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23
CARLEIGH
The need to impress is on, and it’s not exactly how I had our last two days together planned, but meeting his mother is a big deal.She insisted we have lunch today before I head out to Hyde Park, and who am I to decline?Bryson is a stand-up guy, and who wouldn’t want to meet the woman that raised him?I look over at Bryson before following his mother into the kitchen.
“Have a seat, guys.”
We sit down at the table, and my eyes search around the area.There are a bunch of old pictures and Bryson catches me.
“That’s my father.He died when I was twelve.Massive heart attack,” he says, gripping my hand.
Bryson hasn’t mentioned his father, and I just assumed that he ran out of his mom, but a heart attack?The way he is with women, you can tell he spent most of his time with them, and his mother seems to be very sweet.I never asked about his father because it’s not good to drudge up the past.He would tell me about him eventually.
He tugs on my hand as he stands up, and walks me into the living room to look at more pictures.
“My mother has a hard time talking about him.It’s almost their anniversary and that’s when the depression hits every year.She has never had another man in her life.”
Now that’s love right now.When you can’t imagine anyone else in your life.
His mother walks into the living room.“So, I’m making my famous lasagna.It’ll be down in about ten minutes or so.Let’s chat, shall we?”
So, we sit back at the table, and she stares at me.I’m not sure how to take this.Is she contemplating what to ask me?Does she think I’m not good for her son?A mother can be very protective of her son, and I just want her to know how much I care for him.
Bryson is twiddling his thumbs, and just glances at both of us.Our eyes are deadlocked.Then the questions start.
“So, what finally made you want to date my son?I know he has liked you for a while…”
I look over at Bryson, and wonder how long?His mother seems to think it’s been a while, and honestly I didn’t even catch on until the marathon.Maybe a little earlier, but I thought it was all in my head.
“Your son is a great man, and honestly, I never trusted my gut.I’m a hard girl to handle, and usually people don’t tend to stay around for long.”
“And why is that, dear?I haven’t heard a single bad thing about you?”
Bryson excuses himself to take a call from the construction site.
“I’m a little OCD and very driven.When I have a goal, I don’t give up until it’s achieved.My friends tell me I’m intimidating.”
His mother taps on the table.“There’s nothing wrong with that.In fact, that’s something that Bryson needs.Tell me about your family.”
This isn’t something I planned to talk about today, but she asks.My family does come from money, but I don’t let that define me.I want to find my own way in the world without their help.Or my last name paving my way.She nods, and lets me continue.One thing I know, whatever I achieve is because I worked my ass off to get it.I don’t need or want handouts.On the contrary, to what my parents might think.
“I think you guys are going to make it, but please don’t break my son’s heart.He says you are leaving for Hyde Park on Sunday?”
I nod.
“Just make sure you come back to him.He is a loyal person, and sometimes he can get taken advantage of, and I’m hoping that’s not the case with you.”
He has told me about some past relationships where they hadn’t been as forthcoming about things, and it didn’t end well.I’m not like the other girls he has been with, and I pride myself on being honest.
Bryson comes back in just as the timer on the oven goes off, and he grips my hand.
“You okay?”
I smile, and give him a kiss while she pulls the lasagna out of the oven.
“Bryson is like no one I have ever met, and honestly, I’m scared he is going to find someone better.However, I am going to try to be the best girlfriend possible for him.Show him how I care every day.”
She smiles and nods.“I like her.She’s honest and doesn’t deter easily.Most girls would have waited to meet me.”
