37. Olive
37
OLIVE
D amn! What the hell has gotten into Mom tonight? What happened to being more open and understanding?
I haven’t told her everything about my trip—she didn’t ask for many details—but I’m pretty sure I made my feelings for Leo clear. Either she ignored me or she’s in denial. This has to be about her fear of being left alone.
I’ve been trying to stay calm and ignore her little jabs here and there, but my patience is running thin. Leo’s taking everything in stride. I wish I could read his mind. Uncle Bruce is joking around more than usual to lighten the mood. I’m so glad he’s here. Leo’s mom wasn’t the warmest in the beginning, but she didn’t manipulate her words to cause problems. Mom wants to know if we’ll stay in contact? I open my mouth to respond with something that’ll probably piss her off, but Leo beats me to it.
“I think the answer is obvious, don’t you?” He looks at me with adoration. “Not a day will go by without us talking. It’ll be difficult being apart, but we have our weekend in San Francisco to look forward to. And it gives us a chance to get to know each other without other things getting in the way.”
Like you, Mom.
“Mmm hmm. And after that? You’ll see each other every couple of months? How would that work while you’re off having your fun?”
Oh, for all that is good and holy! I’m about to scream, but Leo keeps his calm and answers perfectly.
“What I failed to tell you is that this is my last assignment. I’ve been offered the manager position at the hotel. If I accept, and I most likely will, I’ll start April first. If all goes according to plan, Olive and I will be able to see each other more frequently, and then we’ll take it from there.”
“And how does your family feel about that? How you’re rushing into this?”
“Mom!” I snap, exasperated at this point. “Would you stop?”
Uncle Bruce huffs. “You mean like how you rushed into things with Pierce, Evelyn? Should I remind you of how you two talked about each other when you first met? Actually, this”—he points at us—“looks more than a little familiar.”
Mom’s mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water. I want to thank Uncle Bruce, but I don’t get the chance.
“My mom and dad were supposedly like that too when they met on their blind date,” Leo continues smoothly with a sweet grin. “Oh, and my family loves Olive. She hit it off with my brother and sister. Not only did I help Olive, she’s helping me break through my own barriers. I’m a better person because of her, and my mom noticed right away. She wants me to be happy, the same way you want Olive to be.”
Take that, Mom. I swear I could ravage him right now. I love him so much.
“Yes, well, I don’t want to see her hurt a few months down the road.” Mom’s voice is oddly defensive.
Leo pulls me closer to him. “I can promise you this, Evelyn, Olive isn’t getting rid of me. We’re in it for the long haul.”
I melt like an ice cube in the Sahara Desert and kiss his cheek. “You’re not getting rid of me either.”
My gaze shifts back to Mom. There’s a flicker of emotion in her eyes—sadness…or anger maybe? I stare her down until she looks away. What is her game?
“What’s for dessert?” Bruce intervenes abruptly, standing with his dirty dishes.
I need to send him a bottle of his favorite whiskey. Or maybe a case.
Mom’s quiet while she picks at her piece of chocolate cake. Uncle Bruce takes over the conversation, telling us he’s never been married and has no desire to be. Maybe I should introduce him to Marla. Then he chats with Leo about the different countries they’ve both visited. At least they’re getting along, and Bruce is giving him a chance.
Mom stands from her chair. “It’s getting late. I know you two would like to be alone. Bruce, why don’t we head out?”
Bruce and I check our watches. It’s only nine. Well, if she wants to leave, that’s her prerogative. I’d rather be alone with Leo than stuck in this tense environment. Bruce gets up and follows Mom to the coats.
“Wait, don’t forget your leftovers,” I say, rushing to the fridge. “Let me wrap up some cake too.”
“Not for me, dear. Keep everything for yourself.”
I frown. “But you love chicken parm and this cake.”
“I know.” She pats her belly, then looks at mine. My jaw drops to the floor. “We need to watch our waistlines. No need for extra curves.”
“Life’s too short for that shit,” Bruce quips, patting his round belly with pride. “Give me her leftovers.”
Leo wraps his arms around me from behind. “I happen to love Olive’s curves.” I lean against him and pat his hands.
I catch Bruce scowling at Mom. If looks could kill. Leo drops his arms, and I hand the leftovers to Uncle Bruce.
I look at Leo. “I’m going to walk them out.”
He kisses me on the forehead. “Good luck.”
Uncle Bruce shakes Leo’s hand. “It was great meeting you. Have a safe trip,” he says sincerely.
Mom stands in the open doorway, showing no effort to shake Leo’s hand or give him a friendly hug goodbye. “Have a safe trip, Leo.” She slips out the door before Leo can respond.
Bruce glances at Leo. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what has gotten into her. I tried.”
Leo waves a dismissive hand. “No worries. She’s being a protective mom.”
I scoff, then follow Uncle Bruce out. When we get to the car, he gets in immediately. I face off with my mother. “Mom, what was that in there? You were downright rude and embarrassing.”
“I’m trying to prevent you from making stupid mistakes. You met him a few weeks ago, and you act like you’re getting married.”
“What did you tell me the other day? You said you were going to be more supportive and happy for me. Insinuating that I need to diet isn’t supportive, especially in front of Leo. That was humiliating and hurtful. Are you deliberately trying to sabotage my relationship with him?”
Since she treats me like a clueless teenager, I’m waiting for her to forbid me from seeing him again.
“I did what I had to do. He’s not good enough for you. You think he doesn’t have a woman waiting for him at every hotel? He probably feeds them the same lines he does you.”
“I—” I gasp and take a step back. It takes everything in my power not to show weakness or slap her across the face. “You have gone too far. Dad would be disappointed in you.”
“Well, he’s not here, is he?” She opens the car door and gets in, slamming it shut.
I’m so stunned, I don’t even remember going back to the apartment. When I walk through the door, Leo takes one look at me and his face darkens with rage. “What the hell did she say to you?”
His unfamiliar protective tone triggers me, and I lose my composure. He leads me to the couch and pulls me into his arms, and I break down sobbing. Once I have no tears left, I tell him what happened.
“She’s lucky she didn’t say those things in front of me. It was tough staying calm the entire evening, but that would’ve tipped me over the edge,” he says, kissing my temple. “I can’t stand seeing you cry. Especially when you’ve done nothing wrong.” His tone is firm, but his touch his gentle.
“You didn’t deserve how she treated you either. I’m sorry. She’s terrified of being left alone and she’d rather me be miserable than with someone who makes me happy. I’ve never seen her act so ruthless and cruel.”
He palms my cheek. “Nothing will ever change my feelings for you. You understand that, right? Nothing. We don’t have to defend our relationship to anyone.”
“I know.”
I wish it were that simple.