Page 65 of Pause

Huh. I haven’t met him before.

I don’t have much time to dwell on it. My mother’s face turns red and she giggles. Giggles! I’ve never seen my mother flustered. My handsome man has the ability to rattle my sweet, no-nonsense mother? She doesn’t mention celebrities she thinks are handsome, for fear of offending my father. She doesn’t even like to watch romance movies, for fear they’ll put bad thoughts in her mind. Even Hallmark movies. She calls romance novels dime-store books. It’s not a compliment.

Yet, she’s giggling over Slade. What world am I living in?

“Let’s get you checked in,” Slade offers. “Where’s your luggage?”

Slade and my father go to retrieve the luggage while my mother grabs my arm as we walk into Sheridan House.

“This is lovely, Marin. I see why you love it here. I see why you’re taken with Slade too. What a nice man. He’s a looker too. In my day, we would’ve called him a fox. My mom would’ve said ‘hubba hubba.’ I’m so glad you’re happy again. After what Blu did to you, you deserve happiness.”

I try to stutter out a sentence, but I’m still taken aback by my mother’s thoughts about Slade. It’s so unlike her.

Joss welcomes Mom to Sheridan House before I can respond. Dad and Slade join us just a few moments later.

Slade stands by me, gently rubbing my back. Mom’s eagle eyes watch every move.

Joss gives them the spiel, and my parents respond with every compliment known to mankind. Way over the top.

“This is so wonderful,” Mom says.

“What a beautiful home,” Dad says.

“I don’t think we’ve ever stayed anywhere so nice,” Mom chirps.

“Such service,” Dad adds.

“I’ll be sure to tell all my friends about this place.” Mom’s turn.

“No more Rocky Point Inn for us. This is the place to be.” And Dad again.

Oh boy. They’re trying really hard to be friendly.

“Thank you,” Slade says humbly, as he grabs their luggage.

Tate takes over. “I got it. Get your barbeque ready.”

“Oh, such muscles,” Mom says, her comment directed at Slade. “My daughter is a lucky girl.”

I send herthe look, but she doesn’t seem to notice.

“Get settled in and meet us out on the patio when you’re ready. Take your time,” Slade tells my parents. If he thinks my parents are odd, he doesn’t let on.

“Thank you so much. This is just amazing. Such hospitality. I’ve never been treated so well,” my mom flutters.

I have never seen her so fluttery in my entire life. My mom does not flutter. She’s gracious, kind, and normal. What is wrong with her?

When my parents make their way to the patio, we introduce them to Lauren, who’s relaxing in a lounge chair. Joss and Tate are there as well, who they’d already met.

Lively conversation takes place between them all as Slade and I put the final touches on dinner. It’s a beautiful sunny day. The Misty Gray wind machine is turned off, so we’ll be eating outside.

I’m busy walking in and out of the house, setting things on the table. Every time I glance at the barbeque, my mother has Slade engaged in conversation. I can hear her fluttery laugh when I’minsidethe house. It’s that loud. My mother has a prim and proper ladylike laugh. What is happening?

I finish setting the table. We’re just waiting on Slade to finish barbequing. Lauren, Tate, and my father are conversing like normal people.

I take a seat next to Joss. “I think it’s safe to say your mom likes Slade.”

I glare at Slade and my mother. “They’re acting as though they’ve known each other for years. It’s kind of weird. I’ve never heard Mom laugh like that.”

---