Page 69 of Bless My Body

But she has always been more concerned with our family appearance and ensuring we’re at the top of

the social food chain in Savannah. So basically, she wants us to be the most popular kids in the class.

She won’t outright say it, but I know she wants other people to be jealous of us, and I hate that shit.

But she’s my mom, so I’ve tried to do everything she’s asked of me.

“Oh, don’t worry. I’ll still be up for ages. I’m working on your father’s birthday party.”

“Oh yeah?” I ask, even though I don’t really care. She’s always planned elaborate parties. I had to

beg her to stop doing it for me when I was a senior in high school. But my dad puts up with it to make

her happy. Even though he often rolls his eyes at some of the ‘society’ stuff Mom does, I think he

secretly likes it. He also likes to be the top dog in his social circle. Whatever.

“Yes, that’s actually why I’m calling.”

“Ok.”

“It’s in a few weeks. I’m giving you plenty of notice to make sure you’ll be able to come. It’s on a

Saturday, so you can drive here on Saturday morning and leave Sunday afternoon.” This is my mom.

Planning every last detail.

“Ok, sounds good, Mom. Just text me the date so I can add it to my calendar. I’ll make sure I’m

there.”

She pauses. “And another thing.” Oh, here we go.

“I think it would be good to show up with a date.” I roll my eyes even though she can’t see me.

Always with the dating thing. I’m beginning to think she wanted me married off before I graduated

college.

“Mom, I’m not dating anyone right now.”

“I know. But the Fairchild’s daughter will be in town that weekend. Melissa. You remember

Melissa, right? Really pretty brunette. She’s in law school.”

“Yes, Mom. I remember Melissa. We only went to school together for like twelve years.”

“Ok, so it should be perfect.” Perfect for whom? Not me, that’s for damn sure.

“No. I’m not going to Dad’s party with someone I haven’t seen in years.” I hate that she does this.

She always tries to set me up on dates with her friend’s daughters.

They’re always really nice women. That’s not the problem. But it’s like they’re too nice. They

grew up in the same social circles as me and had to learn manners and how to be a proper lady by the

age of twelve.