Page 61 of Out of Bounds
“I know. It just happened, completely unplanned.” I drink my water wishing I could turn it into wine. Maybe if I prayed hard enough God would help me out. Or not. Wasn’t it too much wine that got me in trouble?
I don’t know how many sins I committed with Ethan in that one night.
“I get it but try explaining such and such to our relatives. And of course, Lucille thinks you’ve stolen her moment.”
Of course, she does. But serves her right. Even if I get divorced or annulled or whatever it’s called, I still got married before her.
“I’m sure she’s upset.”
“Of course, she’s upset and you wore the dress she was going to pick. She hadn’t decided yet.”
Double serves her right.
“Well, how was I to know that? It was Vera Wang, I’m sure anybody would jump at the chance to have it.”
“And that’s exactly what I said,” Mama says with a wicked smile on her face. “And the only reason I forgive you for getting married without me.”
I chuckle lightly. My mother is an interesting being.
“You should have seen their faces. It was good to know my daughter could get dressed up too in Ms. Wang’s couture and look like the beautiful princess she is.”
Oh my God, have I just died?
Did my mother just call me a beautiful princess?
“Thanks Mama.”
“Don’t you ‘thanks mama’ me. I’m still upset I missed the wedding and you got married in Vegas of all the places.AndI also have another bone to pick with you.”
“What bone is it this time Mama?”
“I’ve seen you running around with Shelby,planning. Planning without me again. I heard you were talking about a spa.”
This means Shelby spoke to her. I wanted to keep it quiet, but I understand why Shelby did it. I do lean on her more than I do with my mother, and it must be awkward for her at times.
“Just because I’m not swanky like Shelby with my perfect hair and clothes and I don’t think it’s appropriate to teach you about orgasms doesn’t mean you can’t share your plans with me.”
Papa chokes on his drink and a coughing fit follows. Mama slaps him on his back a few times and he rights himself.
“Are you okay dear?” she asks him.
“Yes, warning next time please. I don’t talk about orgasms either.”
I shake my head at them both.
Mama turns back to me and gives me a pointed look. “Anyway, I would love to hear about the spa, Bree. Sometimes I get jealous thinking that you wish Shelby was your mother and not me.”
I just stare at her because I’ve been jealous my whole life of how much she praises Lucille. She even said once that she wished she was her daughter.
I decide I’m not going to allow her to make me feel bad.
“Mama, I talk to Shelby because she listens to me. I would have loved to tell you about the spa but the last time I got an idea you told me I wasn’t capable of following through with it or anything. That hurt me to no end, and I didn’t want you to say the same thing to me this time.”
She gazes back at me for a few moments then looks over at my father who nods agreeing with me.
Mama sighs. “I know and I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that to you. I do think it will work out. It’s new and I believe after seeing the way you handle the salon that you’ll weather any storm that comes your way.”
I must really have died because she’s never been so forthcoming before not ever.
