Chapter 16 - Katie

Before Mark leaves, he lets me know his parents will arrive at the airport around 8 pm tonight. Also, Wanda and Izzy are fixing another big meal for the occasion.

I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing the food is taken care of, but it doesn’t calm my nerves. After the horrendous video call with his parents, I hope I don’t mess things up when they get here. I want to get on their good side and not be thrown out with the trash.

As the last patient leaves in the afternoon, Brenda walks into my office. “Are you ready to meet your in-laws?”

Is it time for that already?

I collapse into my desk chair and lean my head back as I mumble, “I’ve had too many patients this afternoon. I don’t even know what time it is. I might have even forgotten what day of the week it is, but I hope so.” My last few words come out more of a question than an answer.

My stomach twists. This is it. There is no turning back now.

I close my eyes as my heart races. Will his parents like me? I never really