“So, how is married life?” I asked.
“Amazing.”
“Is Steve having fun?”
“He's not much of a beachgoer, but he loves the afternoon naps and the buffet.”
“Of course he does.”
“Dear, about this show...”
I let out a big sigh. I couldn't help myself.
“Now hear me out,” Mom said.
“Go ahead.”
“Promise me two things. Two things, my dear. One, that you will not embarrass yourself. And two, that you will not, under any circumstances, get engaged, or even, well, you know. Shows like this pressure people into bad decisions. Love takes time. I certainly should know. After your father died I never thought I’d remarry. And then when Steve came along, it took some time for him to convince me to go on a first date. And even then, I only agreed to meet for coffee.”
“I know, Mom,” I answered, trying to cut her off. She loved to tell this story, and it could drag on for hours or go into avenues I’d rather not visit with my mother. “I promise not to get engaged or shame you or myself. Satisfied?”
“I guess.” She sighed. “I can’t help worrying about you.”
“I know. I love you. I'll call you when I get my phone back. I won’t have access to it as part of my non-disclosure agreement.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Bye, Mom.”
“Don’t forget to unplug your appliances.”
“Love you, Mom.”
“Bye, sweetheart. Love you, too.”
I hung up and rolled out of bed before I gave into the temptation to fall back asleep. There was so much to do. First thing was to check the mirror. I’d passed puberty long ago, but occasionally a monster zit would show up right before something majorly important. The kind that laughs in the face of makeup and reminds you what it is to be human.
Thank heavens, a clear face. One small miracle. I tried not to stare while I brushed my teeth. No need to analyze myself through the eyes of TV viewers. I’m not normally insecure. I’m a nice looking brunette. I can turn heads. But the thought of millions of viewers judging my looks terrified me.
Get it together, Bethany. This is for fun. This is an adventure. I’m adventurous.With my new mantra repeating in my head, I continued my morning routine.
The doorbell rang as I was stepping out of the shower. Throwing on a bathrobe, I ran downstairs to let Katelyn in, my ride to the airport. My best friend looked so cute with her round belly popping out from her sundress. Only Katelyn could rock pregnancy like a supermodel. She took off her sunglasses and perched them on her blonde head.
“That’s not very much luggage,” she said, pointing at my little green suitcase in the corner.
“They’re providing wardrobe. I’m just bringing extras, like workout clothes and pajamas.”
“Any lingerie?”
“I’m not you,” I answered, sticking out my tongue. I sat down across from her at the table and poured myself a bowl of cereal. “Want some?”
Katelyn grinned and let me fill up a bowl of Cap’n Crunch for her. She never passed up snacking opportunities these days.
“And you really want to do this?” she asked through a mouthful of cereal.
“You sound like my mother.”
Katelyn grinned. “Your mom’s a smart lady. She met Steve at church.”
