Page 70 of Friend Zoned

“The douchebag and the whore just arrived with some people,” she whispers. “They all look like a bunch of miserable asshole cunts.”

“Layla, I don’t care. Just let me know when they are gone. I might step out to grab lunch, so call my cell if you need me.” I end the call and take a breath. I sit behind my desk for the first time today and close my eyes. I’ll sit for fifteen minutes before leaving. I meant to grab lunch an hour ago to avoid any members of this party, but there were too many fires to put out.

After fifteen minutes of silence, I take that as a sign from the universe that it’s safe for me to leave, so I check my phone before grabbing my coat. There are no missed calls or texts from Aiden. I’m not surprised since he has a busy day today. I’ve spent every night at his house this week. Even when he was away for work, he asked me to stay, and since I have no bed and a contractor has gutted my kitchen and bathroom, I’ve had no choice.

Not that it’s a hardship. He has a housekeeper, and his meal service has provided all the food. I thought I’d have a hard time letting a perfect stranger do my laundry and clean up after me, but I don’t. I got used to it fast. The best part about staying with him is when he comes home late at night, climbs into bed with me, and takes me in his arms.

Me: Miss you. Love you.

I slide the phone into my pocket only to feel it vibrate.

Greenwich: Me too.

He follows it up with a wink. I button my long wool coat and tie the sash tight. Just as I reach for my office door it swings open and Louise Gardner, my former mother-in-law walks in. She’s followed by Alana, Quintin’s older sister.

Louise sees me and pulls me into a hug. She’s not a big woman, but her hug is tight. She pulls away and cups my face before kissing my cheeks. Alana pushes her out of the way and hugs me. Whatever issues I’ve had with Quintin, it’s never spilled over into his family. They were my family for years, and we’ve always gotten along well.

“Look at you,” Louise says. “I’ve missed you. And you’re glowing,” she says. She looks sadly around the room. Her eyes pool with tears, and I brace myself. She was very angry with Quintin and begged me to try and forgive him. “I couldn’t believe it when Quintin told me the shower would be here. He kept that detail from me until today. I’m so sorry, Jeannie.” She takes both my hands in hers. “You’ll always be my daughter. No one will ever take your place in our family or in my heart.”

She grabs a handkerchief and wipes her eyes. Unsure of what to say, I squeeze her hands.

“I miss you guys too,” I tell them.

“I understand why you cut us off,” Alana says. “But I’m here if you ever want to reach out.”

“Thank you. That means a lot, but I’m fine. I don’t want you guys to worry about me or think that I’m bothered by this.” In fact, it would have been better if they didn’t come into my office, but I should have anticipated that they would.

“You’re positively glowing. Always so pretty,” Louise says. “I don’t know why my son would ruin things with you to be with that gutter trash. I can’t stand her.”

“Mom,” Alana warns. “We don’t need to dump this on Jeannie.”

“You’re right,” Louise says to her daughter. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to see you. I still love you so much.” She drops my hands and spins around my office. “I just hate this.” She faces me again and looks into my eyes. She stays silent and stares at me as if she can see my soul. Then it’s like something clicks. “I see,” she says, her voice sounding almost defeated, but that doesn’t last long. She grabs my hands with a strength that belies her frail body. “I know you can find it in your heart to love a child. The child has nothing to do with any of this. I know you get that. You have such a good heart, and my son made a terrible mistake. If you—”

“Mother! Enough. Quintin made this mess, and it’s not Jeannie’s job to come in and clean it up. You’re being unfair.”

“But Alana—”

“Mom, no.”

Unsure of what to say or do, I wait for Alana to deal with her mother. Louise has health issues that are triggered by stress, so I hold my tongue and don’t tell her there’s no way in hell I would ever touch her son again. I can barely stand to be in the same room with him as it is. Alana puts her arm around her mother just as a soft knock comes at my door. I brace myself for another uninvited guest, but it’s Aiden who sticks his head through the door.

He walks in but comes to a complete stop when he sees my guests. Of all the ways I expected today to go, this didn’t make the list.

“I’m sorry. I’ll wait outside. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Aiden says, but his eyes don’t leave my face. I’m sure he knows something is off.

“We’re the ones who are sorry. Let’s go, Mom.” Alana takes her mother’s hand, but Louise pulls away and hugs me.

“Please, think about what I said. Maybe the two of us can have lunch.” She sounds so hopeful, I don’t’ have the heart to tell her no.

“Mom, don’t do this,” Alana says. She looks at me and mouths sorry.

“I’ll let you get back to work now,” Louise says, but she looks from me to Aiden.

“Um, he’s not work,” I say, grateful that Aiden is here, and I can let Louise know that her wish will never happen. “He’s my boyfriend. Louise, this is Aiden Walsh. Aid, this is Louise Gardner, my former mother-in-law. And Alana, my former sister-in-law.”

Louise puts a hand to her chest and lets out an aggrieved gasp. Alana looks Aiden up and down.

“I’d like to think I’m a little work,” Aiden jokes. He offers Louise his hand, and despite her surprise and disappointment, she takes it. He does the same to Alana. I cross the small office, and he pulls me to his side.

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