“From my end, no. Chelsea’s great most of the time, but now and then, she hints at marriage.”
“And you’re not ready?”
I huff out a soft laugh. “I don’t think I’ll ever be ready.”
She seems reassured by my answer as her tone lifts. “You just haven’t met the right girl.”
“What if I don’t want to meet the right girl? I like to party and have fun. That’s enough for me, I can’t help the way I feel. Not everyone finds their soulmate, right?”
Her hand squeezes my arm. “The other half of you is out there waiting. I know it.”
“Maybe.”
Looking past Mrs C, I spot Chelsea making her way over in her shimmering, figure-hugging red dress. All male eyes turn her way. She chose that outfit on purpose, hoping to stand out from the crowd. She certainly does that. Chelsea is all long blonde hair and an hourglass figure, and her sexy-as-hell legs show through the long gap at the front of her dress.
“Hey.” I stand and place my hand on her hip when she approaches, my eyes flickering back and forth between the two women in front of me.
“Sorry I took so long. I met this super interesting guy who said he’d introduce me to Bruno Mars. Can you believe it?”
“That’s cool.” I mean, I could introduce her to Bruno, but she never asked.
“Chelsea, you’ve met Ash’s mum, Liz, before, right?”
She pouts with her finger to her lips. “Hmmm, have I?”
“You know what, Tommy, I’m not sure we have met,” Mrs C says directly to me. “But then, I can’t remember the last time I saw you with the same girl twice.” She smiles sweetly.
Chelsea forces a chuckle, places her arms around my neck, and licks my cheek. “Tommyisquite the catch, isn’t he?” Her hands explore my chest, but I remove them quickly.
“Babe, cool it.” I glance Mrs C’s way, but she’s looking in the opposite direction.
Standing on tiptoes, Chelsea doesn’t exactly whisper in my ear, “Take me to the bathroom. I want you now.”
“Jesus, Chelsea.” I clench my jaw.
“What’s so bad about that?” Then, unexpectedly, she taps Mrs C’s knee, ensuring she has her attention. “You must know what I’m talking about, Liz. You were young once.”
Holy shit. I’ve known Mrs C for a long time. She doesn’t get angry, but Chelsea’s comment must have pushed her too far. “Actually, I don’t. Any woman with an ounce of self-control would recognise there’s a time and place forwhat you want.” She air quotes with her fingers, but her words fall on deaf ears as Chelsea continues to rub herself all over me.
“You finished?” I ask her. How dare she disrespect Mrs C like that? I’m so fucking embarrassed.
“What’s crawled up your arse? I thought you liked it.” Chelsea scowls.
“Not so much in front of my best friend’s mum. You’re out of order.”
She huffs. “Why don’t you get over your bad mood while I visit the ladies’.” She turns to Mrs C, looking her up and down. “Nice meeting you.” Then she’s gone.
“What on Earth—” Mrs C gasps and lays her hand on her chest.
“I’m sorry. She’s not normally so full-on.” While I scratch my fingers over my brow, I will the ground to open underneath my feet and let me in.
“Tommy?”
“Yes, Mrs C?”
“Just… be careful.”
Placing my arm around her shoulders, I give her a reassuring hug. “Noted. Don’t worry. I’m gonna be okay.” I half smile as she looks up at me and nods.
