I think my best friend knows there is something I’m not saying, but, luckily, someone shows up.
“Knock, knock,” my mother says, arriving early. “Look who I found,” she says, pointing behind her to two women I’ve never met but have seen pictures of.
I stand as quickly as I can.
“Oh my gosh, Mark didn’t tell me you were coming. He said maybe, but I . . . I’m sorry I didn’t greet you at the door or pick you up from the airport or . . .”
“No, no.” His mother waves her hand between us. “It was a last-minute thing that we were both able to get the time off. We are only here for the afternoon.”
“Just for the afternoon? What? You are flying back after this? Which airline did you use, because, holy smokes, that’s got to be expensive,” June deadpans.
I cover my mouth as I try not to laugh. “This, um, this is Mark’s mom, Vickie, and his sister, Mattie.”
“Ohhhh, I get it now. Did you charter or fly commercial?”
“June!”
“What? I’m very curious about their lifestyle. I need to know if the hustle is worth it, or if I should keep doing the average.”
“Oh, well,” Mattie speaks up. “The hustle is worth the clothing, but not the rest if you ask me.”
“Interesting,” June says and ever so obviously roams her gaze over Mattie’s outfit. “I’d say the hustle is worth it.”
Mattie and her mother laugh.
“All right, now that we have that out of the way, can I get either of you something to drink?”
“We can get it,” Mark’s mother says. “Just point us in the right direction.”
My mother gives them a quick tour of the snacks and refreshments, and then I show them the baby’s room. It’s not finished yet but will be after this party. With graduation coming up fast, we don’t have much time left.
“I’m so excited to have another grandbaby,” Mark’s mother says, taking a seat in the recliner next to mine. “I thought it would be years before either of my kids had children, but I have to admit, I’m happy they are both having them young. Makes me feel young.”
“I bet it does,” Mattie says, joining us in the living room as we wait for the rest of the guests.
“Where should I hang this sign?” my mother asks.
“Oh, I saw a good spot in the kitchen. Let me help you,” Mark’s mom says quickly, leaving me alone with Mattie.
Aside from the fact that Mark and Mattie are twins and have dark hair, there is nothing similar about them. I’d never know they were related.
“Mark tells me you have twin boys.”
“Yep. Wild pair those two are.”
“I can’t even imagine.”
“You’ll have a glimpse soon enough. So hey, I’m glad I have a moment alone with you. I wanted to talk to you about my brother.”
Oh no. Another ‘just talk to him and tell him you want to be with him” speech.
“He’s changed a lot since he met you, and truth be told, I’ve always liked my brother, but I love this new side of him. I know it’s because of you. And I know he really loves you. Like truly.”
“Oh, um . . .”
I don’t even know what to say.
Mattie pauses to look up. She studies me for a moment.
