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A vibration from my watch told me that it was 6:00 pm and time to call my parents. My mom looked forward to my call at this time and day every week, so she’d be waiting. I dialed her number.
“Ethan,” my mother greeted, her voice filled with warmth. “It's good to see you sticking to your usual schedule.”
“Always, Mom. How are you doing?” I asked, absentmindedly tapping my fingers on my desk.
“Just great,” Mom said, clearing her throat loudly. I sensed that something significant was about to be revealed. “I’ve heard you’ve been seeing someone lately, thus sparking my curiosity about your recent change in mood.”
“What? How did you find out?” I asked, taken aback. I don’t remember telling anyone.
“From James, of course,” she said matter-of-factly as if it were the most obvious.
A pang of guilt struck me as I heard James’s name, wondering when I would finally come clean to him about my relationship. It was only natural for him to know that I had a woman in my life, considering he was my best friend, and could sense when I was keeping something from him.
“He says he doesn’t know the woman either. I know it must be something special if you’re keeping her a secret from us,” Mom said excitedly. “When do I get to meet her?”
Probably after James finds out I’m dating his little sister and accepts it.
I didn’t share this with her and just said, “I just want to see where this is going before I make any hasty decisions.”
“I completely understand.” Mom sighed. “You don’t want to make the same mistake you did with Jessica.”
The mention of Jessica’s name no longer triggered any reaction in me, as I have become immune to her. She would no longer have any influence on how I treated women. Now, with Olivia in my life, I felt confident and secure.
“Thanks, Mom. How’s Dad?” I asked.
“He went bowling with friends,” Mom said, sounding exasperated. “He has been gone for hours and hasn’t called. If he comes back angry after losing at bowling, I’m just going to ignore him.”
I chuckled. Their ongoing drama never seemed to end. My parents had always been my role models when it came to relationships, and I had expected to have something just as wonderful when I was ready for a serious commitment. Little did I know that I would fall into the trap of the most cunning woman I had ever encountered. At one point, I believed all women were like that, but my mother’s existence always reassured me that wasn’t the case.
And now, with Olivia, I could finally accept this truth. I could already sense that my mother was going to love her.
“Just make sure he doesn’t call me. I don’t think I’d have enough time for his drama,” I said jokingly.
“Why? Will you be too busy with your woman?” Mom teased, and I could envision the smirk on her face.
“In fact, yes, I will be, Mom,” I answered genuinely.
“Should I feel sad that I might be replaced in your life or feel happy that you’re finding your person?” Mom’s voice dripped with sarcasm at every level. “Say hello to your mystery woman for me, Ethan. Love you.”
“Love you too, Mom,” I replied. “Bye.”
As I hung up the phone, a gentle smile settled on my face. Glancing at my wristwatch, I realized it was time to go home to Olivia. Just as I felt the connection, her text message arrived.
I picked up pasta for us. I’ll be heading over to your place now. See you later.
I quickly typed the reply, letting her know I was on my way as well. I packed up my work, decided to tackle it tomorrow, and donned my suit jacket before leaving my office. I told Gloria she could go home for the day and left, eager to get home to my woman.
I arrived home just in time to find Olivia at my doorstep, holding a box of food. She was about to open the door when she heard my footsteps and turned around. A smile brightened her face as she bound toward me, jumping into my arms.
I kissed her, supporting her weight with my hands. “How was your day, Olivia?”
“Stressful,” she blurted out, rolling her eyes.
“Well, you’ll have to tell me all about it.” I chuckled, opening the door and carrying her in. I placed her on the couch, and then took the food she ordered and dished it while she set up the movie we wanted to watch.
When I was done plating the food, I brought out the plates to the living room.Oceansidewas playing on the television and Olivia had arranged the couch with blankets.
“Thank you,” Olivia mumbled, grabbing one of the plates of pasta and digging in almost immediately.
