Page 96 of Holding On

Chapter Seventeen

Ethan

When Jim finally stops talking, I turn to Becca's brother. "We haven't met." I hold out my hand. "Mike?"

"Yeah. Becca's told me a lot about you."

"I hope it was all good."

He chuckles. "I probably shouldn't say."

"Hey." Becca hits her brother's arm. "It was all good."

"So going back to your injury," Jim says. "Do you think you'll be able to play?"

The guy keeps talking about my injury and it's pissing me off. Becca tried to change topics but Jim won't give up.

"I don't know," I answer. "It's too soon to say. Once I start physical therapy, I'll know more." I look at Sherry, who's slurping down her third Bloody Mary. "So Becca said you do event planning?"

"Yes." She smiles and rests her elbows on the table. "That's how I met Jim. I helped plan a business function for his office."

"She did a wonderful job." He puts his arm around her and kisses her. I glance at Becca as she clears her throat. She's clearly uncomfortable seeing this guy making out with her mom.

"Sherry paid attention to every little detail," Jim continues. "I didn't have to worry about a thing."

"I didn't know you were still doing that," Becca says to her mom.

"I didn't for a few years, but I missed it so I started up again when I moved to Chicago."

"Do you still do weddings?" Becca asks.

"She does," Jim says. "In fact, she's going to plan our—" He stops and looks at Becca's mom.

She sighs. "Well, I suppose the cat's out of the bag."

"You're getting married?" Mike asks.

"Yes." She smiles at Jim. "Jim proposed a few weeks ago and we'd like to get married in October. That's why we wanted to meet here today. To tell you the big news."

"This October?" Becca asks. "That's really soon. How long have you two dated?"

"Almost a year," her mom says. "Going back to the wedding, we'd like you both to be in it. Mike, you'd be on Jim's side, and Becca, you'd be on mine. Jim has two grown sons so they'll be groomsmen as well. As for bridesmaids, I have some girlfriends who'll be taking two of the spots, but Becca, I'd like you to be my maid of honor."

Becca stares at her mom. "Are you serious?"

"Of course." She fakes a smile, obviously not happy with Becca's reaction. "I want you standing beside me. You're my only daughter."

"Who you only speak to once a year, if that." Becca's voice rises just enough to show her anger.

"That's only because you refuse to talk to me. I've left you messages, but Mike's the only one who ever calls me back."

"Because I don't want to talk to you." Becca's voice is shaky so she takes a breath. "You left. You took off and never came back."

"Becca," Mike says in a tone that's urging her to stop.

"What?" She shoots him a look. "You're really going along with this? After all the times we've needed her, she's never been there for us. Now suddenly she needs us and we're just supposed to agree to do this? Why? We don't owe her anything."

"Becca, stop." Mike narrows his eyes at her. "It's one day. A few hours. I think we can do this for Mom."

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