Page 25 of Brews & Bartenders

"Well," she clears her throat, "tell me about your little breakfast this morning. And if you need another night free to go on a date, I'm all for it."

"Oh my god, Mom." I run my hand over my face. "Not you, too."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Groaning, I stand and pace around the table. "It means all of you are so adamant about me dating him and making it something more than it probably ever will be. We have one date and all of you are basically marching us up the aisle already."

"I most certainly am not." She just switched over to mom voice. "I only want you to be happy and get out and do something for yourself that doesn't revolve around work, or David. It's not healthy."

"I have girl's night every week."

"Okay, and not something that revolves around your friends. I'm not saying you should revolve your life around this new man. All I'm saying is go out, have fun. And then also maybe pick up a hobby. Because, like I said, this isn't healthy."

"You were always there when we were kids after dad left." And, she can't say she wasn't because I remember it distinctly. She rarely went anywhere that didn't include us. I want to provide that same thing for David.

"That is where you're wrong. Do you remember all those nights you stayed the night with your uncle and aunt for the weekend or week? It wasn't always because I was working. Sometimes I had dates. Sometimes I just rented a hotel room for the night so I could have some time to myself. Those things are perfectly okay. And I want you to have those, otherwise you're going to become so burnt out about being a single mom and working without a life."

"You don't know that." My voice comes off like a petulant child, but that's what I feel like right now with her lecturing me. "David already has anxiety issues whenever I don't come home or when I'm home late."

"And that's something both of you need to work through. The amount of stress you're under is something I've been through, and I don't want that for you.

"It took a long time for me to get to a place where I would send you to your aunts and uncles so that I could have some quality time. You have a loving family around you that can provide that for you. Between me, your brothers, and Tonya, they're all willing to do whatever you need at a moment's notice. All you have to do is ask."

And that right there is the hang-up. She knows I hate asking for help. That I hate being reliant on one person. I was completely lost when Nathan left. I didn't have an identity for myself. Everything revolved around him and the baby. I lostmyselfand I never want to be in that position again.

It's also probably why I'm so independent now. Sometimes, to my detriment.

"I'll think about it. Besides I'm sure he works tomorrow."

"Yes, dear. At a bar. Where I'm sure it'll still be open when you're done with the wedding. Just have fun. And if you don't want to go see what he's up to tomorrow night. You can always go see a movie. I've got David. You have nothing to worry about. Besides, your brother has been bugging me to play with him all weekend."

"Why?" I mean, I love my brother and all but he's not exactly the most giving when it comes to relationships outside of himself.

“Because it's football season, and your brother played football in high school, and he wants to help David in any way he can."

Oh, dear God. That could go badly. "Just make sure he doesn't hurt David. I know he has the best intentions but at the same time he's not exactly gentle.

"I know. Believe me. I will be watching them the whole time."

"And make sure he doesn't teach him anything bad. I don't need another version of my brother."

She laughs, "Nobody needs another version of your brother. One is enough. Maybe I can see if Tonya and Reaf have plans. And even if they don't ask them if Leila can come over, then it could be a grandchild grandma sleepover."

"Okay, Mom." There's no arguing with her. She's already made up her mind, and this is the plan. "Make sure he packs for both nights.

"I will. I raised three kids. I think I have this down."

"Okay, well, have David call me before he goes to bed tonight. I'm sure I'll be at the venue setting up, but it'll be nice to hear his voice."

She mumbles something under her breath. And I'm not sure it's something I want to hear, and it's probably good I didn't.

"Love you, Mom. Talk to you later."

"Love you too." Before I say anything else, or backtrack the entire agreement. She hangs up. I swear that woman is going to drive me to drink.

I put the phone back in my pocket, unlock and open the door. To my surprise my friends aren't hovering right outside. They are, however, standing at the edge of the hallway. "I thought y'all were getting the flowers together to load into the van."

"Well," Emily rings her hands together. "We were, but then we heard your voice get louder and decided to see what was going."

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