Page 133 of Pucking Matt
“So, Mom,” I mutter. “Amber and I have been together for almost six months.”
“Wow,” she says, looking at the two of us. Her eyes end on Amber as she says, “That’s your longest relationship?”
I nod. “My longest relationship, yes.”
“The one-year mark will test you,” James adds in.
“Have you guys been together for a year?” I ask.
My mom shakes her head. “No, you would have met him sooner.” She looks at James. “When you know, you just know.”
I stare at Amber to avoid this awkward lie my mom is trying to make us believe. But when Amber’s eyes meet mine, everything else fades.When you know, you know.I never used to believe that, but I think I might reconsider. Since the moment I saw Amber at the Grind Stone, I couldn’t stay away. I went into the Grind Stone every day in hopes to see her face. And now I crave her presence like a fucking drug. I work where she works, I Facetime her, and I try my hardest to force her to do things with me. For example, dinner the other night and this weekend. I can’t see myself without her. Right now, she’s watching me while she eats, and I wonder if she knows that I can’t get enough of her.
“It’s different when you’re our age,” my mom says. “Those rules are out the door. Don’t get me wrong, there are still challenges, but if you choose each other at the end of every day, it’ll last. Six months is a big deal for you, Matt.”
I nod, thinking about how I could easily choose Amber at the end of every day. “Six months is a big deal,” I agree.
My mom observes me. I’m smiling because it’s a lie, not because it’s cute. But with the way my mom is watching me, I know she thinks I’m in love. That’s all I’m trying to prove right now.
I dig in and eat my plate of food.
My mom wipes her mouth, and I can tell that my mini conversation has softened this punch. She’s not ignoring Amber anymore.
“So, James would like to take you with him to get ready. And Amber, if you don’t mind, you can get ready with me.”
Amber nods. “Sure. I don’t mind.”
“Okay,” my mom smiles. I can tell that it’s forced, but not necessarily fake.
We sit in silence, finishing our meal. I can’t wait for this lunch to be over. When the waiter asks if we want dessert, my mom politely declines and asks for the bill.
Shortly after, the bill is paid and it’s time to leave.
I glance at Amber, rubbing my leg against hers.
“Mom, what time do you want to get ready?” I turn to her, feeling the heat of Amber’s stare.
“We have three hours until the wedding, so in about an hour or so?”
Amber nods. “Okay.
I ask, “Where’s your room?”
“Room 1107,” James answers. “I’ll come down to your room and send Amber up with your mom. Sound good?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
Amber says while smashing my foot, “Matt?”
I stand, taking Amber’s hand. I put an arm around her shoulder as we walk away.
“That was…” Amber trails off.
“Brutal and awkward as hell.”
Amber laughs. “I swear I didn’t mean to sound like such a bitch. I was trying to sayif I buy a house, you’re the guy to calland then adding in the divorce thing was just…bad.”
I chuckle, pressing my lips on her hair. “It was pretty bad.”
