Page 24 of Wild Curves
Typical of Mom to be so oblivious.
“You do, Mom. Every time I talk to you, you ask me when you’re gonna get grandkids. I thought if I pretended I had a boyfriend, you’d stop harassing me.”
Her mouth opens and closes like a fish. “So, you’re telling me you don’t have a boyfriend?”
“No, Mom. And I don’t want one. My job’s too important to me.”
“Oh, honey, I know it’s important to you. I’m so proud of you. I never got to have a career. And here’s you, working at this fancy restaurant.”
It’s my turn to be surprised. I’ve never once heard Mom say she was proud of what I do.
“So you mean to tell me that Allan… Arlo was pretending all this time?”
I think about his lips crushing mine, the way his eyes light up when he smiles, and the taste of his dick in my mouth.
“Yes Mom, he was pretending. Sorry.”
She raises her eyebrows at me. “Well, if he’s been pretending, he should go to Hollywood, MeMe. There is nothing fake about the way that man looks at you.”
My breath catches at her words, and there’s a longing deep inside me.
“I know you want your career, MeMe. But a love like that only comes around once in a lifetime. You gotta grab it with both hands. If he loves you, you’ll figure out the work life balance.”
My mouth drops open. It’s the first time Mom has ever mentioned anything about a work life balance. All she’s ever talked about was how my career will ruin my family life.
“I’m proud of you, MeMe, and what you’ve done with your career. But please, don’t let that man get away. And I’m not saying that because I want grandbabies. I’m saying that because I want you to be happy.
“The way that man looks at you reminds me of me and your father when we were younger.” A faraway look comes into her eyes. “You know what we used to do… “
“No Mom.” I stop her before she can say something inappropriate. “I don’t want to know what you and Dad used to get up to.”
She chuckles, a throaty laugh. “Just as well, honey. You blush too easily anyway.”
“Are you ready, love?” Dad calls from the doorway.
Mom pats my cheek and smiles.
“Whatever you do with your life, MeMe, we’re real proud of you. And I promise not to mention grandbabies again.”
I raise an eyebrow at her. “Really?”
Mom considers. “Well, I promise only to mention them once a week.”
It’s a start.
Mum clatters down the steps and gets into the car. Dad honks the horn as they pull away and turn onto the mountain road.
I go back into my apartment and shut the door, letting out a long sigh. The only sound is the ticking of the clock and the muffled sound of a television from the apartment next door.
In my too small kitchen, I find a leftover piece of chocolate cake in the fridge. I grab a fork and sit on the couch, spooning forkfuls of it into my mouth.
All my life I wanted something different than what Mom had. I’ve wanted to get away from her overbearing personality and smothering love. But all I’ve done is push away the one person I’ve ever felt anything for.
There’s a knock at the door, and I put the cake down. I cast my eyes around the room to see what it is Mom’s forgotten. But I can’t see anything. When I pull open the door, it’s not Mom, but Arlo, looking ruggedly handsome in his biker jacket and rough beard.
My heart skips a beat at the sight of him.
“Can I come in?”
