Page 42 of Suddenly Single

“Mom, can you come over to the Yates estate tonight?”

The bottle of water Mom just pulled from the mini-fridge in my office clattered to the floor. Thank goodness the lid was on.

“Why?” Mom leaned over and picked it up. “They hate me.”

“No, Mom, they don’t.” I sighed. Obviously I couldn’t tell the truth, that while they didn’t hate her, they wanted to spend as little time as possible with her. “Things are working out with Asher, and we're planning the wedding. I need your help.”

“Really?” Mom sat on the other side of my desk. “What’s been happening? I mean, what’s changed with you and Asher?”

I couldn’t tell her the X-rated version, so I settled for PG-13. “We spent a very romantic evening together, and have been communicating more honestly about our, um, desires. Now, his family wants an enormous wedding at CCV.” I said, referring to the country club’s initials. “If I don’t have you there planning this event with me, Asher’s grandmother and her girlfriends will put themselves in charge. With you by my side, it will be harder for them to do it.”

“Okay.” Mom brushed a lock of dark hair off her forehead. “I understand that, but I just feel so uncomfortable around them. Isn’t there a way I could help from the sidelines? They’re very intimidating.”

“Mom, don’t let them scare you off.” I leaned across my desk and whispered. “Promise not to say a word of what I’m about to tell you.”

“Of course, Carter.” She leaned forward. “I promise not to utter a word.”

“They don’t hate you. But, I think the reason for their attitudes whenever you are around is because you aren’t, well, as much of an alcoholic as they are.” I said, and Mom’s mouth opened into a perfect O. “They feel like they can’t party with you around.”

“But... but, that’s ridiculous.” Mom spluttered. “I party every once in a while.”

“Mom. The ladies are embarrassed, because when I say they party, they really party.” I grinned. “Like, if they were a 1970s rock band, they would leave destroyed hotel rooms in their wake. Asher and I tried to keep up with them, but we can’t.” It was the truth. Whenever we stayed up late with the ladies, we were always the first ones to pass out. They all had livers of iron, well, except for Mary Jane. She was the group stoner.

“So, do I need to become a raging alcoholic like Marjorie in order to fit in with them?” Mom’s eyebrows shot up, and I glanced away. You could see straight up her nose.

“No, but…” I drummed my fingers on my desk. “...if you could loosen up a little, it would help. I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you leave your car here and drive with me to their house after work. Plan on taking an Uber home. And if you feel like drinking a little bit more than usual, you won’t have to worry about getting into an accident. Actually, why don’t you plan on spending the night with me.” I pointed at my chest. “You know, Mom, if you ever wanted to move upstairs, I’d be all for it. It would be nice to know someone was always here.”

“No, to that.” Mom sipped her water. “I love my little house. But I’ll spend the night with you.” Mom stood and went to the floor-to-ceiling mirror next to the mini-fridge and stared at her reflection. “Is this outfit okay, or will they laugh at me behind my back?”

They were going to judge the hell out of her, no matter what she wore. “Mom, you look wonderful.” I walked over and hugged her from behind. “You are a stunning woman, and don’t allow your fears of the Yates family to hold you back. Just relax a little when you're around them. I’m more worried about Lori Stallings.”

“Who’s that?”

“She’s the event coordinator for CCV.” I sighed. “Granny spoke with her on the phone earlier about coming by tonight to plan the wedding. Normally it takes months to get an appointment with her, but as soon as she heard it was the Yates, she…”

“Dropped everything and insisted on starting the wedding preparations immediately.” Mom sighed. “I wish I had that kind of pull. Must be nice being a member of that family.”

“Mom, I want you to remember that you are, by extension, a member of the Yates family. Don’t let them or anyone else push you around.”

“Carter, you should bring your mother over more often.” Florida hugged Mom, who stood stock still with her hands at her sides. “It’s good to see you again, Mrs. Camden. And as for you,” Florida pointed at me. “...You’d better be on your best behavior.”

Florida let go of Mom and went to work chopping vegetables on the granite kitchen island.

“Mom, let’s go into the living room. We’re a little early, so let’s get you a drink to loosen you up.” I took Mom’s hand and dragged her out of the kitchen. No one was in the living room yet, but I could hear voices coming from upstairs. “What would you like to drink, Mom?”

“Water.”

“Mom,” I put my hands on my hips. “I know you don’t feel like drinking, but…”

“Wine then.” Mom shook her head and settled onto the pink velvet love seat. “I love the interiors. Have you done any of this work, Carter?”

“Oh no.” I poured Mom and me a glass of Cabernet and sat next to her. “The furniture and accessories have been in the family for generations. Honestly, I don’t see the need to change anything. It’s perfect as is.”

“Thank you for saying that, Carter.” Granny strolled into the room. Her platinum bob was perfectly styled, and she had on the major jewels. Probably as an intimidation tactic with Mom and Lori Stallings. It surprised me her left bicep wasn’t as big as a bodybuilder given the size of the emerald on her middle finger. “Mrs. Camden, it’s nice to see you again.” Granny murmured, and Mom stood and held her hand out. Granny eyed it for a moment, then shook it once and let it drop.

“Please, call me Sissy.” Mom grinned, and Granny did a double take before sitting across from us. She must have noticed the new nose.

“Lila Brooke and Mary Jane should be here any minute now. Oh, and Lori Stallings is running a few minutes behind. Would you like a, oh sorry. You already have a drink. I’m feeling a little thirsty myself.” Granny tottered over to the bar and poured herself a drink. When she sat down across from us, an unreadable smile spread across her face.

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