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“It won’t be. You’ll blow them all away. You always do.” She offers me a bashful smile before patting my hand and excusing herself to use the restroom.
Reaching for my purse, I pull out my cell and type out a text to my boss before I forget. I’m going to need to get as many shifts under my belt as I can. I mean, I can look for another place, but realistically, I know I’m still paying less than most.
Me: Any chance I can grab a few extra shifts?
He must have been on his phone when I messaged, as those three teasing dots tell me he’s already typing back.
Parker: You got it. Diane is sick, so I have plenty going.
Me: Oh no. Hope she’s okay.
Put me down for as many as you want.
Just let me know when to be there.
Parker: Will do. Everything okay?
Me: Yes, all good. Thanks!
My mother slides back into her seat as I put my phone back in my purse and reach for my glass of water.
“Anyone exciting? A new man, perhaps?” There’s no missing the twinkle in her eye, and I have to refrain from rolling mine. My mother would have had me married off to half of the country club members if she had her way. As far as she’s concerned, my main aspiration as a woman should be to marry well so I never have to worry about my future. Sometimes I think she might actually believe life is a Jane Austen novel.
“No. Just my boss. I asked for a few extra shifts.” The waiter appears and refills our waters as I take a bite of my cheese omelet. My appetite is lacking, but I don’t want to give my mother anything else to flap over.
Mom does nothing to hide her exasperation. She’s been making more of an effort to be supportive, but I know she wishes I was less independent and not working myself to the bone to put myself through school.
“I wish you’d just come to me. You know I’d loan you the money. You don’t need to be at that bar all hours of the day. How will you find your Mr. Right?”
I know she means well. Marrying right is important to my mom after the shitshow of a relationship she had with my dad. But that’s not the life I’m aspiring for.
“I appreciate the offer, but I don’t need your money. Or a husband. I can look after myself.”
“You’re not getting any younger, sweetheart.” The condescension in her tone gets my back up, and I snap.
“For Christ’s sake, Mother, not everyone wants to marry for money.” I keep my voice low, but there’s no missing the bite of my tone. Today is not the day to push me.
“Don’t take that tone of voice with me, Summer. I have only ever wanted the best for you. Do not judge me.”
“I’m not. It’s just been a rough week. Sorry, Mom. Ignore me. So talk me through the other menu option.” And just like that, the smile is back, and she talks animatedly about her canapés. I take a deep breath and try to get a hold of myself and my emotions.
Sitting back, I focus on my mother’s dilemma and offer any solutions I can while she explains her vision.
This apple fell so far from the tree, it’s unreal.
2
PARKER
“Come on, man! Jump in!” Seb calls from the white bouncy castle that looks set to pop as he jumps around with the kids.
There isn’t a single second that goes by where Kate takes her eyes off him. I’m not sure whether she’s ready to step in when their daughter, Lou, barfs from all the jiggling or whether she loves him so much that she can’t bear to look away. Either way, they both look happy.
“No way,” I laugh back, my chest tightening when East sets his Puss-in-Boots eyes on me, spurring Seb on.
“That’s it, buddy, get Daddy!”
“Jesus Christ, I don’t know who’s the kid here,” Kate laughs, helping Easton down before he runs at me, arms wide open and a big smile cutting his face.
