Page 105 of Make Me Sin (Bad Habit 2)
Unfortunately, it won’t be. And if I thought I knew what pain was before, the two of them will soon give me an education in pain that will last me a lifetime.
“Honestly, Chloe, it’s time I met this young man. You’ve been living with him for two months, for goodness’ sake! When Bunny asked me the other day at the club how you were doing, I had absolutely nothing to say, did I? I don’t even know his last name!”
My mother. Within minutes of calling the shop, she’s in harassment mode. I smile to myself. Not even Mommy Dearest can knock me off my high.
It’s been a few weeks since the Memorial Day party, and everything in my world is about as perfect as it can be. We haven’t seen or heard from Eric—he didn’t press charges against A.J.—and Heavenly feels like a distant memory. Best of all, everything between A.J. and me has been great. As in, amazingly great.
As in, I’m so in love with that man it seems like a dream come true.
“His last name is Edwards, mother, which I’m sure Dad has told you on more than one occasion. And you’ll meet him at the wedding. I’m not ready to release the hounds on him just yet.”
She makes a sound like she’s deeply insulted, which I know is manufactured strictly for guilt-inducing purposes. We both know what A.J. would be subjected to if my mother gets him alone. When she gets him alone; I can already picture the scene at the wedding. I feel sorry for him in advance.
Lucky for us, my father is on our side. He and A.J. have spoken several times on my burner phone, and I get the feeling they like each other, though neither one admits it out loud.
Men.
“So if it wasn’t for Kat having the good manners to invite us to the wedding, we’d never meet him?”
“Let’s not get carried away on the exaggeration train, mother.”
My parents have known Kat for years, since we went to high school together. Her mother was sick all through high school, and died our senior year, so Kat spent a lot of time at my house. My parents are like her godparents, so of course they were invited to the wedding. My brother, too. It’s just over two months away; I can’t believe how fast time is flying by. Grace and I haven’t even planned what we’re going to do for Kat’s bachelorette party yet.
“Well, James had a few good things to say about him, anyway,” she admits grudgingly.
I perk up at that. “Really? Like what?”
There’s a fraught beat of silence. “He says he can tell this young man really cares for you. He thinks you’re safe with him.” She exhales heavily. “And after what you’ve been through, that’s all that really matters to your father and me.”
I’m touched. “Thanks, Mom. And I agree with Jamie on both counts. In fact . . . I can’t remember ever being this happy.”
Is that a sniffle I hear? No. Impossible. My mother isn’t sentimental in the least.
“I’m glad you’ve kept your apartment anyway, Chloe. That’s very sensible of you. Just in case.”
I scowl. I’ve only kept my apartment because I signed a contract, which isn’t even close to being up. If I walk away from it I’ll get hit with a lawsuit, so it’s been sitting empty, gathering dust. My mother must sense the storm clouds building, because she quickly changes the subject.
“How’s work?”
I nearly fall off my chair in shock. “Um . . . great, actually. Thanks for asking. Kat’s mentioned a few things about the wedding on social media that have been really great for Fleuret. I’ve picked up three big new clients this week alone.”
There’s a small pause, then my mother quietly says, “Your father and I are very proud of you, Chloe. I know we don’t tell you enough, but we are. And we love you.”
Now I’m completely blown away. I wonder if she’s been drinking. “I love you, too, Mom.”
The bell on my shop door jingles, indicating someone’s come in. I’ve been expecting Kat and Nico; today I’m showing them the samples of their dining table centerpieces.
I look at the clock, wondering why A.J. isn’t here yet. He confirmed just this morning he’d be here, and h
e’s not one to be late. He said he had a meeting with his manager at ten o’clock, but that was hours ago. A twinge of worry pinches my stomach, but I push it aside.
“Gotta go, Mom. I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”
I hear the sound of a kiss through the phone. “Take care of yourself, darling.”
“I will. Bye.”
When we hang up, I cross my fingers that Nico and Kat will like their samples. Trina and I spent all morning setting up two square banquet tables in the shop so they could see how the final table setup would look at the wedding. I’ve rented linens, silver, and glassware, and have set the tables for eight guests, mimicking the setup for the reception. In the center of one table is the low arrangement we’ll be using, with the tall, dramatic arrangement on the other. They’re alternating tall and low for the reception tables, which is one of my favorite designs for a large party. It gives the room more visual interest than just a sea of tall arrangements, which can easily look overdone.
