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“Of course, this way.”
To my surprise, Mom is already seated and looking at a menu.
“Can I get you something to drink?”
“Water is great, thanks.”
“It’s about time you got here. I’ve been waiting for ages.”
I frown and check the time on my watch. “I’m five minutes early.”
She rolls her eyes and slaps her menu on the table. “Already arguing with me, I see. Is this how it’s going to be, London?”
“You tell me,Mom.”
“I can’t believe the way you’ve treated me this week,” she begins, not even waiting for the appetizer before the claws come out. “As if I’m astranger.I came here during the holidays to spend time with you, and I haven’t seen you at all.”
“If you’d had the decency to give me a heads-up that you intended to come here, I would have saved you the trip.”
“Are you saying you don’t want me here?”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m saying.”
The waiter approaches, but I shake my head, and he takes the hint and walks away.
“What’s going on with you, Mom? Why are you really here? Don’t give me the bullshit story about the holidays, because we both know that you’ve never cared about being with your children at Christmas.”
Her jaw drops open, then she shuts it again and hides her face behind her hand in a fake sob.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Wishing I’d ordered something stronger than water, I take a sip and sigh.
“He doesn’t payanyattention to me,” she whines. “He’s gone all day, and he golfs on the weekends.”
“He’s gone working, most likely. You married a man in his thirties. What did you expect him to do?”
“To be withme.He doesn’t have to work.”
“Mom, he had a successful career when you met him. You can’t expect him to give all of that up just because you’re needy.”
“I’mlonely,” she corrects, her voice ice cold. “That’s something you should understand.”
“I don’t need a man to not feel alone.” I shrug thoughtfully. “In fact, I have a pretty full life with Caleb and my own businesses.”
“Right. I don’t buy it.”
“No, you wouldn’t.” I shake my head at the waiter again because I have no intention of staying much longer. “You know, I’ve been angry at you for most of my life. Angry because you were never there. You were a shitty mother, who had no real interest in loving and caring for Rome and me.”
“What in the hell are you talking about? I gave you thebestnannies.”
“I was angry,” I continue, “because you were selfish and thoughtless, and you embarrassed me. Hell, you still embarrass me. Look at what you did the other night.”
“I didn’t know that you were hosting a party—”
“What I’m saying is, I’m letting the anger go. It’s too much weight to carry for a person who doesn’t care. I’m not angry anymore. In fact, I don’t feel much of anything, and that’s how I know it’s time I tell you this: I’m done. I don’t want any relationship with you anymore, no matter how that looks. Don’t send gifts for birthdays or holidays, and don’t call me when you’re feeling ignored. I don’t want to hear from you at all anymore.”
“You’re mydaughter.”
I think of Brynna and all the aunts in Drew’s family, and I shake my head. “Not in any way that really matters, and I refuse to be your crutch. It’s mentally exhausting, and it isn’t fair. So, as of now, I’m finished, Mom. Go back to Europe with your husband and live your life. Or don’t. I don’t really care.”
