Page 89 of An Engagement for Erica

“Erica,” her mother said. “It’s about time you called me back. I’m tired of always having communication with you via text. You know how much I hate that.”

She rolled her eyes.

She didn’t even get a chance to say hi before she was getting a verbal hand slapping.

“I’ve been busy,” she said. “You know text is easier for me.”

“It’s always been what is easier for you and not what your mother would like,” her mother said. “One of these days I’m not going to be around for you to talk to. You’d think you’d try to do it more often and put your parents first.”

“Maybe if every time we talked it didn’t start with a lecture, I’d call more. I thought you heard that from Theo too.”

“Theo is busier than you are with his career. Now that you can make your own hours, there is no reason for this distance. The same with your sister. I fear she is rubbing off on you.”

Here they went again. “Mom, I called to tell you some good news, but you’re making me want to keep it to myself right now.”

“Well, why didn’t you lead with that?” her mother said excitedly.

“Because you didn’t give me a chance to even say hello before you started in.”

“You’re overreacting,” her mother said. “What’s the good news?”

“I wanted to let you know I’ve been dating someone.”

“That’s wonderful,” her mother said. “Now I know why you’re ignoring me. I suppose that is a good thing. You should spend some time with him. Your father never put me first and we know how well that worked out.”

She ground her teeth and remembered the words her father said about how well you get along when you were together was more important.

“When you and Dad saw each other, what did you do for fun?”

“Excuse me?” her mother asked.

“Fun. Did you ever have fun with Dad?”

“Why does that matter now? Your father and I are divorced.”

She frowned. “Okay. What about Jerry? When he’s not working, do you two do anything?”

“I’m not sure what that has to do with anything,” her mother said. “Jerry and I have a much different relationship than I had with your father. He understands my needs and makes sure they are met.”

Which said it all.

“You’re right,” she said. “That is your life.”

“Tell me more about this man you’re dating. I need the facts. Name, age, what he does.”

Nothing at all like her father asked.

“Tucker Nelay. He’s thirty-five and he’s CEO of TCN Industries. He hired me as a consultant.”

“Erica James! That is a horrible way to find a boyfriend. You are risking your reputation by doing that. You have no idea how this is going to work out.”

Her lips were twisting in frustration, but no sound was coming out.

“Mom, I’ve known Tucker from my old job. We get along well. We have a lot in common.”

“Probably both workaholics and that isn’t good for you. You need someone to pull you away from work.”

“Maybe we both need that and it works for us,” she argued. “Why can’t you think of it that way?”

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