Chapter 6
six
. . .
Stella
I'm deep in a Google rabbit hole about Mason Park when my phone rings. The screen shows a photo of my mother in her perfectly coordinated tennis outfit, her blonde hair in a flawless bob, holding a martini at last year's charity gala.
I steel myself for the conversation and answer on the third ring.
“Hey, Mama.”
“Stella Suzanne, darling! How are you, sweet pea?”
Her voice carries that particular blend of warmth and expectation that I've been hearing my entire life. I can picture her exactly, probably sitting in the sunroom with her morning coffee and already dressed for whatever committee meeting or charity luncheon is on today's agenda.
“I'm good. Just getting settled at the office.” I glance around the agency, grateful that Blair's on maternity leave and can't overhear this conversation.
“Oh, good, you're not too busy, then. I wanted to catch you before your day gets away from you.” There's a pause, and I brace myself.
“Honey, did you ever reach out to Patricia Wrigley's son? You remember, I texted you his number the other day. He just moved out to Los Angeles for work. Such a lovely boy, just finished his MBA at Emory. I thought you could reach out, maybe show him around town, help him get settled.”
I close my eyes. Patricia Wrigley's son. Right. The latest in my mother's endless parade of “perfect matches” for me.
“I've been really swamped with work, Mama.”
“Stella, darling, work is wonderful, but it shouldn't consume your whole life. You're twenty-five. When I was your age, I was already married to your father and planning our family.”
Here we go.
I fidget with my pen, drawing little stars on my notepad.
“I know, but things are different nowadays. And I love what I do here.”
“And I'm proud of you, sugar; you know that. But this whole Hollywood thing…” She sighs dramatically. “I just worry you're missing out on what really matters. Building a life, a family. Finding a good man who can take care of you.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“Of course you can, but why should you have to? And I'm still holding out hope that you'll move back home. You could join the Junior League with me like we always planned. I could get you on the hospital auxiliary board tomorrow.”
The familiar weight of obligation settles on my chest. In her mind, my life in LA is still just an extended vacation, a wild phase I'll eventually outgrow when I remember what really matters.
“Actually, Mama, I'm seeing someone.” The words tumble out before I can stop them.
There's a beat of silence, then a sharp intake of breath. “You are? Oh, honey! Why didn't you tell me? Who is he? What does he do?”
“Still early days,” I say, hoping my voice sounds breezy instead of panicked. “I don't want to jinx it.”
“Oh, sweetheart, I'm so excited for you!” Her voice is practically glowing through the phone. “You know what? I'm going to go ahead and mark you down as having a plus-one for the summer charity gala. It would be the perfect opportunity for you to introduce him.”
I can hear the hope in her voice, the way she's already mentally planning introductions and probably picking out what she'll wear to meet my mystery boyfriend. Part of me feels guilty for the deception, but a bigger part feels relief at how this buys me some breathing room.
“That sounds lovely, Mama,” I say because it's easier than explaining that my dating life is currently a figment of my imagination.
“I just have such a good feeling about this, baby girl. I can tell in your voice that this one might be special.” She sighs happily. “I can't wait to see you happy and settled.”
“Let's not get ahead of ourselves.”
“Well, if it doesn't work out, I can make sure Patricia's son can escort you. I do think he'd be a good match for you, too.”
I hum something that could pass for agreement and let her enthusiasm wash over me. At least now I have a little time to figure out my life.
“Okay, Mama. I need to get back to work.”
We chat for a few more minutes about the luncheon she's headed to today and Daddy's golf game before she finally lets me go.
My pulse flutters wildly as the reality of what I told her hits me. I'm dating someone. My stomach churns with a nauseating mix of anxiety and regret as I realize the magnitude of the lie I just told.
I pull out my phone with shaking hands, my leg bouncing uncontrollably under my desk as I try to formulate a coherent cry for help.
How do I even begin to explain this disaster?
My fingers hover over the keyboard, typing and deleting the same words three times before I finally manage to hit send on my SOS message to the Girl Gang.
Stella
Soooo. I have a little issue.
Sophia
What happened? Are you okay?
Jess
Do we need to hide a body?
Natalie
I have bail money if needed.
Stella
Well. I just told my mother I'm dating someone so she'd stop pushing blind dates on me. Now she expects me to bring him as my plus-one to the charity gala we attend every summer.
Brandon
Why would you do that?
Natalie
Honestly? Kind of proud. Fake it till you make it, girl.
Jess
Wait, so you're not dating anyone?
Stella
Correct. Desperately single. But now I need a date or boyfriend or both. Unless I want to be set up with one of her friend's sons.
Blair
Just catching up. I was nursing little Ruby. I have the cutest baby in my arms right now!
Sophia
OMG, pics please! Auntie Sophia requires proof of life.
Blair
[shared baby Ruby photo album]
Jess
Stop it right now. She's perfect. I'm crying actual tears.
Stella
Blair, she's absolutely gorgeous! Look at those tiny fingers!
Brandon
That's one beautiful baby. Congratulations again.
Natalie
Okay wow, she's stunning. Those cheeks!
Sophia
I'M DEAD. Look at that face! When can I come see her again?
Blair
Thank you I'm going to plan a get-together for all of us soon. But let's get back to Stella's problem. I can tell this is about to get entertaining.
Stella
If by entertaining you mean becoming an absolute dumpster fire. So, anyone have any single friends?
Sophia
I can look through my contacts. I'm sure I know a ton of single guys.
Brandon
No way, Sophia. The guys you know are arrogant assholes.
Sophia
Hey! Not all of them!
Natalie
Say no more. We've got your back.
Jess
I'm an excellent matchmaker.
Stella
I appreciate any ideas you all have.
Natalie
Want to grab lunch and discuss on Sunday?
Stella
If that works for everyone, I can host and I'll feed you for your troubles.
Sophia
I'll be there!
Brandon
Why are we doing this again?
Natalie
I feel like it's obvious.
Jess
I'll be there too.
Blair
Can you FaceTime me in? I don't want to miss this.
I set my phone down and stare at my computer screen. Despite the panic, I'm a little excited at the idea of my friends helping me get back out there. Who knows? Maybe I'll actually find a love connection.