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Yeah, I know. Because you moved across the country and never visit.
“I know. We are all so busy, Mom,” I reply as sweetly as I can manage.
“I want to see my daughter more. Make up for lost time, with you living so far away for so many years.”
It takes everything in me to keep my features neutral and not allow myself to cop an attitude like a spoiled teenager, but are you kidding me right now? I’m still living in the town I grew up in. I’m not the one who moved.
I take a steading breath.
“Now, hon, don’t put this on Cassie. She’s busy most weekends and we are the ones who moved away.” My dad pats my mom’s leg.
Thank you, Dad.
She sighs. “You’re right. I’m sorry, Cassie. I just miss you. Please tell me that you’ve got some time in your schedule to visit with your boring old mother on a more regular basis?”
Damn. She’s on fire tonight.
“Work is crazy right now. Wedding season, ya know?” I try to laugh to ground myself, but ugh, I want to scream.
“Sweetie. I’ll take whatever time you give me. Even if it’s sitting next to you while you get your nails done each week,” she says, sounding so hopeful.
I look down at my pink painted nails. I do my own nails. It’s a stress reliever for me each week. I’m not sure I want her in my space during self-care time.
Wow, don’t I sound snotty right now.
Where the hell is Cash?
“Actually, every Sunday morning, I go to church. It’s the one thing I do for me that I don’t miss without fail. You’re welcome to join me.” This feels like the perfect solution.
“Oh, sweetie, you know football Sundays are not good for me.” For the first time in my life, she looks ashamed that she’s clearly picking Cash over me.
“I know, Mom. But you asked. But just so you know, I attend an early service. Eight thirty in the morning. I never miss one of Cash’s games. I’ve watched every one. When I have a wedding, the game is recorded. Honestly, it’s the only reason I still pay for cable.”
Her eyes light up. “Oh, you’re right. I could attend with you and still get to his games. I’m afraid that I wouldn’t be able to attend when I’m at away games, though,” she says.
“It’s all right. My church live streams, so you could watch from your hotel room if you wanted.”
I can tell she’s actually attempting to make an effort, so I won’t internally roll my eyes at the fact that they still travel for away games. Sometimes I wonder how my parents are able to afford so much travel. I know what Cash’s deal was with the Broncos, which was impressive for a backup QB. I don’t think he pays for my parents to travel.
Oh well, that’s a mystery for another day. My doorbell rings and I’m up and out of the chair in a blink. Cash, who is larger than life, fills the space and I can’t help a sigh of relief at his presence.
“Hey. Sorry I’m late.” He grabs me in a bear hug.
“It’s your MO. I was expecting it.” I giggle.
“Shut up. I try. I really do.” He drops me and then whispers, “How’s it going?”
“Not horrible. Mom’s coming to church with me now. Except for away game weekends.” I grin.
He rolls his eyes. “I’ve tried to tell them for years they do not need to attend every game. I don’t even play much.”
“They love you very much, Cash,” I remind him. He’s always been a little aloof at the fact that we all watch every game even though he doesn’t play often.
He grumbles. “I know.”
I shut the door as he jogs up the stairs to the second floor where the living room, kitchen, and dining room are. I gently shut the door as I hear my mom laugh as he gives her the same bear hug.
I’m not even halfway up the stairs when I remember that I left my phone on my desk. Turning around, I walk back down and head into the large open space I turned into a spacy at home office. The condo was way too big for what I needed, but when I first bought it a few years ago, Layla and I were still roommates, so the three-bedroom didn’t feel quite so big.
