Page 65 of Capitally Unexpected

“Mom, hi!” Michelle says, holding her arms out for a hug hermother limply returns. Her mom’s eyes flash to mine, and in that instant, I know she’s pissed.

“I found your mom knocking on your door a little while ago,” Nancy, the woman from 2B, says to us. “I told her I was on my way here, if she wanted to take the Metro with me since she’d gotten the time wrong.”

“Well, thanks so much for rescuing her, Nancy,” Michelle says, her voice one I recognize from when she’s calling for sunny skies, knowing there’s the smallest chance an isolated thunderstorm could break out and turn the whole day to hell. “Mom, I’d like you to meet Hunter. Hunter, this is my mom, Diana Lewis.”

Diana. Same last name. I commit it to memory now. “It’s so nice to meet you, Ms. Lewis,” I say, reaching out for a hug, only to be rebuffed with a handshake. All right then.

“I moved recently and am having trouble with my mail forwarding. Michelle told me the time, but I must have written it down wrong. I’m so grateful you were there, so I didn’t miss this special occasion in my daughter’s life.” Diana’s voice is laced with something so poisonous it almost sounds sweet.

Nancy must only pick up on the honey as she beams at us, still under the impression she’s provided a great service. “Well, I’m off to grab a clothespin. Make sure you get one Diana—but don’t say baby!”

“I think I’ll find I’m biting my tongue all over the place today,” Diana says, her eyes skating over me. Her expression displays she’s not impressed with what she sees.

“So, you moved?” Michelle says as Nancy walks away, her tone conversational, with a side of optimism.

“Of course not. I assumed you didn’t want your guests to know you’re the type of person who doesn’t invite your own mother to your baby shower. A shower for a baby you didn’t bother to tell me existed.”

Michelle looks like she took a punch to the stomach, her face falling. I watch as she curls in on herself, unsure what role I should play in stopping it. “Sorry, Mom. I meant to tell you, butI know you have your own brand of advice about relationships. I thought it might be easier if Hunter and I navigated things on our own for a while.”

“Ah, yes. Hunter. You’re certainly a colorful one, aren’t you?” Her eyes fall to where my sleeves are visible under my rolled-up cuffs. “But I can see what you see in him, Michelle.” Diana gestures all around. “Seems like he comes with a lot of perks and benefits.”

“Oh, well Hunter’s brother reserved this—” I wince as a mean smile crosses Diana’s face.

“Oh, Hunter’s brother reserved the space. So his family could be involved as you navigatedthings”—her eyes flick to Michelle’s stomach with disdain—“between the two of you. With a brother like that I understand why you wanted to get knocked up. But you know very well a baby doesn’t guarantee a man will stay. We’re living proof.”

I’ve had enough. I step closer to tuck Michelle under my shoulder. “Hey?—”

Clinking of metal on china rings through the room, cutting me off. Charlotte stands at the front, teacup and fork in hand, waiting for everyone to turn her way.

“Thank you everyone for coming out today to shower Michelle and Hunter ahead of the arrival of their little one. The tea is fully steeped and the sandwiches are waiting, so grab a seat and let’s dig in. Guests of honor, you’re up here!” Charlotte indicates to a sweetheart table up near the present table.

“Look, Mom. I don’t want to do this with you right now. You’re welcome to stay, but please, if you’re going to be mad, be mad at me. Don’t take it out on anyone else.”

Diana ponders for a second, then her face transforms into something pleasant and friendly. “Guess I better go get a clothespin then. The bar downstairs doesn’t open for another couple of hours, anyway. Might as well drink some fancy ass tea.” She walks away, taking a seat next to Nancy. Whatever she says,Nancy must respond with the word “baby” as Diana wags her finger and takes the clothespin from the other woman’s collar.

“Are you sure you’re okay with her staying?” I say, as we move slowly to our table. “This place must have staff who knows how to get someone out without making a scene.”

Michelle shakes her head, taking a few deep breaths. “No. I said earlier I felt weird she wasn’t here, right? I spoke it into existence, and now I have to deal with it. Let’s go eat some tiny sandwiches, cookies, and open some hopefully adorable ass clothes.”

She smiles up at me, and only months of reading every emotion in her face betrays how close she is to falling apart. But I decide not to argue, instead helping Michelle scoot her chair in closer to the table. The whole time my eyes are on Diana, determined to watch her like a hawk.

Chapter

Twenty-Six

Michelle

Thirty-six weeks pregnant

While I don’t love sitting in front of everyone so they can watch me eat, I do appreciate Hunter isn’t forcing me to make small talk. I can’t believe my mom showed up uninvited. I realize we didn’t talk about why she’s in town, but it’s not totally out of character for her to show up unannounced. It’s never come with such a large stake attached before.

“Hey, Mich,” Hunter says my name in a way that tells me it’s not the first time he’s said it. “Try to eat something, okay?” He looks worried.

I nod, grabbing a cucumber sandwich from our tower. “Thanks, babe.” I reach over and squeeze his knee. He wraps his pinky around mine and our hands dangle between us. Hunter keeps eating with his left hand, wanting to be sure I know he’s right here.

“Michelle.” I jump slightly as Jax lays her hand on my shoulder. “Shit, sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you. We’re going to dopresents soon. Charlotte suggested I see if you need to go to the bathroom beforehand.”

“Well, I didn’t before, but I do now.” I laugh. “Is there anything she doesn’t think of?”

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