“In the pool house in the yard. My parents have a bizarre relationship.”
“They don’t get along?”
“No, they actually get along really well. But my dad has at least two girlfriends at a time, sometimes more. And my mom is in love with her best friend, who is gay.”
Wes blinked. “Come again?”
I chuckled. “It’s funny, when I’m home it all seems almost normal. But when I say it out loud, I realize it’s not.”
“So your parents have what…an open relationship?”
“I’m not sure what you’d call it. Basically, my mom knows my dad has girlfriends, and she’s okay with it as long as she doesn’t have to see it. But my mom would never cheat on my dad because that’s a sin.”
“She’s just in love with a gay man?”
I smiled. “That’s right.”
“And she lives in the pool house by herself or with the gay guy?”
“Alone.Timothy is married.”
“To…a man?”
“Who else would he be married to if he’s gay?”
“I don’t know. It seems like nothing we’re talking about makes too much sense.”
I laughed. “I guess you have a point.”
Ten minutes later, we pulled up at the Ritz-Carlton. One good thing about my mom’s visit was that it seemed to have gotten my relationship with Wes back on track. Who knew my parents’ nutty situation could be the icebreaker we needed?
Wes stayed downstairs in the lobby, and Paulie went upstairs with us. He had the room next to Mom’s, so the two of us were alone in her suite. Chester took his spot in the middle of the bed, and Mom and I stayed out in the living area.
“How are you, Mom?”
“Old. Tired. Hungry.” She smiled. “Let’s order room service. Hot wings?”
I smiled back. “With bleu cheese.”
“You got it.” She picked up the phone and placed the order. Then she covered the receiver. “Anything else? A drink or something?”
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
Mom grinned and returned to the phone. “Two bottles of merlot, please. And two straws.”
I chuckled. “Actually, Mom, do you think you can get some wings delivered to Wes in the lobby, too?”
“It’s the Ritz-Carlton.” She shrugged. “We can get anything we want.”
After she finished ordering, Mom slipped off her shoes.
“How are things at home?” I asked. “How’s Timothy?”
My mom’s face lit up. “He just got a big promotion at work. He’s the vice president of the bank now.”
“Oh, that’s great. What about Ken?”
I regretted asking when my mom’s face faltered. Ken was Timothy’s husband. “He’s fine. Redecorating again and wasting more of Timothy’s hard-earned money.”
