I’ve only been in her presence for a handful of minutes and already she’s starting in on me.
My brows flatten. “Yes, Mom,” I grumble, embarrassed to have her attention focused on me in front of everyone. “I’m fine.”
“How long has it been since I last saw you?” Even though she tosses out the question, she doesn’t give me time to respond. “A month and a half?”
“Yup.” I boarded a plane bound for the States a little more than six weeks ago.
“Your face looks puffy.” Her eyes narrow. “Tell me about your salt intake.”
“Mom,” I groan. In mom speak, puffy means that I’ve gained weight. Too bad Ashley isn’t here, these two would hit it off like gangbusters.
“Thank goodness I arrived just in time for an intervention. We need to plan a spa day ASAP. A seaweed wrap is precisely what’s needed in a situation like this.” She flicks her gaze toward her sister. “You’re a nurse, Marnie. Wouldn’t you agree with that clinical diagnosis?”
My aunt shakes her head. “I don’t really think?—”
Mom waves her off. “Of course, you do. Onemusttake care of their body. A nice seaweed detox will leave you feeling refreshed and hydrated. I can’t go more than a week without having one.” She leans closer and lowers her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Sometimes, when the stress really gets to me, I sneak in a second wrap.”
I stare silently for a moment before shaking my head. “Mom, I’m taking five classes this semester, I don’t have time for that.” And even if I did, that’s not how I would choose to spend my free time. Thethought of being covered in seaweed grosses me out. Plus, I don’t like the smell. It makes me want to gag.
“Please,” she snorts as if I’ve said something ridiculous. “There isalwaystime for pampering. It’s important to take care of oneself, Daisy. If I’ve taught you anything, it’s that.”
She’s right. It’s the golden rule she lives by.
Mom glances at her sister with a considering look. “You should join us, Marnie. You’re looking a little haggard around the eyes. I’m sure it’s from working such long hours at the hospital. Being around all those,” she falters. “Unwellpatients can’t be good for you.”
Aunt Marnie presses her lips together and shakes her head. Like me, she’s used to this behavior.
I see the exact moment Mom becomes aware of Carter. Her body straightens, and her features sharpen. She looks like a bird dog who has just spotted fresh quarry. Frankly, I’m surprised it took so long.
Even though Noah and Carter have been friends for years, he’s lucky to have never crossed paths with Lydia Bellamy. Apparently, that’s about to change. I’m more than aware that Mom is about to embarrass the hell out of me, but I’m relieved to have her attention diverted somewhere else so I can mentally regroup.
And to think I was looking forward to coming here tonight and spending time with Aunt Marnie and Uncle Craig. Obviously, that plan has been shot to smithereens. Enjoyable will be the last thing this evening turns out to be.
“Well, hello there, tall, dark, and handsome,” Mom purrs. I cringe, slumping further on my chair. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of being introduced.” Rather delicately, she holds out a manicured hand for Carter to shake.
Or kiss.
Or whatever.
I almost expect her to lower her voice and whisper huskilyenchanté.
Noah jumps in to make introductions as Carter steps forward. Lydia’s gaze rakes over his muscular body with an embarrassing amount of interest. I’m tempted to point out that Carter is hernephew’s age. Not to mention my age, but it’s doubtful that would make a difference.
Instead I ask, “Did Frederique come with you?”
At the sound of her husband’s name, Mom tears her gaze reluctantly from the man candy in front of her. “Oh, no. I’m here alone. Freddy is much too busy to get away for a spur of the moment trip. I’m going to meet him in Dubai next week.”
“Does that mean you’ll be staying in town until then?” Aunt Marnie asks, her voice lacking enthusiasm.
“Yes!” Mom claps her hands together again with excitement. “Won’t that be fun?”
“It would have been,” her sister says carefully. “Unfortunately, I have to work.” My aunt’s gaze encompasses me. “And Daisy is busy with classes.” More gently she adds, “Perhaps if you’d given me some notice, I could have taken some vacation time.”
Mom’s perfectly plucked brows slide together in confusion. “But that would have ruined the surprise.”
We stare in silence.
Aunt Marnie shrugs as if to saywell, I tried. And I get it. Lydia’s world revolves around, well, Lydia. Everyone else is a distant planet in her solar system. It’s been that way for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve learned to accept Mom for who she is. If I didn’t, our interactions would only leave me feeling angry and frustrated.
