"Yes, you're both adults, but you're young. I assume he's also twenty-two?"
She nodded, crossing her arms over her chest, a move her father used to make that drove me up the wall. It meant she was shutting down and wouldn't absorb the words of wisdom I was about to drop into the conversation.
"You're both young. You have your whole lives ahead of you. You haven't found a job yet, and marriage is a big step with lifelong implications."
"I was hesitant to tell you about my engagement because I knew you'd do this. I knew you'd advise me against marriage."
"I'm not advising you against getting married. I'm telling you why you shouldn't be thinking about getting marriedright now, especially to someone you barely know."
"Iknowhim. Let’s be real—it's not about how well we know each other. You hate the institution of marriage!" my daughter exclaimed.
"I donot," I denied.
Since she had always been open and honest with me growing up, I had extended the same courtesy to her. She knew when I started dating after her father and I split, but I never introduced her to any of my lovers. I never considered them permanent.
I wanted to get married again. Truly I did. I had loved being married when my marriage was good. Her father, Karl, God rest his soul (he's not dead, but I like saying that), had been the epitome of a "good husband" when we first married. Those first few years were what I wanted to experience again.
Having someone to talk to and laugh with. Having a partner to tell my secrets, my fears, my aspirations. Someone I was allowed to make mistakes in front of without judgment. Having a date to functions, if only to watch a movie by my favorite actor or attend a comedy show on the weekend. Having someone to cuddle with and make love to. I have to give Karl his props—the man couldput it downin the bedroom.
To this day, I still missed his tongue. And his penis.Damn.
"Mom, I want you to be happy for me, even though you hate the institution of marriage."
"I do not hate the institution of marriage, Blossom," I said between gritted teeth. "Uncross your arms, because you're not listening to me."
She did as I asked. She might be an adult, but she was still my daughter, and she listened to me. Most of the time.
"I do not hate marriage."
"Then why haven't you remarried in all this time?"
"Usually you have to be asked."
"You've had plenty of relationships."
"Plenty is an exaggeration, but none of those men asked me, and to be honest, I never wanted to marry any of them."
"Do you miss Dad?" she asked tentatively.
"No!" I only missed his tongue. And his penis. "I would love to get married again if the right man comes along, but I'm forty-seven. The chances of that happening are getting slimmer as I age."
How did we get off on this tangent? We were supposed to be steering her away from poor decision-making.
I gently gripped her arms. "My love, I want the best for you, and you shocked me with your announcement."
"I know, but I'm excited, and like I said, everything happened so fast. We connected right away, and it's been that way ever since."
"Does he have a job?" I asked.
"Yes. He has a job at Phase One Bank, where his father works."
"Good," I said, resting my hands on my hips.
"Ineed to find a job."
"Ellington is booming. I'm sure you'll find work soon. Until then, you're welcome to work with me."
"Um... I'm gonna keep pounding the pavement. I want a job in my field."
