Page 2 of The Sweetmate

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“I’ve always been a loner. Being alone doesn’t bother me, Mom. I prefer completing tasks and achieving goals rather than fake relationships.”

“But they don’t have to be fake.”

“Relationships in general are tiresome. I don’t have the time. And again, I enjoy my solitude. It’s peaceful after a long day at work.”

That’s only partially true. Though I don’t mind being alone, it wouldn’t be terrible to have a companion. It doesn’t have to be an intimate relationship. It’s hard for me to open up, and it’s even harder for me to find time for building friendships. I’d like to have someone whom I could just share a meal with. That secret, however, I’ll keep to myself. If I told my mother, she’d have me matched up with someone before we ended the call. As a typical extrovert, it’s hard for her to imagine anyone not wanting to be constantly surrounded by people. She means well. Still, no thank you.

If not for me looking like an exact replica of her younger self, people would question if I’m her biological child. While she’s always in bright colors and sparkling with her wild costume jewelry, I’m in neutral colors and zero accessories. She wears the latest makeup trends, whereas I’m minimalistic—the poster child for simple and… boring. We both share long, shiny dark hair, gray eyes, olive skin, and more often than not, we’re the shortest one in the room.

I hear her sigh and her voice turns soothing. “And it’s perfectly fine if you want to be a loner.”

But is it, mother?The tone of her voice says she doesn’t believe that.

“Mom, I appreciate your concern. I really do. But I’m in the parking garage and need to get back to the office. Can we possibly discuss this another time?”As in never.

“Real quick.” She rushes her words out. “Dad and I had been hoping that when you moved there, you might spend time with Hadassah. She’s your cousin. I spoke to her – we had a lovely chat. And she’d love to go out for coffee with you. Or drinks. Girls’ nights…” When I remain silent, she adds, “Would you at least give her a call or shoot her a text message?”

“It’s already weird having her husband as my superior.”

“Superior. He’s not your superior.”

“That’s what you call the person over you. He’s my boss.”

“But he’s nottheboss. He’s just been there longer than you.”

Nice try, Mother.I let her have it and move on. “I’m not going to have anyone accusing me of trying to butter anyone up or trying to get favors.”

I want to add that if I haven’t called or texted in theyearsI’ve been here, what makes her think I would now?

My cousin Hadassah and I are not close. It’s strictly a coincidence that I ended up at the same company as her husband, Kourt Pharms. It was a college professor who directed me toward this company, and a recommendation from where I interned that landed me there. It wasn’t until theonepromotion Ifinallyreceived aftertwoyears that I was moved to his department. I didn’t even know he worked there until I discovered he was going to be my new boss. Terrified that he had some part in my being hired, I thoroughly investigated it, because I’d quit if I thought I hadn’t gained employment by my own merit. It’s all an unfortunate coincidence.

“That’s silly. Nobody is going to think that.”

“Really?”

Mom sighs and then tries explaining again. “You’re family. You need to spend time together. And who is going to know?”

“I’m busy.”

“You always say that.” Cue another sigh. “Slow down and enjoy life while you’re still young, my darling.”

Ah, the ticking clock. I get reminded of how fleeting time is at least every other week.

“Yes, Mom.” I don’t want to be rude to my mother, but it’s time to wrap this conversation up. I lock my car and hurry into the building. I press the elevator call button, and then speak into the phone. “Hey, Mom, I’m about to get on the elevator so the call might get dropped. But listen, you’re right. I will.” I don’t clarify that I will try to slow down, but I’m still not calling my cousin.

“Okay, baby. I love you, darling.”

“I love you too, Mom.”

“Talk soon?”

“Of course. Bye, Mom.”

“Bye, baby.”

The elevator arrives right as I hit the end call button. I step on and sigh up at the ceiling. There’s no use in telling my mom that while Hadassah has been pleasant, the few conversations we’ve had have felt forced. Of course, that could be on me. I don’t want to be around her at all because of her husband, Kourt. When I first started working in his department, Kourt was pleasant—borderline overly friendly even. But this last year, he has become rude. It’s gotten to the point that I made a grid to gauge whether I should report him to human resources. My conclusion was that the outcome would result in unnecessary drama and more conflict than I was comfortable dealing with, so I’ve chosen to ignore and rise above.

Luckily, I only see him once or twice throughout the day. It looks like we’re starting off early today. My computer is just coming to life as I watch him approaching from across the room. Kourt towers over all the cubicle walls as he walks with confidence—which is impressive in itself, as the beige suit he’swearing is absolutely hideous. I love natural and earthy tones, but the color is too bland, even by my standards.