Page 37 of Vicious Vows

“Good riddance. I didn’t want her here to begin with!”

Grandmama smiles, but says, “Even so, she shouldn’t disrespect the family in such a way.”

“So very true.”

Two maids enter, and I exhale softly. No dinner for me, I guess. They place a plate in front of Grandmama and Mother. My stomach rumbles softly. God, their food smells so good. Tonight they’re having steak and baked potatoes. I’d give anything to have a bite of either item.

Grandmama takes a bite and says, “Well, if I haven’t said it before, I want you to know how proud I am of you, Selma.”

Mother beams. I don’t blame her for that. Grandmama isn’t one to hand out compliments.

“I’m glad I’ve made you proud, Mother. You know I’ve always put the family first.”

“That you have, but now it’s your time to live.” She smiles. “Tell me, have you gotten your fiancé to agree on a honeymoon trip yet?”

“We’re getting there.” Mother cuts into her steak. “Odin suggested something today that I want to run by you.”

Grandmama says, “I’m listening.”

“He’d like me to move in before the wedding so that we can get to know each other a little bit better.” Her cheeks flush. “I know it’s not the traditional way to do things.”

Grandmama laughs. “Selma, you’re not a blushing virgin. Of course, you may move in with him. When were you thinking of leaving?”

“Odin suggested tomorrow. I know it’s soon, but it will give us two weeks before the wedding to get to know each other.”

“I think that’s a splendid idea.”

I exhale softly. Guess he took my words to heart. Maybe he finally realized that this thing between us is madness. I should be happy, but I can’t deny that I’m a bit hurt.

Mother says, “He would also like Anna to stay with us.”

This gets my attention and I exclaim, “What?”

Mother and Grandmama ignore me, per usual.

Mother continues, “He thinks Anna and I will be safer under his roof.”

“Are you sure you want Anna underfoot while you and Odin get to know each other?” She gives my mother a knowing smile that makes my stomach roil. “The honeymoon phase often starts before the actual honeymoon.”

“I said something similar, but Odin said he’d never forgive himself if something happened to my only child.”

Her tone suggests that she doesn’t feel the same way.

Grandmama nods. “I think that is acceptable.”

No! This can’t be happening!

“I’ll still be over so we can plan the wedding together.”

Grandmama reaches over, patting Mother’s hand. “I look forward to it.”

They spend the rest of their meal talking about the wedding. By the time I’m dismissed, I’m on the verge of tears. In my room, I close my door and go to my nightstand, digging out my phone.

Odin

You’re a real piece of work, you know it?

Care to elaborate?

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