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I bend down and pick up the phone. “What did you get in the mail?” A cold sweat breaks out across my body.
“Your wedding invitation. What do you think I got?”
“Oh.” I don’t know what else to say. My stomach twists.
“Oh? That’s all you have to say?”
“The invites weren’t supposed to go out for a few weeks.”
“Mandi, that is hardly the point.” She covers the receiver. Hank, my stepdad, must have come into the room and asked why she’s screaming, because I overhear a muffled version of her telling him the entire story, including me dropping my phone.
“Mom?” I wait a few seconds. “Mom.” She’s still rambling to Hank. “Mom!”
“I’m coming down there.”
“No!”
The chime on my door rings and another couple walks in, examining the small lobby area. They each smile at me. I put up my finger, giving them a “please be patient for a moment” smile.
“I have to go check in some guests. I’ll be by after work to explain.”
“Mandi, I am not going to wait until then. Hank and I are coming to the restaurant.”
Click.
I stare at the phone. She hung up on me. Unbelievable.
After taking a deep breath, I regain my composure and turn my attention to the guests. This couple is just as cute as the last. She’s petite with blonde hair, and he’s tall with dark hair and light eyes. They’re both dressed as if they’re going to attend a polo match. Wheeling their matching luggage behind them, they approach the counter.
“Welcome to SunBay Inn,” I say. “Checking in?”
The man gives me all the information I need while the woman wanders over to the display of brochures for different activities to do in the community.
“You have glass blowing in town?” she asks.
“Yes, and if you enjoy it, you picked the right weekend. Theo has an entire festival going on this weekend. There’s pottery too.”
The man glances at the woman as she blushes and says, “Like Ghost?”
He turns back to me. “She loves that movie.”
“What’s not to love?” I smile and accept his credit card.
Those small things always give me a pang of jealousy. The fact he knew she loves that movie, that it’s a small inside joke between them because he knows her so well. When I think about being with someone, that’s what I’m looking for. I’m not really interested in the big displays of affection like bouquets of flowers or expensive jewelry. Just someone who knows that the minute I walk into the house after a bad day, I just need a hug. Someone who orders my favorite takeout and surprises me with movie night at home on the couch. Someone who shows me how important I am in his life. I think it’s the little things that add up day after day to make a big romance.
“Definitely make sure you take that brochure then. Theo, the owner, is a great host. You’re sure to have a great time.” I hand over their keys and direct them to their room.
The sound of tires screeching in the parking lot says my mom is here. The man stops at the window to look outside with concern.
“Excuse me.” I quickly walk around the counter and out the door before anyone rushes in here, demanding answers in front of my guests.
But it’s not my mom like I expected. It’s the grandma gang—Ethel, Dori, and Midge.
They file out of Dori’s Cadillac.
“Mandi, I know I’m technically your stepgrandmother, but the fact that Midge knew about this engagement for a whole week before me does not sit well,” Ethel says from behind Midge.
Dori’s evil glare suggests she’s on Ethel’s side.
I frown. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I can finally say congratulations.” Midge takes me in her arms. I’m fairly sure my breasts are shoved in her face due to our height difference. “Welcome to the family.”
Three more cars pull into the parking lot and my sisters and mom pile out of them, demanding answers.
I glance back at the inn. Sure enough, guests are peering out of the windows.
Guess I don’t have to figure out how to tell everyone now. But I should probably start at the beginning and explain how I got myself into this situation.
