Page 9 of Your Biggest Downfall
“Hey,” she said, flashing a warm smile as she wiped her hands on a towel. “I was finishing up in the kitchen. Do you want some tea?”
“Sure,” I replied, appreciating her efforts to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the changes in our family dynamics.
As Mae busied herself in the kitchen, I took a moment to soak in the familiar surroundings. The old wooden shelves were lined with an eclectic mix of books and knickknacks, each telling a story of its own.
“She does look good,” Mae commented from the other room.
“I’m right here,” my mother said, and I wrapped her in a hug. “Tell me about work.”
Mae returned with a tray of tea and cookies. “Yes, we’re looking forward to hearing about your big social media job. Your mom keeps making me refresh the Tiky Toky page to see if you posted again.”
I laughed, not bothering to correct her. “I?—”
“I’m so proud of you.” My mom gave me a little side hug.
I had lied to my mom. I’d lied to Mae. I told them I had actually gotten hired to do social media full-time for the Ravens. I didn’t tell them, or rather didn’t have the heart to tell them, that they didn’t want me.
“Thanks, Mami. Work is good. I actually was invited to a party with some of the team tonight.”
“Oh my god,” Aunt Mae squealed and jumped off the couch. She danced around the room. “Did you hear that Cecilia? Our little girl is going to a party.”
Mae never had children and never had a serious relationship. She said it was because she never wanted to, but I felt bad for her. She lived for my mom and her friends when she went to Bunco once a week. But she seemed content and always viewed me as one of her own.
“Will there be boys there?” my mom asked as she coughed.
I immediately jumped off the couch and checked on the IV to make sure she wasn’t getting the fluids too fast. It looked okay.
“Sit down. I’m fine, just old.”
“You’re not that old,” I quipped.
“Tell me about the party.”
“My friend Austin invited me today.”
“It is a boy,” Aunt Mae squealed and did her little dance again. “She’s dating.”
“No.” I held up a hand as I flopped back down next to Mami, picking up a cookie from the table. “I am not dating. Austin andI were friends last year, and we drifted apart, but I think we’re rekindling our friendship.”
At least, that’s what I concluded on my way here. After all this time, that was the only logical thing I could come up with.
My momtsked. “I bet he’s very stressed about the Stanley Cup. They’re so close to winning.”
“Yeah . . .”
“Just an observation.” She winked.
I was almost positive it wasn’t that, but if that was easier for her to believe, then I’d let her. That was the thing with Mami and her sickness. I let a lot of stuff slide, like lying about my job, because I wanted her to be proud of me. The moments I shared felt so precious and fleeting. Why burden her with all the shit I was actually going through in my life?
“Anyway, tell us what you’re going to wear to the party?”
I shrugged. “I figured maybe I’d borrow something from Luna’s closet.”
“Are you going to show off all your tattoos?” Mom asked.
I laughed. “I know you hate them,” I added.
“Eh. They’re rubbing off on me.”
