Page 56 of Pucking Matt
I nod, pushing my food around my plate. “That's great, Mom.”
James puffs up like a peacock. Only the best for your mother. She deserves it.”
Yeah, I'm sure that's why you bought it.Definitely not because she’s a trophy wife.
As the dinner drags on, I can't help but notice more and more of my mom's…quirks I purposely forced myself to forget. The way she name-drops her country club friends, the not-so-subtle hints about James's income, the constant preening and primping. It's like watching a street cat with a platinum credit card.
“Matthew, you simply must join us at the club sometime,” she says, her voice dripping with faux concern. “You work so hard, you deserve a day of relaxation.”
Translation: You need to network with rich people if you want to succeed in life.
She wasn’t like this until she left Mr. Cress. None of this shit used to matter to her until lately. Thank God, I was out of the house for most of this. Once she got that freedom, she went off the rails. But inflation will make the gold digger’s claws sharpen, won’t it?
I force a smile. “Sure, Mom. When I have some free time.”
James nods approvingly. “That's the thing about success, Matthew. It's all about who you know.”
I bite back a retort about how it's actually about hard work and talent, but what's the point? They're not going to listen anyway.
As we're finishing up dessert (which Mom only picks at, of course), I find myself wishing I was back at the Grind Stone. At least there, the only fakeness I have to deal with is the occasional neutral attitude from Amber. I know I drive that woman wild and she has to hold herself back.
“Well, this has been great,” I say, standing up maybe a bit too eagerly. “But I've got an early practice tomorrow, so…”
My mom’s face falls. “Sit back down, Matthew.”
I do as she says because I haven’t seen much of her lately. “Okay,” I blink, clenching my jaw.
“I didn’t want to spring this on you, honey,” she says with a big smile.
Great. Just fucking great. I can tell by her grin exactly what’s going on, why we’re here, and why she’s dressed like this with makeup that ages her.
“James and I are engaged!” she squeals.
The restaurant claps for her as I nod, forcing a quick smile. I include myself in the clapping. “That’s great, Mom. Really. Congratulations.”
She’s tearing up, and I hold back my eye roll. James is waving at everyone clapping. This is annoying, and that’s an understatement.
“When’s the wedding?” I ask.
My mom smiles as James pulls her in for a kiss. “We’re eloping. You have to come.”
“Okay. When?”
“Soon. Yeah, very soon. There’s some work things to take care of, but I’ll let you know as soon as we do.”
“Okay, Mom. Sounds good.” I stand. I lean down to kiss her cheek, catching a whiff of her overpowering perfume. “Sorry I have to go. You know how it is. Gotta keep my eye on the prize.”
“No problem, honey. I’m so proud of you.”
“James,” I take his hand. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you, son.”
I blink at him. “Okay.”
Before I can turn away, my mom says, “Oh, honey, let your girlfriend know. I would love to meet her.”
I shake my head. “Uh, Mom.”
