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“Look, Mom,” Chloe interrupted, once again glancing at her watch. She didn’t have time to listen to her mother’s upcoming agenda. “I have a favor to ask you.”
“Yes, of course. Why else would you be calling?”
Really?Chloe thought.You have the nerve to sound indignant? You’re trying to makemefeel guilty? You, who were never there, who never…She stopped. Now was not the time to start recounting her mother’s failings. “I was wondering if…Look, I’m stuck somewhere and I might not be able to make it home by three o’clock when the kids get back from camp. I was hoping you might be able to come over…”
“Of course,” her mother said. “I’ll leave now.”
“Really?”
“You needn’t sound so shocked, Chloe. I love those children, and I don’t see near enough of them.”
Whose fault is that?Chloe asked silently, deciding not to voice that thought out loud. “Thank you,” she muttered instead, opting to leave well enough alone. “I’ll try to get home as fast as I can.”
“No need to rush. I assume my key still works?”
“It still works.” Something else she’d have to do before the end of the week, Chloe realized: change the locks.
“Good. Then I’ll see you later.”
“Thanks again,” Chloe said, but her mother had already clicked off. “Well, well. Will wonders never cease,” she said, shaking her head.
“You found someone?” Trudy asked.
“My mother,” she said, amazement clinging to her voice.
“Mothers are the best.”
Chloe nodded, although she didn’t buy it. Maybe mothers like Joan Hamilton. Not mothers like Jennifer Powadiuk. Still, maybe age was mellowing her. Maybe she really did love her grandchildren, despite not seeing them very often. Would Josh and Sasha even recognize the woman who’d be there to greet them when they got off the bus?
Yes, her mother could be charming. Yes, she could be funny and even sweet on occasion. When the occasion suited her. When she could use it to her advantage.
Remind you of anyone?Chloe thought.
“Dear God, I married my mother,” she whispered, the realization forcing the words from her mouth with such force, she started choking.
“Oh, dear,” Trudy said. “Can I get you some water?”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll be fine.” Chloe cleared her throat. Clearing her mind of such unwelcome thoughts wouldn’t be nearly as easy.
She heard the door open behind her.
“I’m so sorry I’m late,” a woman said, appearing in front of Chloe, hand extended. “I’m Pamela Lang. Thank you so much for waiting.”
Chloe stared into the kind face of a woman perhaps a decade her senior, her brown hair streaked with gray and pulled into a tightly secured bun at the nape of her neck. She was wearing a navy jacket over a matching skirt and white blouse, seemingly impervious to the summer heat. Chloe felt immediately safe.
Pamela Lang indicated her inner office with a sweep of her hands. “Shall we get this show on the road?”
Chloe rose to her feet.By all means,she thought.Let’s get this show on the road.
