Page 141 of Mr. Aster
“I had no idea it was a crime for me to visit my grandchild while you were away for work.”
“Do not patronize me, Mother. You never come here to visit Charlotte,” I said, stopping at the foot of the marble staircase and turning to face her. “Charlotte is most likely asleep, hence the reason she didn’t answer the door with you, so you are here to receive me because you must’ve known when my jet landed.”
“Ah,” she smiled, her eyebrow raised sharply at me. “You’re onto me.”
“I have no time for games. I’m having the nanny pack for herself and Charlotte to come to Mexico with me once I get Darcy’s location. And, no, I’m not speaking with you about my plans once I reunite with her either.”
“It’s what I want to speak to you about,” she said.
I sighed. “There is nothingyoucan possibly say that will change my situation for better or worse,” I answered her, “so you’ve wasted your time by showing up here.”
“I realize that; however, I’m here because I want to tell you how proud I am of you,” she said.
“Right,” I answered with a frown, trying to figure out what manner of manipulation she was attempting with this unexpected move.
“In the last few months, I’ve watched you and Charlotte grow close, and, in the beginning, I found myself quite jealous that you’d managed something your father and I never could.”
I remained quiet, curious about where my mother was going with this. I would’ve been a fool to think she didn’t have something up her sleeve.
“You are a good father and an amazing man who I am proud to call my son,” she said and then went on. “I don’t even think Melissa could’ve managed what you’ve accomplished with Charlotte these past months.”
“Your point, Mother?” I said, losing patience and knowing I didn’t need my mother’s approval.
“I do not wish to speak ill of Melissa,” she said.
“So don’t,” I answered. “You know I’ve moved past her death. I said my final farewell at her grave, and I’ve made peace with our flawed marriage and her passing.”
“I’m happy to see you’ve successfully grieved her untimely death,” she said. “Here is what I want to say: Even though your father and I have never cared for Darcy Burke, we are grateful she found her way into your heart.”
I heard the sincerity in my mother’s voice but kept my lips in a tight line, attempting to keep my jaw from dropping to the floor in shock.
“Son,” she said softly, “your father and I are bound by tradition and perhapsantiquated ways, but they are all we have ever known. Between you and John—and even Mark,” she chuckled, shaking her head at the mention of my brother who ultimately had become a bartender on a beach somewhere in French Polynesia, “you’re breaking all those old rules, and though it has been extremely uncomfortable for your father and me, we want our sons to be happy.”
“You’ve both worn yourselves out trying to mold us into robots, I see?”
Surprisingly, she smiled. “One way of putting it,” she answered. “I’ve seen my granddaughter blossom in a short time, and after such a long, dreadful grieving period that you two have endured, her happiness brings me joy. Your happiness and ability to overcome insurmountable odds have given me great relief, and I know you made those strides because of thepersuasion of the young woman who stole your heart. So, I’m thankful to her for that. With that said,” she eyed me, “your father and I approve of your relationship with her.”
“That’s great to know now that it no longer exists,” I said. “AndifI get her back, you should know that I would’ve pursued a future with her with or without your approval.”
“You made that very clear when you and Darcy were a couple,” she chuckled, and I was pleased with her honesty.
“Good. It is important that you know I’m not living for anyone but myself and Charlotte anymore,” I answered. “And since I fucked it all up with Darcy, it’s going to take some work to get her back now.”
“Nothing is worth having if it’s given freely,” she said. “If Darcy didn’t make you work for her affection, you probably wouldn’t appreciate it.”
“I understand what you’re saying, but I already appreciate what I have with Darcy. I just had to lose it to understand.”
“Well, I am deeply sorry that your father and I behaved childishly and harshly, trying to sabotage your happiness with the young woman,” she said. “You should go find her.”
“I appreciate your apologies,” I said, wanting to wrap this up. Although I was pleased to have their approval, knowing I didn’t need it gave me a sense of satisfaction I couldn’t explain. “I need to talk to Callie and have her pack a bag for her and Charlotte to come to Mexico.”
“Your father will arrange the bodyguards,” my mother said. “I know you don’t worry for yourself, but you must keep your nanny and Charlotte’s safety in mind while visiting.”
“I understand your concern,” I said, trying not to roll my eyes, “but that won’t be necessary. Nobody’s life will be at risk.”
“They’ll just be on site,” she said.
“Mom?” I arched an eyebrow at her. “Let me worry about those matters. I do not need you or Dad to get involved. I’m a grown-ass man; allow me to remain that way.”
