Stress and adrenaline? Who knows, but I don’t want to make a big deal about it, so I just tilt my glass and wet my lips without actually drinking any of it. I place my glass back on the table with a smile.
As we dine, I realize Blanche genuinely appreciates my cooking and the food, and wasn’t just being gracious earlier. She asks me questions about my family, but never in a way that makes me feel like it’s an interrogation.
“Your poor mother,” she says. “I know what it’s like not to be a part of your children’s weddings. I’m sure we’ll find a suitable way to make it up to her.” She looks at Nate pointedly.
I pull my lips in, doing my best to look guilty, since that’s what Blanche is expecting.
Nate gives an appropriately grave nod. “We will.”
“I appreciate your concern, but it’s really not necessary,” I say. “I already spoke with my mother, and she said it was all right.” When I have my real wedding, Mom’s definitely going to be there.
“Nonsense. We will do what’s right by her. Even though we’re family now, we need to be respectful and show we care.” She takes a bite of the peach cobbler. “This is very good.”
“Thank you.” Today’s cobbler came out well. The peaches are exceptionally tender and sweet.
“So.” She dabs at her mouth with her napkin. “When can I expect a grandchild?”
A chunk of fruit goes the wrong way, and I cough and gasp. Meanwhile, Nate is looking at his palm in a contemplative manner…then down at his crotch…then at my belly.
So. Unhelpful.
“Not that there’s any rush,” Blanche says. “I’d just love to have another one to bounce on the other knee. I’m not sure when Vanessa’s planning to have a second child. She’s so busy.”
I take a couple slow sips of water. I need to sound like I’m humoring her without actually committing to anything. Who knew helping Nate out with the Mink Bikini Psycho was going to be this complicated? “Well, we’re not sure, either. I enjoy working, and I don’t want to put my career on hold just yet.”
“Your career?” Blanche looks confused.
I bite my lip. Does she think that because I’m not a super lawyer like Justin’s wife that I don’t have a career I care about?
“She wants to keep working as my assistant,” Nate says. “I’m grateful, too, because finding a good assistant these days isn’t easy.”
Blanche nods. “Very true.” She turns to me. “I’m sorry. I thought you’d quit already.”
“Why would I do that?” I ask, shocked and slightly annoyed with people’s assumptions. My coworkers were looking at me funny too, like they couldn’t believe I’ve continuing to show up at
work.
“A working relationship—as a boss and his assistant—can be complicated if you’re married. What if you’re upset at home? Will that feeling bleed into your professional life? Or vice versa?” She shrugs. “I know times are changing, but it’s cleaner and simpler if you don’t mix things that way.”
Ah. Not an unreasonable assumption, especially when she has no clue how things really are between me and Nate. “I’ll do my best not to. But if I feel that it’s going to happen, I’ll look for another position.”
“It won’t happen, since I intend to be a paragon of consideration and love in both my roles of husband and boss,” Nate says, not even batting an eyelash.
Despite myself, I’m impressed. He’s good.
“I’m glad to hear that.” Blanche finishes her wine, then points at my still-full glass. “Is it not to your taste?” She turns to Nate. “Do you have anything else you can offer your wife?”
Nate starts to stand, but I shake my head. “I’m fine. Besides, tomorrow’s Tuesday and I have to get up early.”
“Speaking of getting up early, I got up earlier than usual today. I was so excited about the trip. And now that my belly’s full of delicious food and wine, I’m getting sleepy.” Blanche turns to me. “Thank you, Evie.”
“My pleasure,” I say.
“Good night.”
“Let me show to your room, Mom.” Nate gets up, then takes her suitcase up the stairs.
Left alone in the dining room, I sigh. Things went remarkably well. Blanche genuinely seemed to like my food. And I didn’t embarrass Nate or myself. I stand up and start to put away the leftovers.