Josie: Sure.
Hunter: I’ll be at your place at six o’clock.
I had one night to process it all. One night. Oh heavens. I was a little nervous... but why was I smiling from ear to ear?
***
Hunter
When I told Josie I’d be at her place, she assumed I was picking her up and we were going to Tiffany. I wanted to make things go as smoothly as possible for her, which was why I had someone from Tiffany come to her place.
On the way, I called Mom. I checked in with her once a week to make sure everything was alright.
“Hi, Mom,” I greeted.
“Hey!”
“Do you have time? I have some news I want to share.”
“Of course.”
“You remember Josie, right?”
“She’s your best friend, Hunter. Of course, I remember her.”
“We’re getting married.”
A short pause followed, and then my eardrums exploded.
“Oh my God! What? When? You didn’t tell me anything. Is she pregnant? Since when have you two been dating? You’ve been lying every time I asked you when you’re planning to settle?”
I chuckled. “Mom, slow down. Breathe.”
“Okay. I’ll breathe. You talk.”
“We’ve known each other forever...”
I went on, telling her a version of what Josie and I had agreed on. Mom would have to travel all the way from London for the wedding.
“Three weeks? This is a shotgun wedding, isn’t it? You don’t have to pretend. I want grandkids anyway.”
Guilt twisted my insides. I was getting her hopes up, and three years down the road, I’d disappoint her.
“It’s not a shotgun wedding, Mom. I promise.”
“Have you told Amelia already?”
“No, you’re the first person I’ve told. We’ll tell everyone on Saturday.”
“Can’t wait to gossip with Amelia about it. Sometimes I think she forgets you’re not her son.”
I laughed, because Mom was spot-on. And Amelia’s second husband, Mick, was the closest I had to a father.
“I’m so happy for you, Hunter. So happy.”
“Thanks, Mom. Are you okay? Need anything?”
“I’m good. I’m about to get into a subway station though, don’t think I’ll have reception anymore. Talk to you later?”