Page 70 of Falling for My Ex Next Door

As the plane touched down on the runway, I knew I was home again. I would go directly to the mansion. It was a typical weekday, and if I knew my mother at all, she’d be reclining in her chair with a tray of dainty cookies and tea in front of her with earphones, listening to an audiobook or some podcast. That constituted her typical morning. It was so pedestrian you’d not find many people having such a morning.

As I approached, the mansion loomed high before me. It had been a while since I last visited. Even before I relocated to Sunnyvale, I had stopped coming home.

Home was not a haven for me, especially when my father was around. Though he paid little or no attention to me, I still didn’t like it when he was around. And honestly, I didn’t want to be like him, though I was already seeing myself becoming like him, choosing work over family and relationships.

I rang the doorbell, and the butler ushered me in. The man I was used to had been replaced, and now, a fairly young man stood upright before me. He seemed nice anyway.

“Look who’s here.” My mom said as she walked down the stairs.

“It’s nice to see you, Mom.”

“What’s the occasion?” She asked, settling on the sofa. “Did you perhaps miss me?” she smiled.

“I’m visiting like I said I would,” I said, nonchalantly.

“Hmm. Impressive.” She smiled softly.

“Liezel!” She called out, and a young lady immediately appeared. She looked about Daisy’s age, though she had softer contours.

“Please, prepare something light but very delicious quickly.” Mom instructed.

“Yes, ma’am.” The lady bobbed and disappeared into the kitchen.

“Tell me, Jacob Sebastian Bradley, what has truly brought you here?” She sat with her legs crossed.

“Mom, can I not come visit, I mean, naturally, without cause, without ulterior motives?”

“I do not believe you. Anyway, now that you are here, we can have some alone time. I have a schedule planned for today. Let’s spend the day together.” She said with a cheerful smile.

I was pleased I had made her smile.

***

Mom invited me to join her for lunch the next day, and we headed to her favorite Thai restaurant. As soon as we sat down, she ordered spicy dishes, and we dug in.

“We’re going out as a family later,” she mentioned between bites.

“But Daisy isn’t here,” I reminded her.

“She’ll be here,” Mom replied with a mysterious grin.

I raised an eyebrow. “When? Daisy told me she’s traveling out of the country. She’s not planning on coming to New York.”

“She’ll be here,” she repeated, her smile widening.

“Mom, what are you up to?” I put down my fork, curiosity piqued.

“Nothing,” she said, chewing quietly. “Just eat.”

“I’m not staying here long, you know that, right?” I said, leaning back in my chair.

“Of course I do. That’s because you can’t stand your father,” she said matter-of-factly.

I sighed.

“You are here because of Clara. Am I wrong?”

Silence hung in the air.

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