Page 14 of Love Letter Lost
“That’s not necessary. With school done for the year, I don’t have as many places to go, and my roommates can help me.” I could also use ride share apps, though I wasn’t about to discuss that possibility with Mother. She didn’t trust ride share drivers.
After a bit more debating, she dropped the subject, moving on to her favorite topic: my dating life.
“Have you given more thought to your date for the wedding?”
“I’m not bringing a date. I’m going to be too busy helping Livvy.”
“But I have two great possibilities and a third passable option who could go with you.” She continued. I breathed in, counting to four before exhaling. MaybeIshould give that paper bag trick a try.
“How about you send me their pictures and brief descriptions, and I’ll let you know if I’m interested in any of them?” Who knew, maybe I could treat my mom’s selections like an online dating service. Thumbs up means the guy’s a legit possibility, anything else means no. It could work.
“I’d much rather you went on a date with each of them and then picked the best guy for the wedding. Some of them don’t look good in writing, but I promise they’re great guys.”
“I really don’t have time for three dates this week.”Also, what made someone not good in writing?
“School just ended, and I know your little home projects can’t take all of your time. What else do you have going on besides waiting on car repairs?”
I ignored her dig about the apartment complex, knowing she wouldn’t care about the battle for tenants I was currently waging against Milton Corp. “Livvy needs a ton of help with her reception, and I promised to step in.”
“That’s so sweet of you. Maybe one of these guys could help you! It might be a great bonding experience, working together on a family event.”
I needed to end this phone call now, before I said something I’d regret. “I’ll think on it, but how many guys are going to want to put together a wedding for a first date? That seems like a whole new level of crazy.”
“Good point, but surely there’s something one of these guys can do. Just don’t mention it’s for a wedding. You think on it and let me know. Besides, it’s not like you’ll be doing wedding stuff 24/7, and the dates don’t have to be long. Just long enough to find a real contender for the wedding. I could even come down and help Livvy. I could sleep on your couch. It won’t hurt my back that much and you’ll need your bed for optimal beauty rest so that you’re ready for your dates.”
I wished on so many levels that she was kidding, but I knew better. Images of the week when Mother had crashed at my house as a birthday surprise came to mind, making me cringe. I did not need another shoulder-padded-power-suit shopping spree followed by binge watching 80s movies I was better off never knowing existed.
I managed to talk Mother down for the moment. Though I had a feeling the discussion was far from over. After all, everyone had their hobbies, and meddling in my life was my mother’s. Someday, if I ever did marry, I had no clue how she’d spend all her free time. Maybe she’d learn to knit. Or I could channel her energy into my growing list of refurbishment and renovation projects, just as long as I was good with 1980s chic.
I wrapped up the phone call with my mother before shooting a text to Livvy.
ME:Mother suggested helping you with your wedding would make for great date
activities. Haha
LIVVY:At least it would mean more hands on deck.
ME:If you’re that desperate for help, I say just elope. It would be easier.
LIVVY:Eloping sounds more appealing every day…
* * *
I finally surfacedfrom my room to the smell of freshly baked cookies. Audrey and Chloe were sprawled in the living room, buried in pillows and blankets, watching a movie.
I made a beeline for the fridge, pulling out a bottle of Dr. Pepper from the back where vegetables went to die but drinks came out slightly frozen, resulting in a delightful caffeine-filled slush. I took a big swallow, allowing the burn of carbonation to distract me from the disaster I’d just signed up for. I then wandered over to the living room where a plate full of cookies beckoned.
“Whatcha watching?” I sat on the couch, next to Audrey, and deposited my drink on the coffee table before snagging a cookie from the plate. It was still warm, the chocolate leaving smudges on my fingers.
Audrey paused the movie and both roommates turned to stare at me.
“What?”
“First off,” Chloe raised her hand, ticking off her thoughts on each finger, “you almost make us late for church. And, while I love you, you looked like death warmed over. Then you’re quiet the entire car ride to and from church, not even commenting when we discussed the hot new guy. Seriously, he could star in a Marvel movie, he’s that gorgeous. On top of that, as soon as we get home you disappear into your room, not bothering to eat anything, despite Audrey having made pot roast. Now, you join us on the couch like everything’s normal even though you’ve broken into the off-limits slushy Dr. Pepper stash, which we all know is for emergencies only. Spill.”
I didn’t know where to start, so I picked the least threatening item on the list. “How did I not realize you made pot roast, Audrey? Are there leftovers?” I moved into the kitchen, opening the fridge to find a covered plate, my name written on a sticky note stuck to the top. “Cookies and pot roast, you’re the best.”
I popped the food into the microwave, took another swig of Dr. Pepper, and leaned against the counter as I waited for my lunch to warm up.
