Page 52 of Wifey
Laurie smiles at me and relaxes. “You mind if I sit down?”
“No, go ahead.” I mention as I begin to make the smoothies. I finish the drinks and get the muffins out. I decided to join my mother for breakfast and finally hash everything out. I don’t know when it’ll be the next time I’ll see Laurie and I want us to be on a good note.
“I just wanted to say I’m sorry for last night. I didn’t mean to insult you and I now know my choice of words was very poor.” She begins and blows out a small breath. “Sometimes my heart reacts before I can properly think.” She thinks for a moment. “I was just so proud of you and seeing you’re with such a prestigious family and…” She blows out another breath. “Let’s eat outside.”
We eat in occasional silence, asking questions and talking about mundane things like the weather and TV shows. It feels like I’m back in college as I sat with Hayley and Meadow, asking them questions to see if we click. I’m not in college and Laurie isn’t a potential roommate. Yet, we have to talk like this because we don’t have a relationship.
I learn a little more about the night she had with the Pages and spoke fondly of them. She told me they comforted her after we abruptly left but it was back to business as if nothing ever happened. She also gave me the same eerie warning Daddy gave me.
“Just be careful of them, pretty girl.” She calls me by the nickname she’s always called me. “They’re rich, and powerful. I’ve hung out with people like them before. They’re not all as they seem.”
“How do you gather?” I ask.
Laurie takes a pinch of muffin and considers. “They both love power and reputation more than the need to do what is right. They’re not bad people, but I’m not entirely sure if they’re good people.” She takes another pinch. “I honestly don’t think Cameron cares for his father that much. I think he respects his power, but not necessarily him.”
Laurie didn’t need to tell me twice. I got the same vibe from Cameron when we started dating. When Eric cornered me the other night, it was clear he was more interested I met with Senator Edwards than I served the coffee. I’ve always been leery of Cameron’s parents and I barely know his siblings. I’m not sure if I even want to.
I need to get down to business and stop beating around the bush on why I needed to talk to Laurie. It was more than having a ki-ki with an old girlfriend. I finally muster the courage to ask the question that was always in the back of my head and the answer always evaded me. “Why did you leave me, Laurie? You dropped in whenever you wanted to, but you made it clear you didn’t want a relationship.”
Laurie sipped her green smoothie and took a deep breath. She stares out into the sky and nods as if there is someone telling her something and she agrees. Maybe it’s the numerous voices or ‘auras’ as she likes to call them telling her what is the most PC answer she could give me without looking like a complete dick.
“I did what was best for you and your father. I’m not surprised Lamont never told you the full story.” Laurie sighed and looked out into the distance. “At the time, they thought it was just me being selfish and maybe that was a part of it. The real part of it was I had a severe case of post-partum depression. Except it wasn’t depression, it was psychosis.
“I didn’t like who I’ve become. I cried everyday over the littlest things. I saw you and felt love and joy. I saw you, and I felt inexplicable rage. One time I seriously considered putting you in the oven and turning it on. That’s when I knew I had to step away.
“I used to check in often, but you were too young to remember those visits. So I started to stay away longer. Lamont wasn’t happy about it but he was too busy trying to get the coffee shop off the ground. He didn’t want anymore distractions.
“He always made sure you were taken care of. Your Nana and aunties watched you. You had plenty of cousins and friends. Every time I came down, you seemed to be happier than before. You were always busy. You were into clubs, and sports. You helped your father at the shop.
“And maybe I felt slighted. I saw how you managed to have a life of your own without me and I didn’t want to add anymore stress to that. I know; it sounds selfish as all heck. I decided popping in and seeing how you were doing every so often was a better choice.” She finally looks over at me with somber eyes. “I thought I was doing the right thing and it wasn’t. It was a very bad decision. I’m sorry I’ve hurt you. I didn’t mean to. I hope maybe one day you can forgive me and we’ll have some sort of relationship in the future.”
I smiled at her. It was the first time Laurie admitted she was wrong and accepted responsibility. I’ve longed for the mother-daughter relationship for years and while some things were too little, too late, I was hopeful we could have a close relationship in the future. “I forgive you, Laurie.”
She grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “Thank you. I promise you one day, I’ll earn your trust so you’ll be able to call me mom.”
~~~~~~
My mother left shortly afterward and went about her day. Over the next few days, Laurie and I spent as much time as possible with each other. We went on shopping trips, had nice quiet dinners, and even binge-watchedGreenleaftogether.
It felt like a mother-daughter relationship I’d always wanted and craved. She lightly braided my hair until I fell asleep in her lap. We made plans to see other after she came back from another excursion she was about to take on.
I lost a father, but gained a mother.
Feeling an extra pep in my step, I concentrated on running the store. The days flew by with numerous customers in and out. I lost count of the numerous cups of coffee, smoothies, muffins, cookies, and biscuits served. I also didn’t lose track of how much I serve the community.
It was a good reminder of why Daddy wanted me to take over the business. He could’ve given it to Gabe or even Alicia, the people he trusted the most. He gave it to me, knowing I didn’t know a lick about running a coffee shop or any business.
I noticed everything quickly, with some bumps in the road. The remaining customers were always there but new fresh, young faces revitalized the shops. Having the open spaces during a pandemic really saved the business and I’m proud to admit it was my business acumen with no assistance from Cameron and his family. The shops are thriving under a pandemic and furthermore, my relationship with Laurie is better than ever.
Nothing can wrong. And something always will.
“So, is everything okay with you and Laurie now?” Hayley asks over a quick lunch break in our shared office.
“Yeah, for the most part.” I dig into my chicken wrap. “I’m still hesitant because Laurie just doesn’t want to be bothered with responsibility but she at least apologized for past actions so there’s that.”
“I think she just wasn’t cut out for motherhood.” Hayley replies and I shrug. “Not everyone is. Girl, Monica has taught me a lot about myself. I value my free time, but man, I can’t stand not to be around her for very long.”
“You only work part-time, anyway, Hay.” I reply before I take a bite. “Unless this is your polite way of telling me you’re about to quit?”
