AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Truer words have never been spoken.”
“Is there something else you need?” I acquiesced to attending the party. There was no other purpose to this call besides to chip away at my self-confidence.
“I just wanted to impress upon you the importance of behaving at this event. Dressing appropriately, showing up on time, and supporting your sister.”
I didn’t respond because it was ridiculous. I was an adult, not a child.
“Is it possible you’ll bring a date? I told your sister it was unlikely.” Mom loved when my personal life backed up her view of me as a failing business owner who couldn’t find the ideal man. Of course, her perfect guy for me was a suit who worked in an office and was only concerned about how much money he earned.
Could I bring Jake? He’d said last night he was my boyfriend. I knew without even asking him, he’d hate it. But if he wanted to be in a relationship, this was part of it. It was a good test for him and us. “I’d like to bring my boyfriend.”
Mom sucked in a breath. “You’re seeing someone? Who is it?”
“Jake. He owns the Harbor Garage & Service Repair Center.”
My mom was quiet for a few seconds before she said, “You can’t be serious. He’s a mechanic.”
I massaged the tension invading my neck muscles. “He owns the garage.”
“So, you’re saying he doesn’t repair cars,” Mom said, already knowing my answer.
“Why is that a bad thing?” I shouldn’t have asked because I knew Mom didn’t respect blue-collar workers, even if they owned the businesses they ran.
“You can’t bring him as your date.”
“That’s ridiculous, and you know it. He’s the man I’m seeing.” I wasn’t ashamed of him. Yet, at the same time, was it a good idea to bring him when he already had some issues with feeling like he wasn’t worthy of me? I wasn’t anything like my mother. I shouldn’t expose him to her, but if we were going to be in a relationship, he’d meet her eventually. Why not get it over with?
“I would think you could see how ridiculous it would be. He won’t fit in.”
“It’s a grand opening party of a doctor’s office. I’m going to support my sister. She won’t care who I bring as my date.”
“You better not embarrass her.”
“I won’t.” My teeth clenched so hard my jaw ached.
“What’s this flyer I’ve seen around town for Petals?”
“Oh, I’m offering a subscription service. Customers can sign up for a monthly delivery of a bouquet.” Mom’s circle was actually the perfect demographic for this. Her approval and word-of-mouth referral could help.
“Is that really necessary? It sounds a little desperate.”
I sucked in a breath. I hadn’t thought a marketing offer could be considered desperate unless I was offering it for free, but even then, that had value too. “It’s part of my marketing plan.”
“And I’m hearing you’re holding a wedding at the farm.”
Mom always hated the farm, even though she’d grown up there. She didn’t like to admit her roots were anything but posh. “It’s for my friends, Zoe and Max. He owns Max’s Bar & Grill in town.”
“So, you’re not planning on renting out the property for events?”
Was there any point in telling her no when it was the truth, and clearly, it had already been the subject of small-town gossip? I didn’t want to admit I needed the money. “It’s a beautiful location for it.”
Mom wouldn’t want anyone to remember she grew up on a farm. “It’s ridiculous.”
“Mom, you don’t like anything I do, and honestly, I don’t think you ever will. This is my life and my decisions. I don’t need your input.” In fact, I felt awful even talking to her. How many times had I gotten off the phone and felt less than or slightly ill after talking to her?
I needed to start avoiding her calls.
“It’s so difficult to talk to you these days.”
