Page 47 of Wifey
“Take the escort, Laurie.” I declare, already annoyed I had to even repeat it. “It’s not up for negotiation.”
“Okay. Okay.” She holds up her hands in defeat. “Is this courtesy of Mr. Man?”
“No,” I smile at her. “It’s courtesy of me. Let me make a phone call and I’ll be right out.”
“Sure thing.” Laurie quietly leaves and closes the door behind her.
I dial Cameron’s number and he picks up on the first ring. “My angel…what is it, baby?”
I let out the breath I’ve held since I’ve made eye contact with Laurie. “My mother is back in town and I have no idea what to do.”
Book III
Twenty
This isn’t what I had in mind on my mother’s first night back in town. A part of me expected her to stay somewhere and not bother me until she needed something and suddenly leave when she didn’t.
We’re at Eric’s and Heather’s home for yet another extravagant dinner. Heather made beef wellington with mashed potatoes and asparagus. I told Cameron Laurie was a vegetarian and Heather included two more vegetarian dishes just for Laurie.
Laurie changed into a long black skirt and matching tank top. She kept her jewelry the same and it complemented the outfit. She topped her look with sandals and she put her braids in an up-down hairstyle.
Over dinner, Eric, Heather, and Laurie conversed like they were old friends. Laurie and Heather binge-watch the same shows and had a love for 90-Day Fiancé. Laurie and Eric had traveled to the same countries and talked about the various touristy spots they both went to.
They laughed and shared jokes. Laurie asked questions when Eric went into intimate detail about his various excursions throughout the years. Laurie intently listened when Heather talked about her designer bag collection and asked about the stitching of the items.
That was Laurie – she could be a chameleon when it was necessary. She could easily adapt to any environment and situation like it was second nature. It didn’t matter if it was a fancy dinner party or it was a room full of addicts.
She shared how she started a community garden when she lived in Oakland. She also went swimming with the dolphins in Hawaii. She became a doula in Los Angeles and had assisted with many births.
Of course, Laurie would do all of that.
Maybe I can say I was jealous. My mother didn’t have hang-ups or morals like I did. She came and went at her leisure and at the expense of others. She was never disrespectful but she knew to never waste anyone’s time.
I wish I could’ve been like that. I wish I could’ve been so free, it didn’t matter who got hurt in the process. I cared too much and it always bit me in the ass. Come to think of it, Laurie would’ve been a better suited girlfriend for Cameron than I would’ve been.
He could go and do various deals and killings, and she wouldn’t care one bit as she practiced yoga and drank kombucha. The very thought of it just makes me more heartbroken and irritated with every passing minute.
Meanwhile, Cameron intently watched Laurie interact with his parents. He was used to playing the quiet child and not to appear as a distraction to his power-hungry parents. I didn’t have to wonder why Cameron took comfort in the streets instead from his parents.
He didn’t say anything unless he was spoken to and I was the same. I guess I was too shell-shocked by what I saw. They all had something in common – they were grifters of the highest value. This is how Laurie appeared to me, even though I had no idea who she was.
“Taylor!”
I blink and turn to the sound of Eric’s voice. “Um, yes?”
“You’ve been so quiet since you’ve been here.” He flashes his megawatt smile. The politician in him never quite turns off. “You doing okay over there, kiddo?”
“I am,” I nod, “Thank you.”
“She’s always been a quiet one since she was a baby.” Laurie looks over at me. “Never spoke too much and never really added to a conversation. She was always kinda there and in the background. It’s a good thing, though.” She smiles. “Not everyone needs to speak when the presence is more powerful.”
I could tolerate Laurie waltzing back in like it wasn’t a big deal and sleeping with Daddy as if nothing ever occurred. I can’t put up with her insulting me when I’m the only reason why she has a place to stay. “Maybe I was so quiet around you, Laurie, because my single father taught me not to talk to strangers. You would never know anything about being a presence in your only daughter’s life, now would you?” I stand up and slam my napkin down. “I lost my appetite. I’m going home.”
I leave the room and go to the butler to collect my things. I can’t even bear to fake it like Heather and the other socialites. I just need to be as far away from Laurie as possible. I began to walk outside and Cameron rushes out a short time later. “Wanna go for a walk?”
“No, I would prefer I go home but I guess I don’t have a choice now?” I shot back.
Cameron holds up his hands. “Let’s go for ice cream.”
