Page 19 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 2

I dashed over to her and hugged her fiercely. The stupid tears came back. “Mom, what happened?” I cried into her shoulder.

“I’m fine, my darling. I’ll be in tip-top shape in no time. Providedthis doctorlets me go home immediately.” Her tone was snide and derogatory.

I shook my head and then sat on the side of her bed. “Mom, you do whatever they say. They are the experts, not you or Dad.” I gave Dad the side-eye but he only had eyes for the man hovering near the door. “Besides, you had a heart attack. That’s serious business.”

My mother waved her hand as if it was all the same to her. “Mild heart attack, and it happened when I was running on the treadmill. I pushed too hard for too long. I’ll cut back.”

“That is not why you had a heart attack, Mrs. Shaw. Ma’am, I don’t think you understand the severity of your situation. If you don’t make some serious life changes immediately, you could have a bigger, possibly catastrophic cardiac event, such as heart failure or even a full arrest.” The doctor sighed, obviously a long-suffering veteran of this kind of backlash.

“Mom, that sounds serious. Why did this happen?”

“Your mother has a condition called ACM,” he started, and my mother glared.

“I just need to layoff the afternoon cocktail now and again,” she stated nonchalantly.

The doctor shook his head. “You have alcoholic cardiomyopathy. ACM isa condition where your heart changes shape because of long-term heavy alcohol use. These changes often cause long-term damage, leading to severe problems such as what you experienced this weekend. If this condition goes untreated, it will likely progress to heart failure. You need to cut out all alcohol intake, not to mention smoking, as it’s also detrimental and can make your condition much worse.”

“I don’t smoke,” my mother bald faced lied.

“Mother…” I chastised.

“Okay, I only smoke socially,” she tutted.

“Since when?” my father challenged.

“Since my entire life!” I bit out ignoring him and turning to her. “Mom, do not lie to your doctors or your family. You’re cutting out the booze and cigarettes immediately. Period. Your health is more important than anything else. Remember—you’re the one that taught me your health is your wealth.”

“Listen to your daughter. She’s making sense…for once.” A backhanded compliment from my father? Could the world be ending?

“Mrs. Shaw, we’re going to keep you one more day and check your labs again in the morning. If everything remains stable, I’ll discharge you tomorrow afternoon,” the doctor announced and left the room.

My mother sighed deeply. “At least give me some good news,” her shrewd gaze turned to me.

“Well, since I’m engaged, you’ve got a wedding to focus on.” I dropped the bomb, knowing my mother loved nothing more than planning a huge party to show off all they had.

She gasped and covered her mouth. Finally, her gaze reached past where I sat to Memphis, who was leaning against the wall giving silent support. I stood up and walked over to him, took his hand and brought him to my mother’s bedside.

“Memphis, I’d like to introduce you to my parents, Chantelle and Abraham.” I gestured to my mom then my dad. “This is Memphis Taylor, my fiancé.” I beamed and hugged his side.

He smiled wide. “Sorry to meet you under these circumstances Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, though I’m very glad to see you are on the mend.”

“You must be joking.” My father looked Memphis up and down with a sneer. “Naomi, this is beneath you, to trick us like this during such a traumatic time.”

Memphis’ fingers dug into my side. “This is no joke. I’m marrying Memphis and I’m doing it in a month.”

“I cannot believe you!” he roared. “A college dropout? An ex-footballer? Really, Naomi. You can’t be serious. You’ve done a lot of things to disappoint me, but this? I’ll never accept it,” my father snarled.

“Sir, it’s obvious you’ve had time to look into me since our call this morning, but I assure you, I will be devoted to your daughter.”

“Oh, I’m sure you will. She’s your meal ticket. Sugar momma is what I think the younger generation is calling it these days,” he sneered.

Memphis clapped back. “Excuse me? Your daughter is far more than a meal ticket. She’s the whole damn buffet, but none of that matters. I’m going to worship the ground she walks on as her husband. I doubt any other man could say the same. Now, I think I’ll go wait outside until the three of you have had some time to chat.” Memphis turned to face me. “Nay, I’ll be just outside in the waiting area. You need me, I’m there.” He kissedmy forehead and then pecked me on the lips before he squeezed my arms and left the room.

“How could you!” I fired at my father the second Memphis left the room.

Episode 37

Puff Puff Pass

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