Page 59 of Grand Escape

Her head whipped around, and she gasped.

“I told you not to turn quickly.”

“That’s your mom?” Brianna’s mouth fell open. “That woman has been here for four minutes, and she’s already caused a scene.”

“I know.” I poured the margaritas, then ran my hand down my jean shorts to dry it.

“Ry, are you freaking out?”

Most of the staff knew I was estranged from my family. Brianna was one of the few who knew more than the surface details. We’d celebrated Thanksgiving together last year when she decided to stay and work through the holiday.

“Pretty much. I don’t know why they’re here, and I want them to leave. This is my slice of heaven.”

“Should I go take their order? Fish around?”

“Go take their order, but don’t mention me. Let them make the first move.”

She took her frozen margaritas and was off. I polished off the rest of the one I’d started, then dumped out the others before they tempted me too.

Later, my mom approached the bar with a glass of iced Pellegrino in hand. “You could have come yourself instead of sending your friend. We traveled here to see you.”

Wow. That’s how she’s greeting me after ten years?

“No let me see you? Or no you look so grown up? Jeez, Mom. You don’t even flatter me anymore.”

She cleared her throat before sitting down in front of me. “It’s been ten years, Rylan. It’s time for you to come home and do what we asked.”

The sun was beginning to set behind her. That’s how long it took her to come over and see me.

“Well, it’s nice to see you and all that, but I’m all grown up now. I’ve made a life here, and I’m doing what I want.”

“You’re throwing away all your money, just like that? And prestige? The chance of a good life with a good man?” She waved a hand around, her jewelry flickering little rainbows all around her, the Rolex on her wrist nearly blinding me.

“Where’s Dad?” I ignored her rant about money and good men, thinking I’d met a good man despite having no money, and had sent him away.

“He went to take a rest, and he’s waiting for you to change and join us for dinner.”

“Oh, he doesn’t want to be bothered by me on this side of the bar. He’s waiting for me to bend to his will.”

When she took a sip of her sparkling water, then set it down, I cracked a fresh bottle and topped it off, reminding her I was behind the bar and staying there.

“Mom, it’s nice to see you. I wish it was under other circumstances, like maybe to see how well I’m doing. I’m not going to change my mind. This trip was a waste for you and Dad.”

Her mouth twisted. “You were always so stubborn. You never knew what was best for you.”

“I do now, and it’s being here. Behind the bar.”

She stood and spoke softly for once. “You know what? Forget dinner. In fact, forget this place. Dad and I are going to the Ritz.”

“’Bye,” was all I said as she strode away.

I felt a lump pass my throat and busied myself with cleaning up the bar area. Later, I’d apologize to Sergio and the front desk staff for what I was sure was my parents’ abhorrent behavior. Right now, I needed a moment.

It wasn’t the loss of money or prestige that made me sad. It was the thought that Adam was gone and not here to hear what happened.

Adam

“Hey, Mom, how are you?”

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