“Yeah, I’m sure you are,” I said and turned to face him. “Look, I think I have a solution to your problem.”
“Problem?” He frowned and raised an eyebrow.
“The promise you made to your mom, before dinner,” I said. “If you’re interested, we could discuss it over dinner sometime?”
“Like a business meeting?” he asked, disbelief in his voice. I was worried he’d refuse.
“Nothing fancy, just somewhere away from this crowd. Tomorrow night, at that steakhouse on Third?” I asked. “I think you’ll like this idea, if you want to keep your promise, at least.”
“Of course I want to keep my promise,” he argued and sighed. “Alright, I’ll meet you there at six.”
I smiled and shook my head. “See you then.”
I met Ron at the car. He couldn’t keep quiet about the shock of Mona’s declaration, and I voiced my agreement. But the more I thought about it, the more nervous my idea made me. Was I really going to propose such a crazy plan? And more so, what would Gavin think?
Chapter Seven
Gavin
Karen hadn’t bothered forcing a smile as she greeted me at the front door.
“It hasn’t been a good day,” she said. There were three plates of uneaten food waiting on the kitchen table, and two glasses full of orange juice.
“Has she eaten?” I asked.
“She couldn’t even keep the pudding down,” she said. “She just got out go the s
hower; I’ll go let her know you’re here.” Karen left me sitting at the dining table staring at a plate of mashed potatoes and corn. In mom’s defense, it didn’t look very appetizing.
I felt stiff and uncomfortable in the formal suit that I had chosen for dinner. It wasn’t a date; I actually had no idea what Maddie was planning, but it was important that I dressed like it was. I didn’t want Mom to think I was spending another Saturday night drinking on my yacht with Ron. I wanted to make her feel like there was hope for me, at least.
Karen returned a few minutes later with mom leaning against her arm. I stood immediately and offered my own arm, and helped mom sit at the table.
“Do you want me to heat anything up?” Karen asked.
“I can’t even think about food; I’ll puke,” mom said and noticed my outfit. “Now why are you dressed up all fancy?”
“I have a date tonight,” I said. “With Ron’s cousin, actually. I think you’ve met her a few times?”
“Madeline?” she smiled. “That beautiful girl? How did you get so lucky? I always thought she’d end up with some handsome actor and go live in Hollywood.”
“That’s not a very nice thing to say to your son,” Karen said. “He’s not so bad looking himself.”
I chuckled and shook my head. “It’s okay, Karen. I know my mother doesn’t mean it.”
Mom slipped a finger in my empty collar and pulled.
“Well, if you’re going on a date with a woman like that then you have to at least put on a tie,” she said. “Really, Gavin, haven’t I taught you anything?”
“I don’t recall going over proper dress etiquette,” I said.
“Gavin Hayward, do not tell me you’re actually going on a date without wearing a tie,” mom scolded me. “If your father were here he’d be so disappointed in you.” There was a small smile on her lips as she spoke.
“I’ll go put one on before the date,” I said. “Do I need you to pick it out as well?”
She eyed my outfit. “That nice gray one would go with it.”
“You always suggest that one,” I said.