Page 82 of Until Tomorrow Comes
Maybe that’s why my brother and I have a messed up relationship. The only example we had was the dysfunctional relationship between my mom and aunt, where everything in life was a competition. Including how they raised their kids.
“It’s new. We’re still taking things one day at a time and enjoying each day while we get to know each other,” Kat answers, leaning into me. My mom watches us silently, while Kat chats with my aunt and uncle. By the time they walk away to go catch up with another family member, Kat has them eating out of the palm of her hands.
I lean in, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead and whispering to her,
“You didn’t tell me you were this good at wining and dining people.”
She tilts her head back, smiling up at me.
“I’ve spent the last two years schmoozing with people I didn’t know, nor like. Makes me the perfect date for winning people over.”
A knot forms in my stomach at the thought of her dealing with a bunch of people in suits simply to benefit her douche canoe almost ex-husband. Before I can apologize for putting her in a similar situation, she pushes up to place a gentle kiss on my cheek.
“This is a lot more fun.” She glances at the bar over my shoulder. “Do you want a drink?”
“Yeah, I’ll grab them. What would you like?”
“If they have the wine we drank last night, that would be amazing. If not, any Riesling will be good.”
I kiss her cheek before turning to my mom. “Would you like anything, Ma?”
She lifts her half full glass and shakes her head. “I’m all set.”
Heading toward the bar, I’m stopped by multiple different relatives who all say the same thing.
“I didn’t think you’d come!”
“This must be so hard for you.”
“The ceremony was so beautiful; Molly really knows how to plan stunning weddings.”
“Who’s that beautiful woman you’re with?”
That question was easy enough to answer and ultimately gave me a reason to walk away, claiming I needed to get back to my date.
With each family member who stops me, I would slide my hand into my pocket, clutching to Kat’s underwear like a lifeline. The feel of them in my palm, and the thoughts of Kat coming undone on my hand only a few hours ago, would help soothe any discomfort or anger. There might not be any fabric left by the end of the night if everyone continues to bring up either my failed marriage ormy niece.
When I step up to the bar, my cousin joins me, rambling about how beautiful everything is. After giving the bartender our drink order, I nod my head, tuning her out, and offering random “mhmm’s” in response. As I watch our drinks being made, I can’t stop thinking about how I had Kat spread out a couple hours ago. However, I do realize that thinking about her naked might not be the best idea, as there are enough people here that someone would definitely catch me adjusting my aching cock.
Fuck, I didn’t think this through.
By the time I get our drinks, guilt is settling heavy inside of me due to how long I’ve been gone. Turning around, my stomach drops when Kat and my mom aren’t where I left them. I scan the room, unease taking over when I don’t see them right away. It’s not that I don’t think Kat can’t handle my mother, it’s just that I know my mom.
She’s without a doubt upset that she didn’t know I was dating Kat, even if it’s not the full truth, she’s going to dig.
Moving to where I left them, relief crashes through me when I find them out on the patio area through the glass doors. From what I can see, there’s no one else out there with them. I pick up my pace, hoping my mom is beingnice.
Just as I reach the doors, the sound of my mom’s voice has me stopping. Both of them have their backs to the doors, so neither have noticed me coming up behind them.
“I was hoping once he got here, that they would just forget their squabble and just… get along again,” My mom whines.
“You actually consider everything that’s happened between them asquabble?” Kat questions, disbelief coating her voice, although her tone is calm.
“Yes!” My mom exclaims back. “Todd made a mistake, but it’s beenyearssince then. He says it’s up to Jackson to apologize first, but you know he won’t. And Jackson hasn’t even met his own niece.”
I notice the way Kat’s shoulders stiffen, but my mother doesn’t, and continues ranting.
“It’s impossible. I can’t figure out where I went wrong in raising them and it just feels like they don’t want me to be happy!” My mom dabs a tissue under her eye, wiping away tears that may or may not be there. Kat turns to her and it’s then that I notice the way her jaw clenches as she stares at my mom for a long moment before speaking.
