The next evening Steve was feeling uneasy. He had to face Evie's dad, who could be intimidating. He carefully picked out his outfit picking some of his best clothes. Evie's parents were still greasers. Her dad was a plumber and her mom was a billing clerk at the doctor's office, but they were a strong family. They did things together like going out for dinner or a picnic or a baseball game. Steve put a lot of grease in his hair and combed it in complicated swirls.
He was supposed to meet them at the diner at 7:00. He was very nervous. He always thought Evie's dad didn't like him too much. He sighed heavily and started the car.
When he got to the diner he spotted Evie and her family at one of the tables right away.
"Hello," Steve cleared his throat, "Hi Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Reynolds." He said hesitantly, glancing at Evie for support.
"Hello Steve it's nice of you to join us." Mrs. Reynolds replied taking her eyes off the menu and giving him a nod. Mr. Reynolds didn't look up from the menu, but gave just a slightest nod barely acknowledging Steve. Needless to say Steve didn't like how this evening was starting.
The waitress walked up to the table and they all ordered food. There was uncomfortable silence. Then Evie said, "Dad, Steve has something important to tell you." Way to bring the topic up Steve thought. They haven't even gotten the food yet. Evie's words got Mr. Reynolds' attention. He looked at Steve expectantly and somewhat confused. "What is Steven?" he asked reluctantly, crossing his arms.
"Well, Mr. Reynolds…," Steve ran his fingers through his hair. He didn't know how to bring in delicately so he just went for it – "well, if it's ok with you I'd like to marry your daughter." Mr. Reynolds choked on his drink. He clearly was caught off guard. His facial expression changed and his face tuned red. He was just silent as if he lost his ability to speak. Steve felt his heart beat faster and his palms get all sweaty. He had a bad feeling about this.
"Ta-da," Evie said stretching her hand out showing off the ring. "Isn't it beautiful?" She asked while smiling happily.
"Oh honey," her mom spoke up, taking her hand and taking a closer look at the ring "it's really nice, but what's the rush? You two are barely out of High School."
"You don't understand mother," Evie countered frowning, "Steve and I, we love each other."
By then Mr. Reynolds seemed to get his speech back. "Absolutely not," his voice bellowed and he looked really angry.
"But daddy …" Evie forced a smile, but the smile was very meek.
"Don't' daddy me," Mr. Reynolds interrupted, "you are barely 18 years old. I'm sure it's just a phase." He added clearly irritated.
Evie couldn't believe what she was hearing. She didn't expect that from her dad. She was nervously twirling a napkin in her hands, tearing small pieces and placing them on the table "It's not a phase," she replied sounding desperate, and a tear rolled down her cheek. "Steve and I have been together for a long time, we love each other can't you understand." She raised her voice a little, and looked her father right in the eyes.
"That's very nice, but until you have a job and can provide for yourself I don't see you getting married." Mr. Reynolds said gruffly, taking a sip of his water, his normal color returning to his face.
"I know what it's about you never did like Steve did you?" Evie yelled, more tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Can't say I have," her dad smirked with cruel honesty. "What is it that you do again?" he turned his attention to Steve. Through all of this Steve remained silent, turning his head to Evie then Mr. Reynolds then Evie again as they spoke.
"He works at the gas station, the DX and one day he's gonna own it you'll see." Evie answered for Steve, passion in her voice.
"Sure," her dad said sarcastically.
Evie covered her eyes with her palms, "Please daddy," she pleaded.
"I said no and that's final," Mr. Reynolds slammed his fist against the table, and glared at Steve.
At this moment the food arrived, and Mr. Reynolds proceeded to cut and eat his steak as if nothing had happened and the conversation about marriage never occurred.
"I'm not hungry," Evie yelled throwing the napkin onto the table and starting to run towards the exit. "Evie wait," Steve yelled. He got up quickly and started running after her.
He caught up with her outside. She hid her face in his shoulder and cried.
"It's all right baby," he tried to comfort her, "it's gonna be all right."
"I didn't expect that," she sobbed. Then she took a deep breath, looked Steve right in the eyes and said, "Who needs him, we are going to get married anyway. I don't need his stinky permission." Steve exhaled loudly - this is what he hoped to hear.
"I love you baby," he said affectionately holding her shoulders and kissing her gently on the forehead.
"I love you too Steve," she smiled through her tears.
