Chapter 9
CHAPTER NINE
Aaron
“How are things going with Chelsea?” my mother asks as she kneads the dough and I stand only a few feet away, watching. She is looking down at her hands but I sense she already knows something and it makes me uneasy.
I had every intention of not bringing it up, I know my mother and hers are friends.
I knew going in that things were going to be up front and center.
Everything that went on between Chelsea and I, or didn’t go on, both our mothers would know.
It would be the topic of conversation at every event no matter how hard I tried to keep it separate.
Before I know it, my mouth is opening and the words are pouring out.
“I’m sorry I’m not the man you want me to be.” Her hands pause and she looks over at me with both her brows furrowed. Confusion is written all over her face.
“What are you talking about?” Releasing the dough she grabs a towel and starts wiping her hands clean.
“You are exactly the man I want you to be.” My mother drops the towel and takes a few steps toward me.
Placing her hand on my forearm she offers it a squeeze.
“You are strong and kind, you are loyal and hardworking, compassionate and loving, every one of those qualities prove your words wrong. I couldn’t be more proud of the man you’ve become, Aaron. ”
“I know you want this thing between Chelsea and I to work out and Mom I tried, I did…” The words die because I honestly don’t know how to finish the sentence. There is nothing there, no interest, not even a little. I also know this puts my mother in an awkward position.
“I want you happy. That is all I’ve ever wanted for you,” she insists with a smile. “I don’t care if that is with Chelsea, or a guy named Bruce.”
I look at her and my expression must say it all because she laughs. There are tears in her eyes and she holds her side with one hand and places her fingers to her lips with the other.
“Really, Ma?” I ask, with my own chuckle because that was so out of character for my mom. Granted she is not a stiff like Chelsea’s mom. Mine, she knows how to settle in, have fun, and slip a little.
“I’m being serious.” She finally wipes at her eyes and grows calm once more.
“It was never about the who. Your father, God love him, has worked hard every single day to build this life for us. I adore the man but sometimes I think he forgets to stop and enjoy himself. He forgets that there are things out there other than work. What I don’t want is for you to wake up five or even ten years from now and realize that you’ve had a lot of okay relationships but nothing that makes your heart race.
I don’t want you to miss out on life, Aaron.
I want you to love and be loved. I want you to have that joy.
I want you to have memories you want to hold on to.
This dating thing with Chelsea, it was me hoping to give you a little push to keep your eyes open for that someone. ”
I look down and because she is my mother she just knows there is a hidden meaning behind my aversion. Like some built in lie detector, or in this case mind reader.
“Is there someone?” she asks with those curious eyes widened a little, her brows lifted, and a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
I take a deep breath, knowing this is the moment I could be honest and spill everything inside of me to my mother.
This is the point that I could confess I think I am in love with a woman that doesn’t want to settle down.
A woman that is wild and spontaneous and the exact opposite of everything she’s ever dreamed for me.
She knows Kendall, she has been around her at weddings and birthdays, she has met her before.
Though Kendall is more reserved during those events, it’s not hard to pick up on her independent attitude.
But instead I offer her a smile. “You’ll be the first to know when there is a special someone.
” I’m not quite ready for all the questions and most likely concerns that I know will be rapid fired in my direction the moment my mother knows.
She doesn’t have a great ability to be left in the dark.
My mother is a need to know person, and she needs to know everything.
Especially when it comes to me or my father, she is relentless.
“Aaron.” The warning in her voice makes me laugh. I reach out and pull her in, hugging her close. “Is there something you need to tell me?”
“Not yet, Mom,” I say ensuring her, knowing already that it won’t be enough, but hoping like hell she’ll accept that it’s all I am willing to give.
Relief settles over me, the heaviness I have felt in my chest for weeks easing a little. My biggest concern throughout this all is the position this puts my mother in.
“What about Joan?” I ask and feel my mother’s body shift as she takes a deep breath.
“I never understood just how crazy that woman was until now,” she says, leaning back and creating a little distance between us.
“She has always been a little pushy, a little flashy, and in everybody’s business at all times.
But my goodness Aaron, I am not a violent person but there have been a few times I’ve wanted to strangle the woman. ”
I chuckle, crossing my arms over my chest, leaning back against the countertop behind me.
“She sends at least twenty-five messages a day. She calls and even emails me too. When is Aaron going to call Chelsea? When does Aaron plan to take Chelsea out again? Shouldn’t we set up a meeting with the kids?
We should plan a dinner and get the two of them together.
It is one message after another. I’ve muted my phone, avoided her calls. ”
Again she takes a deep breath.
“I think I knew before you even went out that first time that it wouldn’t work.
I told your father that it was a mistake because the last thing I ever wanted was to have a daughter-in-law that was a mini version of Joan.
She wants to control everything and lately she has this delusional idea that you are one of those things she wants to control.
I’m trying to hold back and be a lady Aaron, but Lord it’s growing harder and harder by the day. ”
I chuckle and she narrows her eyes at me.
“You don’t think your mother has it in her to be mean?”
“Not a chance.” My mother is the kindest, sweetest person I have ever met in my life. She is quiet and respectful.
“Southern ladies know how to be mean, Aaron,” she says to me very direct.
“We also know the time and the place, but let me make one thing very clear. I know how to make my point clear, and Joan is riding a line. She will understand that my son is not one of her chess pieces she can move at her own will.”
“Ma.” I reach out and wait for her to place her hand in mine. “Why don’t you let me handle Chelsea and Joan?”
“It won’t stop her from contacting me, and now that I know there is no chance for Chelsea and you, I’m not so sure it will be as easy for me to remain quiet.”
I only offer her a smile.
“So,” she pushes, squeezing my hand. “Are you sure there isn’t someone you want to tell me about?”
“Let’s just say that there is a certain someone that has caught my eye long ago and I’m not sure there will be anything that develops.”
“But you would like it to?”
“Very much, Ma,” I give her a little more. “Very much.”
“Anything I can do to help?”
Again I chuckle, imagining my mom cornering Kendall and the vision leaves me smiling. “I got this,” I tell her, even though I know I have no clue where to go next.
“Well, if something changes you let me know.”