Chapter 30 #2
“At the over fifty-five complex? What should I wear? Dress pants pulled up to my nipples? I’ll have to borrow some white Velcro shoes.”
I’m happy to see the reaction I was hoping for when she smiles. Her smile never fails to make my day.
“Don’t forget your fanny pack.”
I wonder where Amos has been staying. The apartment complex Gloria lives in is a nice, pricey one but it’s limited to older and retired residents so he isn’t living with her.
I’m afraid this sudden urge to reconcile might be about letting Amos move in with one of us again. That’s not going to happen.
Lila is quiet on the drive over to meet them. When we park in front of her mom’s apartment, I slip my hand under her hair to rub the back of her neck. She’s so tense. “Hey, whatever they have to say, you’ve done nothing wrong, understand?”
“I know. I’m alright.” She forces a smile as Amos pulls into the parking spot beside us.
“Can you give us a minute?” I ask her, and she nods, heading for the front door.
“Hey,” Amos says.
“I wanted to talk to you first and apologize. I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you I was seeing Lila. We didn’t expect to fall for each other.”
He sighs and leans against the car. “I’m sorry I brought up that old shit. I was pissed.”
“It needed to come out. I should’ve told her anyway.”
“So, you really love her? You’re going to stay together?”
“Yes.” I don’t want there to be any doubt about that. “We’re in love. I hope you know I’ll be good to her.”
His reluctant nod is probably all the acceptance I’m going to get. “I don’t doubt that. She’ll have you buried in your backyard if you aren’t.” The mood lightens a bit and he adds, “I moved in with Mandy. We’re going to try to work things out so I can be there for the baby.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Mandy must be extremely forgiving.
“We should go in before Mom and Lila end up arguing,” he suggests and we head inside.
The sound of laughter from outside the apartment is surprising and hopefully a good sign. We walk in to see Lila and her mother disassembling a potted plant.
“What did we miss?” Amos asks.
Gloria turns around and holds it up. “This plant you brought me is fake!”
Amos blinks at her. “Yeah. I thought you knew that.”
“It looks so real! I watered it and wondered why it started growing mold.”
“Well, you said your plants kept dying. I didn’t think you could kill a fake one. Guess I was wrong.”
I’m glad to see things aren’t as awkward or tense as we expected. Lila pulls Amos out onto the balcony to talk for a moment that ends in a hug while her mother and I make small talk.
Afterward, we sit around her living room.
“I’m so glad everyone is getting along again!” Gloria announces, slapping her hands together. “And I have a grandbaby coming! Are you excited about becoming an aunt?” she asks Lila.
“I am. I can’t wait to meet them.”
“Me too! And you’ll be in business soon. Good news all around. When does Planet Playland open?”
Lila hesitates, her mouth dropping open a little. “The grand opening is January second. I’m holding a private Christmas party there on Friday for the Happy Haven kids. It’ll be a good test run of the equipment.”
Gloria beams at her. “That’s perfect! Amos needs a job. You two can run the place together.”
The way Lila’s face falls breaks my heart. It was obvious she was surprised when she was asked about Planet Playland. For a moment, she thought her mother was genuinely interested in her life and happy for her accomplishment.
“No.” Her tone is firm as she straightens her back.
Her mother frowns, taken aback. “What? You’ll have to hire help, surely. And your brother needs a job."
“It’ll be fun working together, Liles,” Amos pipes up.
“No, we won’t be working together. You’ll have to find a job somewhere else.”
Her mother huffs. “Give me one good reason why you can’t hire Amos and do this together?”
Lila takes a deep breath, and I watch her fight to keep calm. “I don’t have to explain myself or my decisions. They’re mine. Just like Planet Playland is mine. I’ve worked my ass off for it. If this is the only reason you wanted to see me, then there’s nothing else to talk about.”
“What has gotten into you?” Gloria asks. “You aren’t this selfish.” She glances at me as if I might be the problem.
“You’re right. I’m not selfish. I’m done being manipulated and guilted into taking care of a grown man who won’t do it himself.
I understand he’s the most important to you.
I know that won’t ever change. But I have.
I should’ve known when you actually showed interest in something I was doing that it was only to see how it could benefit him. I’m going to make this clear.”
She turns to Amos. “You’re my brother, and I love you, but I’m not hiring you.
I’m not giving you a place to live. I’m not giving you money.
I’m not loaning you my car. If you ever want to spend time together that isn’t transactional, you can call me.
I’m glad you came back and I hope you step up for your child. ”
I’m on my feet the moment she gets to hers. Amos doesn’t say a word, only glares at her like he’s the one being wronged.
“I’m going to go. I have work to do.”
Gloria calls out as we head toward the door. “Can’t you think of the baby? Kids are expensive.”
Lila pauses after I open the front door for her, and looks back. “They are. Fortunately, I don’t have any.”
Neither of them follow us. I’m sure we’ll get some hateful messages later, but the only thing I’m worried about is Lila. I put my arm around her as we walk out.
“That explains why they were both so nice and eager to make up,” Lila says, trying to keep her tone light. I know she’s hurting and I could choke them both for it.
I catch her face in my hands before she can get in the car.
“Do you have any idea how proud I am of you?” Emotion begins to shine in her eyes as I continue.
“Not just for standing up for yourself in there but realizing how much more you deserve. You’ve worked so hard to get where you want to be and still helped everyone you could along the way.
You’re amazing. I’m proud of you for putting yourself first. I’m sure as hell going to. ”
She swallows hard and shakes her head. “We’re going to put us first.”