Page 52 of One Night With You

“Et tu, Brute, Lake?” I asked.

Lake looked so innocent, but I knew there was nothing of the sort. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

As we went to clean up the table, Mom shoved me into the living room, and I held out both hands. “I’ll ask. I’ll ask.”

“I know it’s a big ask. And frankly, I know that Claire will probably be too busy to help. We Montgomerys can handle most things, but I also know that Claire needs things to focus on.” She bit her lip and I frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“She’s just like you and your brothers from what I’ve seen. I know she went through so much and I’m grateful that she’s doing better, but Phoebe said she’s been pushing herself and her business since. Maybe I’m reading too much into it.”

I squeezed her hand, the memory of Claire on the floor slamming into me. “She’s making a name for herself for sure. I don’t like remembering her like that, Mom.”

Mom cupped my cheeks with both hands. “She’s safe. She’s healthy. And she has you. Though I do hate that you work in a job that puts you in danger.”

“Mom…”

“No, no, I’ll stop. You’re good at what you do. I just get worried. Now, about the event…”

I exhaled and wrapped my arms around her. She had always been bigger than life, but now her head barely came up to my shoulders. “I’ll take care of it.”

“I love you. And if it’s too weird, because I know you guys are just starting out on your relationship,don’t worry about it. I swear I’m not trying to be weird about it.”

“I love you. Meddler.”

She kissed my cheek, and then went off to the rest of the family, as I looked down at my phone.

Me:

Hey, it turns out that my mom might need help finishing with the planning of the Montgomery Family Event. All caps.

I quickly tried to explain everything that had occurred, and then sighed.

Me:

I know that it’s probably too late, but if you have any spare time to help with a spreadsheet or an idea or something, I think they’re finding a venue, but they could use your help. Or my mom’s meddling. I don’t know.

Claire:

Yes. I’m in. I love Montgomery parties. And I just had a cancellation. Mostly because the engagement is over, and now I’m out their fees.

Me:

Well, shit. My mom said she’d pay you.

Me:

If that’s weird…

Claire:

Business with friends is always weird, but I can work something out. Haha. Honestly, with a cancellation, I could use the money, but I’ll talk to your mom about that. I don’t want to take advantage.

Me:

That’s exactly what she said.

I sighed, then continued.

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