More Than Her
Grabbing some sweats and a T, I walk downstairs knowing I need to eat. It isn’t until I see the bridal book my mother left on my counter that I know what I have to do. I grab my keys, throw on my Jordan’s and walk out the door, hell bent on starting the process I didn't understand until now. The whole way to my mothers, I grip the steering wheel knowing that I am more than partly to blame for this, having not put this charade to end long before now. It's high time I fix it.Chapter FourDunI pull up the brick building I grew up in, not stretching myself to call it a home and ring the bell. Looking around the grounds, I can now see it for what it is...a statement of platform. It was never a ‘home’, especially once my father died. “Mr. Dunbar. So great to see you. Is your mother expecting you?”
“No, she isn’t.”
“You know she doesn’t like surprises, Sir.”
“Huh. She sure as shit doesn’t mind giving them.” I say before pushing past Leopold and entering the sitting area.
“Dunbar what on earth are you doing here without a call?’ is she fucking serious? Isn’t this the same woman who busts into my apartment whenever the hell she wants? She wants to talk to me about being proper?
“Thought I would give you a taste of what it feels like to have your home invaded with no invitation.”
“Well your here now. You might as well sit and have some tea.” she reaches over and grabs the tea tray. Do I look like a fucking tea drinker?
“I won’t be sitting, mother. Don’t plan on being here that long.”
“For goodness sake. What has gotten into you? Have you spoken with Laurie? She said you were quite curt with her the other day. Honestly, Dunbar.” she says sipping her tea shaking her head. What the hell is with women chastising me lately. Am I throwing a tantrum and don’t know it?
“Yes, I saw her and yes, I put her out. Listen to me, mother. This... imagine wedding you have in your mind is not going to happen. I am not one of the little pawns in your bridge club. My life is not for your amusement….” She inhales as if to speak but doesn’t when she sees the look on my face. “The woman I am going to marry is Lailani Moore. I love her more than I have ever loved anything or anyone in my life beside my father. You destroyed him with your lack of emotion and your need to control. That is not my plight. This is the one and only time I am going to say this, I am going to marry and have a family with the woman I love. I will not allow anyone, not even you, to treat her as anything other than everything. If you wish to be a grandmother, you either get on board or drown for all I care, but this will be your one and only life vest. Oh, you are no longer welcome to come and go as you please. Two days advanced notice will be sufficient, don’t you think? Goodbye mother.” walking out the door, my back feels lighter. Huh. Should have done that sooner. Suddenly, taking care of that, clears my mind and everything becomes clear. I have to get things ready for when I find her. I have to have it all in place, so I can show her how serious I am about us and our future.
With renewed vigor, I call Esme, my realtor. “Hey jerk. How’s it going?” I can’t help but smile. She and Cord are the only ones who can call me that and get away with it. The three of us were like the three musketeers in college.
“Nothing much munchkin. I am in the market for a house.” I squint knowing she is going to give me shit.
“Wait. Hold on. Let me pull over before I crash my car. Has the untouchable bachelor finally been touched?” damn pain in my ass.
“Shut up Es and yes, I have finally found the one. Now I have to show her. So, do you have anything good?”
“I might have a few things. When do you want to set up an appointment?”
“Is tomorrow too soon?” she laughs.
“No. Of course not. Does noon work?”
“Perfect. See you then.” hanging up, I can feel pieces of hope come back. Just have to make one more call tonight.
“Cord? Is everything ok?”
“I am sorry to bother you and Cord so late. I wanted to thank you for lighting a fire under my stubborn ass and to ask you for a favor.”
“Cord I still don’t…”
“I know. It’s not that. We will find her, Phillipa. I swear. In the meantime, I was wondering if you would go with me next week to look for a house for her and to help me pick out a ring?” I have to pull the phone away from my ear when she begins to scream. Then suddenly Cord is in my ear.