Page 19 of His Choice

My mother’s lip curled. “But this is so…average.”

Only my mother would conclude that a designer white polo and pair of black trousers that cost over a thousand dollars looked average. “Mom, did you feel the quality of this material? It’s not like I threw on one of my old T-shirts and a pair of shorts.”

Simone seemed apprehensive that she might get caught in an argument. “I just thought it makes Cliff look more down to earth. But the suit was very nice, too, Ms. Walker. It made your son appear very distinguished.”

“He is distinguished,” my mother replied. “And those potential boyfriends should know that. Cliff is anything but average. If they’re looking for someone down to earth, they can go onto Grindr and search for an archeologist.”

I rolled my eyes. “Mom, you were the one who said I can sometimes appear unapproachable. Are you sure you aren’t worried that me dressing casually will make you look like you’re overdressed when you’re introduced on the show?” I pointed at the outfit she had chosen from her closet. Although she did look very pretty in her David Yurman jewelry and ice blue gown, it worried me that she was hoping to turn His Choice into The Alicia Walker Show.

“What? This old thing?” she asked, glancing down at her clothes. “I just like the color on me. It draws attention away from my face. I’m not sure I was able to beat it into submission today.”

Simone seemed genuinely surprised that my mother would question her beauty. “Ms. Walker, you’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met. I’m sure the viewers will be shocked to learn you’re Cliff’s mother.” She turned to me with a gulp. “I mean, because she doesn’t look old enough…not because you aren’t beautiful, too.”

I smiled. “I knew what you meant.”

Simone grabbed the black suit off the rack. “Your mother is right. Even though you look great in both outfits, tonight’s premiere might be the only time you get to dress up. People should see how dashing you look in formal wear. I imagine most of the activities from here on out will be more casual.”

I nodded, then turned to my mother. “Mom did say she was here to give good advice. Chalk one up for her.”

My mother smirked as she turned to Simone. “By my count, it’s Mom one million, Cliff zero. But I’m not dead yet. He still has a chance to be right instead of me at some point.”

I was about to share a few examples of when that had already been the case, but a gang of my other friends entered my bedroom. Myles was carrying a bouquet of roses.

“We came to wish you good luck, Mr. Walker,” Josh, one of Adam’s and Myles’ sons explained.

“We were going to bring blindfolds for the contestants to improve your chances, but Myles thought flowers would be kinder,” Adam joked.

“You promised today you’d stop with the put-downs you guys do,” Myles chastised. “Cliff needs our support right now, not mean-spirited humor.”

Adam frowned. “I forgot.”

“It’s true,” Simone cut in, turning to my mother. “You’ve probably seen the three of them together. They always regress to adolescent behavior.”

My mother nodded, acknowledging she had witnessed us together. “You boys behave today. Everyone needs to focus on making this a success.”

Adam appeared apologetic. “Sorry, Ms. Walker. Cliff, we are all proud of you. You’ll represent White Pines well.”

“Yeah, and folks everywhere in town are excited. Everyone’s talking about how business has ramped up,” Keller added. “Maybe because of the promotional work Flynt and I have been doing? Just saying.”

Flynt beamed in response, peering my way for affirmation.

“I’m sure that’s a big reason. Thank you, both,” I said.

“Which means increased work for me and my officers, keeping order in town,” Mitch added, pretending to be put out by it. “But hey, if it means more money for local businesses and our friend landing a partner, then it’s worth it.”

I pushed my hands in my pockets. “Thanks, but guys, the odds are that won’t happen. Come on, let’s remember. This is a dumb, contrived show. I’m happy to help commerce in town and maybe boost my own businesses, but I don’t expect to find the love of my life.”

My mother patted my shoulder. “I’m amazed you’ve amassed so much success with that positive attitude, darling.”

I frowned. “This isn’t me being negative, Mom. I’m just being realistic. I always am. Believe it or not, I think that has contributed to my accomplishments. I expect the worst and have a plan to pivot if I’m right. If something good happens instead, I’m pleasantly surprised.”

“Well, I hope you will be again,” Myles added. “But it’s good that you’re here, Ms. Walker, to encourage your son.”

Simone noticed my smirk and eyeroll, then discreetly swatted my arm.

“Okay, I need to ask. Why do all of you keep referring to me as Ms. Walker? You can call me by my first name, you know,” my mother said. She looked to everyone in the room, all of whom had questioning expressions on their faces. My mother huffed. “Alicia!”

My friends murmured and nodded in unison, as if they recalled having been told that previously. Perhaps they had, but my mother didn’t give off a vibe of first-name familiarity.