And whoever he’s talking to will go, “Nah, mate, she wouldn’t.”
I step into the shower feeling empowered. By the time I finish, I’m ready to get to work and stop feeling sorry for myself.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Mum says carefully, when I emerge from my room dressed and scrolling through emails.
“Talk about what?”
“The invitation.”
“Thanks, Mum, but I’ve done too much talking about it already. Where is it? I’ll put it on my desk and RSVP later today.”
“Uh-huh.” She nods slowly, handing it over.
I take it, smiling. “It’s OK, Mum. I’m going to say no.”
“Ah.” Her shoulders relax. “Well, that’s the right decision. He shouldn’t have invited you. A cruel thing to do.”
“I don’t think he was going for cruel.” I laugh. “I think he was trying to be nice.”
“Don’t let it get you down. You’re better off without him.”
“I think so.”
“You’ve got plenty going on in your life. No time to worry about the past.”
“Exactly.”
“He was always sponging off you. Depending on you. Dad and I never liked him.”
“Sure.”
“Do you know what you need?”
“A Bloody Mary?”
“Someone to spoil you! Someone to get excited about. Youwork so hard! And although I’m fully supportive of the fantastic career path you’ve chosen,” she emphasizes, “I am slightly aware that it might not be too healthy to be around weddings all the time when you’ve got Daniel’s to deal with.”
“It’s OK, Mum,” I assure her. “I don’t see it that way. These weddings are my job.”
“I read about a new company the other day, which organizes dates for groups, rather than one-on-one. That way you can go with some friends and have a good time even if you don’t meet someone in the group you’re matched with.”
“Mum,” I groan, “please, no dating advice.”
“I would neverdreamof it,” she says, looking shocked. “I’m simply saying you deserve a fun night out being spoiled by a dashing young man.”
As far as parents go when it comes to dating, mine really aren’t pushy. Mum’s always been much more interested in my career and my financial stability, and I haven’t given her the easiest of rides, announcing after several years of being a PA that I was moving into a career of being a bridesmaid. That I suddenly became single again at thirty didn’t faze them at all in comparison with that.
“Daniel’s actions are beyond me,” she continues. “But perhaps we can put a positive spin on it. Maybe it’s the motivation you need to get back out there. When you’re ready, of course. You know, see who’s who.”
I can’t help but smile. “Thanks, Mum. I’ll consider it. And now that this awkward conversation has come to a natural end, I’ve got some phone calls to make and emails to sort before we grab brunch.”
She holds up her hands. “I won’t get in your way. I can just…” She glances around the room, her eyes coming to rest on the stack of bridal magazines on the coffee table. “… do some reading. Maybe I can help with one of your weddings.”
I leave her happily flicking through the latest copy ofBridaland head into my office (cupboard). I’m in the middle of answering an email about fabrics when Mum appears.
“Don’t tell me you’re bored already. Seriously, Mum, you can’t order brunch before ten o’clock at the earliest.”
“Look!” she exclaims, shoving the magazine in my face. It’s open on the page of engagement announcements.
