The perils of an erotic romance editor

Some time ago, I was heavily quoted in an article that found its way to my elderly parents. I have been working in the romance industry for a number of years. My family has a few books that I've edited on their bokshelves and my mother has been going into bookstores for a few years now and scouring the books from my publisher, trying to remember names of authors I've mentioned working with.

It was a complete surprise when the conversation with Mom and Dad went like this.

Mom: I read the article. I never knew that some of the romances you edited were erotic.

This last word was spoken in a scadalized whisper that I hadn't heard since I was in High School and got caught in the park with my boyfriend.

Me: You didn't? But you have Men Behaving Badly and Adventures of a Sex And The City Wannabe on your bookshelf.

Dad: Well, yes, dear but you don't expect us to read that rubbish!

At this point, I was torn between shock and a little annoyance.

Mom: Hold hands with us. We need to pray for your blackened soul.

Chanting and the burning of insense ensued to my everlasting horror.

I think it would have been better if they had never found out. My blackened soul and I thanked my parents profusely and ended the conversation, all of us a little wiser for the experience.