I nearly spit my lemon water out.
My mother’s eyes go wide but she doesn’t say anything.
“So, Hayley. Tell me about you. What are your goals?”
“Early education. I want to work with special needs children.”
“That’s nice. How’s your mother?”
“She’s good. She owns her own salon now and rents
out six chairs.”
“I always liked Sandy,” Mom lies through her teeth, but I don’t comment. I wouldn’t want to hurt Hayley’s feelings.
“I’ll tell her hello when Liri and I go see her next weekend.”
“Oh. You girls planning a trip?” I can tell Mom is upset she didn’t hear it from me that I am going to be visiting with my birth father’s family. I hadn’t found a way to bring it up to her yet. It was hard enough to convince her to let me room with Hayley. She was open to the idea to a point, but it was Theo who convinced her that it would be good for me.
“Yes. We are. I uh. Well I am going to see my father.” I drop the bomb and wait for her to explode.
She coughs. “Do you think that it is a good idea?”
“I don’t know but I feel I owe it to myself to go.”
“Do you…would you like for me to come with you?” Her eyes start to water.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. It’s just it brings up a lot of memories. James was always handsome. He was wild and free. Nothing could tie him down. God knows I tried and then you came along, and I had someone else to hold onto. You were my anchor, Liri. I wish you could have been for him what you were for me. I don’t want you to be disappointed. He can get mean.”
“Mom.” I reach over and squeeze her hand. “You’ve seen him?”
“I have. Not for a few years now. Not since Theo and I moved him to a new facility.”
“You…Theo pays for his care?”
“He didn’t want you to know. He said that James brought him us and for that he would always owe him. He is all the time doing sweet gestures. You know how he is, Liri, don’t mention it to him.”
Hayley is being quiet, and I wish she’d giggle or say something to lighten the mood. “Hayley dates a mechanic,” I blurt out.
“Oh. Well that’s nice. Does he have a passion for cars?”
“Yeah. He’s big into racing and making modifications. His goal is to one day own his own garage.”
“Sounds like he has a good goal to work toward.” Mom is being nice, and it makes me happy. I was a little worried she would be rude about my going to see my father, but she seems to be handling it all gracefully.
After our pedicures Mom takes us out for lunch and then insists on taking us shopping for clothes. “We don’t need all this stuff.” I laugh looking at the stack of jeans and the rack of clothing Mom had the saleswoman pull for Hayley and me.
“Yes, we do.” Hayley beams at the sparkly silver glitter heels on her feet.
“Nonsense. Hayley, it is my treat. I have a lot of spoiling to make up for. I may not have married James, but I still consider you family.”
Hayley wells up at that and I let them have this bonding moment. I hope my mother is being genuine, but it is hard to tell with her. She can insult you with a sweet smile.
“Besides. You wear nothing but those awful leggings. It’s nice to have a girl who loves clothes to shop with.”
I roll my eyes. “I have you know I have expanded my wardrobe.”