“I told you he was an ornery old man,” Mom says. “But I’m glad he’s doing better. And I think I’d like to meet this stranger—because at least I know your grandfather cares about who you end up with, so I have a feeling the stranger’s actually nice.”
“Mom, don’t get any ideas. We don’t know hardly anything about her.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. What did you say her name was, Magnolia? What’s her last name?”
“I’m not gonna tell you that, Mom. I’m not gonna let you go Facebook-stalk her.” I use that as an excuse not to tell her the truth. I don’t even think I know Magnolia’s last name.
“Well, when are you gonna tell him?” Mom asks.
“I just talked to Dr. Charles, and he said that we probably shouldn’t tell him yet. So, now I’m stuck with a fiancée, who’s not really my fiancée, and I have to pretend like we’ve been together for a while.”
“Why didn’t you tell him that Jane broke up with you?”
“That is the million-dollar question,” I say. “And I guess it comes down to my own pride, because I was so sure I was right. I didn’t want to admit that I’d made a mistake and that you and Grandpa were right about her character.”
When Grandpa found out that I had proposed, he asked me if I was completely sure. I don’t know if it was the fact that I froze and hesitated for a few seconds or just the fact that he hadn’t met her yet that made him suspicious, but he asked me to tell her that I had been disinherited, that I would be looking for full-time work in a blue-collar job, and that we’d have to rent a small apartment in town.
I told him saying that wouldn’t change anything.
Grandpa seemed to think she’d leave me. Unfortunately, Grandpa was right. Mom was relieved when Jane left because she’d been worried about the same thing.
And now I’m left with the awkward feeling that I can’t read people—that I don’t know how to judge character anymore. And I don’t like that feeling. I’m at a loss.
“I was just embarrassed, I guess,” I admit to Mom.
“It’s not your fault that she was only in it for the money. I’m glad you didn’t end up marrying her though. I never liked her.”
“I should’ve listened to you and Grandpa. Maybe, someday, you guys can have a cup of coffee and bond over your dislike of my ex-fiancée.”
“Now, that’s a thought,” she says with a laugh. “Finally, some common ground. Tell him I’m glad he’s doing better. I love you. Good luck with everything, and make sure you bring Magnolia to meet me.”
“It’s not a real relationship, Mom. It’s just pretend,” I say, feeling rather exasperated.
“Of course it is. I didn’t mean it was actually real.”
“How do you already like Magnolia more than Jane?” I ask her.
“The fact that your grandfather thinks she’s good for you,” she says. “I might disagree with that man on a lot of things, and I completely disagree with how he handled mine and your father’s marriage, but I’ve seen him work hard to change. I’ve seen how much he loves you, so I know he only wants the best for you. Therefore, if he met this girl and really likes her, then she must be something else. Maybe you should think about making it something real.”
“Mom, I think you need to get out of town. Go see some people.”
“I am perfectly happy here,” she says brightly.
Herehappens to be a small town in eastern Oregon. She lives on the ranch that she and my dad ran together. Her whole family lives in town, and she has lots of nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews to spend time with. She loves living in a small town, and honestly, I don’t think she’ll ever leave—because it feels like a piece of my dad is still there.
“I love you too, Mom. I’m hoping to come for a visit soon.”
“Don’t come alone!” she says in a singsong voice.
“I’m hanging up now, before you can say more embarrassing things.”
She hangs up first, and I pocket my phone.
She sounded good and feisty today. It’s been fifteen years since we lost my dad, and sometimes, we still have days that are hard to get through.
The back door opens, and a man walks in, carrying bags.
“Hey, Sid.”
