She has never been that much involved in my life since I left home. And if she is, it means that she doesn’t approve. My family loved Dean, so when they found out we were getting a divorce, they weren’t happy. The first thing that my mother asked me was if I upset him? At first, it pissed me off she would think it was something I did, but then I realized that marriages when she was my age and in today’s world aren’t anything similar.
We ended up on the phone for almost an hour while she gave me tips on how to save my marriage. Cater to your man. Fulfill all his needs every day. Don’t let him come home to a dirty house. This is the 21st century. Why is it the woman’s role?
“Have a seat, dear. Your brother was just telling us about work yesterday.”
“Of course, he was,” I mumble.
He glares at me, and I wave over the waitress to order a breakfast platter for Lily and me.
I spend most of the evening listening to Eli and after I eat my food, I can’t keep my mouth quiet anymore.
“We have been here for almost two hours and not once have you asked how I’m doing? Or Lily? Did you want to see us, or just Eli?”
She turns to look at my father, who has been silent the whole night. “You don’t seem to be in a good mood, honey. Maybe we should meet up after some rest.”
That’s just like her. Make me seem the out of control one.
“Rest will not make me want to sit here and listen to these preposterous fucking stories.” I grab Lily’s hand and step out of the booth. “Pleasant visit, mom. See you in two or three years.”
Usually, I stay collected with my parents, but the way they are treating me is absurd. I’m not some red-headed stepchild.
“Why are we leaving?” Lily asks.
“Mama’s tired. Let’s go home.”
The drive isn’t silent, but me listening to Lily cry most of the way. I shouldn’t have been selfish. She deserves to see them, even if they drive me fucking crazy.
Once we get home, I pull out my phone to see my mother called three times, but have no urge to call her back. She must see how rude she is to us? Eli always gets the attention, but what about her granddaughter?
I scroll through the notifications I missed and see a text.
Jeremy: Can we grab lunch? I don’t have many people to talk to about my dad’s condition. Not having him around is fucking with me.
He is going to have a hard time with this, and it takes some time to get used to not having family around. The transition can be rough, but Jeremy is a strong man, and he is doing what’s best for his father. That’s commendable.
Me: Sure. I take lunch around noon. Anywhere but the diner. Coffee shop, even.
I know his favorite place to go, but I’m getting sick of that place.
After I get Lily off to bed and lay my head on my pillow to shut my eyes, Jeremy takes over my thoughts. Pleasant dreams are headed my way.