Arnie and Cecilia Miller were the favored uncle and aunt of Olivia, whose upscale condo, she was using as her temporary residence in Florida. The older couple was scheduled to arrive the following weekend, and Rob anticipated their visit with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. It would be the first time someone close would have the opportunity to pass judgment on his relationship with Olivia. The one thing he dreaded was the look he fully expected from Arnie. The look that said, "Asshole, you are such a pervert. You are such a fucking pervert, fucking my innocent niece."
As the days ticked off the calendar, Rob's nervousness became noticeable even to Liv. Arnie's temperament was common knowledge in her family with countless stories of his sharp, philippic tongue and razor wit that could eviscerate a person like a hot knife through butter. Even Rob had experienced it before because sometimes friends don't always see eye to eye. Given the significant age difference between the couple, he could anticipate condemnation from his friend. The questions was, was it insurmountable.
Olivia sensed unease and concern but did her best to reassure him. "Rob, don't worry so much," she said soothingly, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "My uncle may appear old-fashioned but he loves me and will change when he sees my feelings for you. I'm sure of it."
Despite her reassurance, Rob couldn't shake the feeling of dread which took up residence in the pit of his stomach. He'd always respected Arnie, even when their opinions differed. The guy was a smart successful business man and no one achieved that kind of success without being a keen judge of people. That was the part of Arnie he hoped would shine through. This time it was personal for Rob, it involved his relationship with Olivia, and that was something dear to his heart.
Rob paced nervously as he met Olivia at the Miller's condo ahead of Arnie and Cecilia's long-awaited arrival. When the door opened and Arnie and Cecilia entered the foyer, everything went on pause in Rob's world. A wide smile broke across Arnie's face when he saw his friend, Rob. He dropped his luggage to walk over and enveloped him in a warm bear hug.
"Rob, my buddy! It's so good to see you," Arnie exclaimed boisterously, filling the room with his loud commanding voice and animated energy. "And Olivia, my darling beautiful niece, you look more lovely every time I see you." His genuine affection for each of them eased some of the tension Rob felt but he feared the next few hours would seriously erode those feelings.
Taking advantage of the momentary tranquility, Rob greeted Cecilia with a hug and kiss and took their luggage to the master bedroom. Her aunt and uncle settled on the couch after their travels and were please to find hot tea waiting for them but Rob quickly noticed the curious look on their faces as the question of Rob's presence dawned on them.
"So, Rob," Arnie casually began, his tone light, yet layered with innuendo. He almost didn't want to hear the answer to the obvious unasked question.
"What brings you to our condo? I didn't know, the two of you knew each other. Have there been any exciting developments since we last saw each other? Perhaps you've finally settled down with a charming older woman?"
Rob exchanged a rapid glance with Olivia, their eyes betraying knowledge of all that had happened between them. Olivia jumped in to save Rob and respond, her voice composed and confident.
"Well, Uncle Arnie, it's an amusing story. Rob and I have actually been in a relationship for quite some time and I can confidently say that we are incredibly happy together." There it was, out in the open, bold face and laying there for Arnie and Cecilia to take a good look at. The older couple exchanged puzzled glances at the unexpected admission of a relationship. Rob could see anger percolating inside Arnie, as he paused and considered his next words.
"Is this true, Rob?" Arnie asked, his voice tinged with anger and righteousness. Rob braced himself for the judgment and condemnation he knew was coming. He'd always known that the relationship with Olivia would not be easily justified or accepted, especially by someone like Arnie, who held traditional and pietistic values in high regard.
"Arnie, I know it may be hard to fathom but our love is real," Rob replied, trying to keep his voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside him. "It may not fit into society's expectations or even your own but sometime there is no explaining who you fall in love with."
"Love? Is that what you call it? Men who date much younger woman want someone to admire them, someone they can mold, someone who makes them think they're sophisticated. There's more exploitation than love in this. I call it misogyny. I know you Rob, you don't fall in love, you fall in lust? Do you comprehend that Olivia is young and has her whole life ahead of her, while you're a used up, old fart," Arnie retorted, his tone dripping with disdain. For a moment, Rob was hurt and angry at Arnie's narrow-mindedness. Then he remembered all the obstacles he and Liv had faced together and how their love had only grown stronger because of it. He was angry, he had to justify his feelings toward Liv to Arnie.
"Arnie, yes, we are in love. And trust me, we've both questioned this countless times," Rob admitted, thinking back to all the doubts and fears they'd overcome to get to where they were now.
"Well maybe you should have continued questioning because I for one question it," Arnie stated bluntly. Fury coursed through Rob at the callous remark. How could someone who was a friend say something so hurtful and ignorant? Then Olivia's hand found Rob's, her calming touch, grounded and reassured him and soothed some hurt. Suddenly all the noise, histrionics and judgment from Arnie seemed insignificant compared to the quiet love and understanding from Olivia.
