waxing, skincare, hair care, makeup, pedicures, manicures, and much more."

"We'll just call it a salon." She smiled

"You know, if you ever visit Atlanta I could schedule you an appointment for the works. You look like you could use it." I shot back with the same fake smile she had

"Charmed." She cleared her throat and frowned

This lady been taking shots at me all night and if Tyler ain't gone say something about his bitch ass mama, I'll play her game right along with her fake bougie ass.

"So" his dad cleared his throat "How long have you two been dating?"

"9 months." Tyler and I answered together

"That's lovely...Ty tells me you're celibate. How's that going?" His dad asked before finishing off his scotch

"Ray." His mom gasped

"What? I'm interested."

"Uhm that's not-" my phone rang, interrupting me. I pulled it out of my purse and saw Dorian was calling "Excuse me, I have to take this." I said

As I answered I stood up and walked into the hall.

"Hey, everything ok?" I put the phone to my ear

"Yeah. I'm just bored as shit."

I sucked my teeth "Where's Skylar?"

"She fell asleep on my ass. I must be boring. What you doing?"

"Meeting Tyler's parents." I said dryly

"You don't sound too excited." He chuckled

"Eh..." I shrugged as if he could see me. I hate to admit it, but he's absolutely right "Boy I gotta go. Call me when Skylar wakes up."

"Don't go, I'm bored."

"Play the game or something Dorian. Goodbye."

"A'ight." He sucked his teeth before ending the call

I shook my head before walking back into the dining room.

"Everything ok?" Tyler asked as I sat back down

"Yeah." I kept my reply short

"So, are you in love with my son?" His mom asked

"Yes I love him."

"No, sweetie. Loving someone and being in love are two totally different things." She talked to me like I was illiterate "So which one is it?"

"Mother we're in love." He grabbed my hand and smiled "Deeply in love."

I just smiled and nodded.

"Oh Tyler, I apologize for my behavior. You know I'm just very overprotective of you, you're my only child."

"I'm the same way about my daughter." I said

Hopefully this takes her mind off of grilling me and we can relate on something.

She gave me an unpleasant look "Oh, you have children?"

"Oh no." I chuckled "I have one child."

"Hm. Tyler didn't tell me that." She forcefully smiled at him "Where's the father? Incarcerated?"

"No" I sneered "You know what-"

"Mom, didn't you say you made pie?" Tyler interrupted me before I got a chance to snap

"Oh yes." His mom smiled "Pumpkin pie. Your favorite." She got up and went in the kitchen

"Mom makes the best pumpkin pie." He leaned over to me

I gave a fake chuckle as I mentally rolled my eyes. Coming here seems like a big mistake, and what the hell is up with Tyler being all corny and shit. Ew

"So, exactly how long have you been celibate?" His dad asked

Yeah, this was a big mistake. I can't wait to get back home.

Whew Tyler's mama is a biiitch

And Tyler not defending Mariah at all. Wassup with that?

-Carlisha ❤️