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“Your father and I have discussed this and—”
I’m taking over the family business, and now they want me to marry someone I shouldn’t?
“No, Mom, I’m not going to do that.”
“I’m just…” A sob interrupts her words. It makes my chest tight, hearing my mother disappointed. I’ve spent my entire life trying to make her and my stepfather proud, and now it’s like I’m kicking it all down.
It doesn’t feel right to tell her now about Olive. I’ll deliver one blow per phone call. I’ve never been more terrified of her reaction. Noelle will be a distant memory once I tell my mom about them.
“You’re not yourself right now, that’s all. Escaping without telling me. Taking an unplanned vacation. Throwing away the best relationship you’ve ever had…”
That makes me pause. I enjoyed my time with Noelle, but our relationship wasn’t the best. Not by a longshot. My relationship with Emily was. Even after she ghosted me.
“Where are you, anyway?” Mom asks.
Might as well tell her so she can stop wondering. “Goldheart. Remember, the place we went to the lake house Dad’s golfing buddy was giving up?”
“Oh,” she says. “Wasn’t that where you had that fling with that cute local girl? Emma?”
“Emily,” I say. I got her pregnant. I have a beautiful daughter named Olive. I made you a grandmother, just like you always wanted. I can’t wait for you to meet her. She’s so clever and beautiful.
“Are you there to see her, is that it? I remember I had a mini-crisis when I turned thirty-five…”
“No, no,” I lie. “I just remember that was the last time I was truly not stressed at all. I’m just recharging before Dad retires.”
I’m trying to not be the shitty dad I was so scared of becoming.
“I understand that, Button, but don’t go changing your whole life because you got some time to think. Breaking up with Noelle…you’re worrying me.”
“Don’t worry, Mom, I’m fine.”
“I know you are, but…” There’s a quiver in her voice.
My phone beeps with an incoming call. It’s Emily.
“Mom, I have to go. Someone is calling me.”
“Sweetie, I just really want you to think before making any more decisions. You are always welcome to talk to me.”
“Got it, Mom.”
“I just love you so much.” A low sob vibrates through the phone. I fidget, knowing I’m not getting to Emily’s call in time. “Are you sure you’re not seeing that girl?”
“No, I’m not,” I lie again.
“Did you find her?”
I swallow and look down. My phone stops its beeping. “No. Like I said, I’m just here to relax.”
“Okay.” I can hear the relief in her voice. “I love you.”
“I love you, Mom.”
“Rethink Noelle, Button. You’re not going to get much better than that woman. Stop dragging your feet already.”
“Okay, Mom. I have to get going.”
“Bye. Be a good boy,” she says and the line finally goes silent.
