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After I got checked in for my flight and was seated in the boarding area, my phone rang. I was so anxious to speak to Lucas I immediately picked up the unknown number. “Hello.”
“It’s your mother.”
The last person I wanted to talk to. I glanced around the gate area as if this was some sort of cruel joke.
“Are you there?”
I didn’t miss the irritation in her voice. “Yes. I’m here.”
“Good. I have a proposition for you.”
She didn’t wait to hear if I was open to it, but proceeded. “You come back to work here in my office. You could start in two weeks enabling you to wrap up at your temporary assignment.”
The fact she knew about my job and the timing of it was alarming.
“I don’t understand.”
“Don’t play coy, Brooklyn. I have it on good authority Dr. Loriano’s group won’t be extending you an offer. And despite your less-than-professional behavior, I’m willing to give you a second chance.”
“My less-than-professional behavior?” I realized I’d raised my voice by the way the people around me were staring. Oops, nothing said professional like shrieking into a phone.
“Yes, yours. It would be good for all of us to put this behind us and move on.”
I stood up, putting on a smile that said, “See, I’m not crazy,” and walked over to where I could have more privacy. “You mean it would be better for you.” Per usual.
“Don’t be stubborn. As you can see, my reach is far and wide.”
And now her sabotage made sense. It was not only punishment for going against her, but to get me to come crawling back for my job. I’d rather eat dirt and wash it down with acid. Dramatic. Maybe, but then again, not many people had to deal with a mother like mine.
“Your offer won’t work for me. Not now. Not ever. Doesn’t matter if you sabotage every job out there. That’s a reflection on you and your pettiness, not on me.”
“You’re acting rash again.”
“Actually, I’m not. You see, I’ve already decided I get zero value from having you in my life. Both personally and professionally. And I could go on quite happily without speaking or seeing you ever again.”
“You’ve been talking to Caleb, haven’t you? Just because he is choosing to adopt some random baby does not make the child family.”
“The fact you’re trying to justify your decision against acknowledging baby Henry as your grandson only highlights how shitty you are on top of bitter. We’re done here. Make the phone calls. Spread the lies. Anyone who doesn’t want to hire me can listen to the recording of this conversation for proof of your motives. Might even take it to the medical board.”
It was a bald-faced lie, but given the way she audibly sucked in her breath, there was a good chance she believed me.
“Goodbye.”
I hung up and promptly blocked the number. But I’d have to get a new number entirely in order to truly break the tie. Another item for my to-do list.
With a deep breath, I took stock of my emotions. I had no regrets. It was done. Whether she chose to continue her vendetta was yet to be seen, but at least I had closure regarding my mother. And since my father had only ever taken an interest in Caleb, I doubted he’d even notice my absence from his life.
After I landed in LA, I tried calling Lucas again, but it went straight to voicemail. He had today off, but he might have gotten an emergency call. Or perhaps he was out surfing and didn’t have his phone on him. After stopping off at the store for much-needed nacho fixings, a bottle of wine, and ice cream, I decided to go straight to his place.
My eagerness to see him couldn’t be healthy. Not only as a lover, but as a friend. I was anxious to tell him everything about my day. I had to remember this thing between us had an expiration date, and getting attached would only make our coming separation hurt more. Then again, if I told him I’d probably be staying in town longer than planned, what would he say?
After pulling up in Lucas’ driveway, I gathered my bag and went to the front door to ring the bell, hoping like hell he was home. Otherwise, I’d be eating and drinking on the front porch.
The sight of him opening his door lifted my mood immediately until I realized he wasn’t smiling. “What’s wrong?”
“Come on in.” He moved out of the way, allowing me to step inside.
I went straight to his kitchen and placed the bag on his countertop. “You didn’t answer my question, but I have snacks, wine, and dessert to help. God knows, after today I need it.”
