My mother stared at me for a long time before speaking. "He's not welcome here."
"We're not leaving, Mama."
"Why did you have to do this?"
"Mrs. Johnstone, I love Tarynn."
Michael's words fell on deaf ears. She heard but barely acknowledged him, giving him an angry look, then turning back to me. "You need to take him home."
"He is home, Mama. Anywhere we are together is our home."
Uncle Revis came striding over, his expression filled with hatred. "You need to leave."
Michael held out his hand. "I'm Michael Moorland. Nice to meet you, Mr. β¦ " I could tell that my uncle was fighting the urge to spit on my boyfriend's outstretched hand and I gave him an evil look. When it was obvious that he wasn't going to take it, Michael put his hand down, keeping eye contact with him. "Could I speak with you privately?"
My uncle just glared at him for a moment before shaking his head. As the two of them moved away, my stomach tied into knots, wondering what the hell Michael was going to say to him. I said a fervent prayer and hoped that God was listening just now. My mother folded her arms over her chest and stood next to me.
"What is that fool doing?"
"He's being a gentleman, Mama. Haven't you ever seen one of those before?"