Pale blue eyes flashed with anger as Mom whipped her head around. “All you’ve ever wanted was to be rid of me.”
“That’s not true. All I’ve ever wanted was for you to approve of me…to love me like you love David.”
“That’s what you think? I didn’t love you?”
Lisa became aware that people were watching them. She moved her gaze from her mother’s face to a group of young women huddled together under the awning. One of them had her phone raised. Filming them. Lisa cursed silently. It would be all over the internet in a matter of minutes.
“Mom, please,” she said under her breath. “People are watching. Filming us.”
Mom seemed to snap out of her rage. “What?”
“Under the awning.”
Mom’s gaze rotated to the women. Before Lisa knew what was happening, she’d marched over to them. Lisa watched in a mixture of horror and delight as her mother snatched the phone from the girl’s hand. “Are you filming us, young lady?” This was said in the all-too-familiar schoolteacher voice that sounded as if Cruella de Vil and Darth Vader had a child.
“I-I wasn’t.” The girl’s expression had turned from curious to terrified.
“I do believe you’re lying.” Mom held the phone up to the girl’s face before turning it over and punching the glass. “We’ll just hit delete now, shall we? Or would you rather have me smash this to bits?”
“No, please, just delete. I’m sorry.” The girl’s face had drained of color, and she had gripped the arm of her friend as if she might pass out from fright.
“Do you understand that just because my daughter is a movie star doesn’t give you the right to violate her privacy? Did you know this is a criminal act? I could have you arrested.”
“I’ll never do it again.”
“See that you don’t.” Mom did a full circle, scanning the other hotel guests who were also waiting for cars. No one was watching them now. In fact, they were all suddenly busy observing something fascinating on the tips of their boots.
“Mom, we should go,” Lisa said.
Mom handed the phone back to the girl. “You’re lucky I’m feeling generous today, or you’d suddenly find yourself without your phone.”
Lisa pulled her mother away and almost pushed her through the glass doors to the lobby. “Let’s go up to my room.”
Her mother didn’t agree verbally, but she followed Lisa to the elevator. Relief flooded her when they were alone in the elevator. They took it to the top floor in silence. When the doors opened, Mom asked about Rafael. “Is he in the room?”
“No, he’s out with the guys,” Lisa said. “Something about scotch and cigars.”
“For heaven’s sake. Why do men always like the smelliest hobbies they can find?”
Lisa chuckled as she used the key card to open the door. “Come in, Mom.” She stepped inside and held the door open for her motherto pass through.
“Nice room,” Mom said.
She and Rafael were in one of the suites. The sitting area was decorated in a rustic, ski chalet style with a gas fireplace, a cozy love seat, and a few generously stuffed chairs.
“Would you like to sit? I can order some room service,” Lisa said.
“I’m not hungry.”
Lisa glanced at her watch. It was almost ten. The rehearsal dinner started at six. She looked toward the bedroom and wished she could go back to bed. Instead of feeling excited and energized for the festivities, she felt exhausted. Her mother’s presence did that to a girl.
“I’m hungry. I didn’t have anything this morning but a latte. We can share some eggs and toast,” Lisa said.
“That’s fine.”
Lisa punched the button for room service and ordered the standard breakfast. At the last minute, she added a pot of tea. Mama Soto always said anything could be solved over a warm beverage.
Mom had plopped onto the couch and pulled out her latest knitting project from her bag. Lisa sat across from her. How was this supposed to go exactly? What was she supposed to say, other than what she’d already said downstairs?
