Xavier spent the next few hours getting ready. He went home and told his parents that he was bringing a guest over for dinner that night and his mother had asked forty questions, especially when she found out that he was bringing a woman home.

“Now don’t go through any trouble, Mom.” Xavier took her hands and kissed them. “The house always looks immaculate and you’re the best cook I know.”

His father looked up from his newspaper, over his glasses. “Save your breath, son. You know your mother.”

“Oh, now, hush! Both of you! Leave me alone while I get everything ready!” She pulled away from Xavier and headed...