Page 40 of Love to Hate You

Mom waves her off. “Of course, you do. One must take care of their body. A nice seaweed detox will leave you feeling refreshed and hydrated. I can’t go more than a week without having one.” She leans closer and lowers her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Sometimes, when the stress really gets to me, I sneak in a second wrap.”

I stare silently for a moment before shaking my head. “Mom, I’m taking five classes this semester, I don’t have time for that.” And even if I did, that’s not how I would choose to spend my free time. The thought of being covered in seaweed grosses me out. Plus, I don’t like the smell. It makes me want to gag.

“Please,” she snorts as if I’ve said something ridiculous. “There is always time for pampering. It’s important to take care of oneself, Daisy. If I’ve taught you anything, it’s that.”

She’s right about that. It’s the golden rule she lives by.

Mom glances at her sister with a considering look. “You should join us, Marnie. You’re looking a little haggard around the eyes. I’m sure it’s from working such long hours at the hospital. Being around all those,” she falters. “Unwell patients can’t be good for you.”

Aunt Marnie presses her lips together and shakes her head. Like me, she’s used to this behavior.

I see the exact moment Mom becomes aware of Carter. Her body straightens, and her features sharpen. She looks like a bird dog who has just spotted fresh quarry. Frankly, I’m surprised it took so long.

Even though Noah and Carter have been friends for years, he’s lucky to have never crossed paths with Lydia Bellamy. Apparently, that’s about to change. I’m more than aware that Mom is about to embarrass the hell out of me, but I’m relieved to have her attention diverted somewhere else so I can mentally regroup.

And to think I was looking forward to coming here tonight and spending time with Aunt Marnie and Uncle Craig. Obviously, that plan has been shot to smithereens. Enjoyable will be the last thing this evening turns out to be.

“Well, hello there, tall, dark, and handsome,” Mom purrs. I cringe, slumping further on my chair. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of being introduced.” Rather delicately, she holds out a manicured hand for Carter to shake.

Or kiss.

Or whatever.

I almost expect her to lower her voice and whisper huskily enchanté.

Noah jumps in to make introductions as Carter steps forward. Lydia’s gaze rakes over his muscular body with an embarrassing amount of interest. I’m tempted to point out that Carter is her nephew’s age. Not to mention my age, but it’s doubtful that would make a difference.

Instead I ask, “Did Frederique come with you?”

At the sound of her husband’s name, Mom tears her gaze reluctantly from the man candy in front of her. “Oh, no. I’m here alone. Freddy is much too busy to get away for a spur of the moment trip. I’m going to meet him in Dubai next week.”

“Does that mean you’ll be staying in town until then?” Aunt Marnie asks, her voice lacking enthusiasm.

“Yes!” Mom claps her hands together again with excitement. “Won’t that be fun?”

“It would have been,” her sister says carefully. “Unfortunately, I have to work.” My aunt’s gaze encompasses me. “And Daisy is busy with classes.” More gently she adds, “Perhaps if you’d given me some notice, I could have taken some vacation time.”

Mom’s perfectly plucked brows slide together in confusion. “But that would have ruined the surprise.”

We stare in silence.

Aunt Marnie shrugs as if to say well, I tried. And I get it. Lydia’s world revolves around, well, Lydia. Everyone else is a distant planet in her solar system. It’s been that way for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve learned to accept Mom for who she is. If I didn’t, our interactions would only leave me feeling angry and frustrated.

We’re distracted from further conversation when Uncle Craig walks through the back door with his briefcase in hand. The way he stumbles to a halt when he sees my mother has me biting my lower lip to hide my amusement.

Mom gives him her most winning smile. “Surprise!”

He stares at her for a long moment before his gaze swings to his wife. My uncle has a pretty good poker face, but I know he doesn’t enjoy Mom’s visits. She can be a disruptive, pain in the ass (per Uncle Craig during her last visit). Aunt Marnie’s shoulders shake with unconcealed mirth as she turns back to the stove to check dinner.

Sixty minutes later and I’m planning my escape. Mom has the tendency to make me feel claustrophobic. While everyone is busy talking after dinner, I quietly excuse myself and sneak out the back door. The sun has just dipped below the horizon as I settle onto a lounger near the pool and stretch my legs out in front of me. I close my eyes and suck in a breath before slowly exhaling. It takes a conscious effort to release the tension from my tightened muscles.

Thank God Mom booked a suite at a nearby hotel and isn’t staying at the house. I think Uncle Craig would probably pack his bags and vacate the premises if that were the case. The last time Lydia stayed with them, she had Uncle Craig running all over the place. By the fourth day, he was ready to wring her neck.

Just as I start to relax on the plush cushion, I catch the sound of the French door opening and closing. I keep my eyes squeezed shut, wanting to block out reality for a moment longer. I suspect Aunt Marnie has noticed my absence and has come to check on me. And probably sneak a smoke. She quit years ago, but Lydia tends to drive her bat shit crazy. She keeps a secret stash hidden in the garage for emergencies. A visit from Lydia is most definitely classified as an emergency.

When Aunt Marnie drops onto the lounger next to mine, I turn my head and open my eyes only to find that it isn’t my aunt at all.

It’s Carter.

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