45. Charli #2
Sinking my teeth into my lower lip I nod.
His eyes are hazy as he leans against the bathroom wall and fastens his pants. “Let’s go home then.”
I stand up to adjust my dress, but he stops me. Grabbing some paper towels, he soaks them in warm water and cleans me up carefully before pulling my dress to cover me.
Later that night, he’s snoring lightly as I’m sprawled across him with my head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. I love him and I haven’t lost myself in the process. I’m still me, but I’m better with him in my life.
* * *
Ian arrives mid-morning and he and all the extended family stop to get food at The Sweet Spot before they head to the beach while I work.
My Aunt Liz, Andi’s mom, and Sam’s parents, Aunt Jenn and Uncle Chris, make the trip too.
They never miss the big weekend bash. My aunts don’t get together often.
During the afternoon, Ian gives me text updates to keep me in the loop.
Despite their best efforts —I have a pit in my stomach all day, dreading coming face to face with my mom tonight.
That evening is a full family dinner at my grandparents’ house.
Ian texted me that our mom is already there and that things are okay so far.
We band together to protect each other around her.
But with my mom here, things sometimes get tense, leaving many of us walking on eggshells, never knowing what she might do or say.
Her words can cut right through you if you’re not careful.
I change into a simple green sundress after work and pick up Gage before we go over there together. He’s wearing his Wanderlust uniform and god damn, he looks fine. His blond hair is down and he has his sunglasses on the strap around his neck.
We have a brief kiss in the car before driving the short distance to Mimi and Pops. He keeps his hand on my knee as the breeze blows through the open windows. Nerves jangle in my body, the anticipation of the night heavy on my mind.
“I'll be back after my next charter. It won’t be too long,” he says, reassuring me.
“You can eat with us, right?”
“Of course.”
The driveway is crowded with cars, so I park on the street. Voices filter from the porch where everyone must be gathered. “You got this, baby. I’m here for you. Just give me the word and we can leave if you want.”
I take a deep breath and squeeze his hand. “Thanks, I need to face her.”
We walk up the wooden steps hand in hand.
Mom’s at the end of the porch near the entryway talking to Sam.
Her brown hair is streaked with white strands and her blue eyes are still hard.
She’s got a few more lines on her face; deep wrinkles have set in around her eyes and mouth, probably from all the sun exposure.
The sound of her voice grates on the inside of my ears, sending a punch to my gut.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Charli.”
We share an awkward hug. The hairs on my skin perk up, just being in proximity to her. I make a face at Sam over her shoulder and she gives me a thumb-up sign.
“This is Gage Collins, my boyfriend.”
My mom nods approvingly. “Nice to meet you, Gage. Are you working on Wanderlust this summer?” They shake hands.
“Yes, it’s my family’s boat and I’m running it here.”
She sips her wine. “Very nice.” Mom stands back and looks at us both, her gaze assessing him. I wait frozen for her response. He squeezes my hand again. “Can’t stay away from the sailors, huh, Charli?” she sneers.
“It’s not like that, Mom.” My voice comes out high. I count to ten in my head to calm down as I wait for her reply, but she just sips her wine, her eyes a bit glassy. “I’m going to grab a drink,” I announce, pulling on Gage’s hand before we walk away.
My stomach knots. I sigh as Ian approaches us. “Hey, Gage, how’s it going?”
“Good, man. Nice to see you again.”
Ian gives me a tight smile and moves toward Mom, positioning himself between us. “Mimi brought out some more apps.”
“Thank you, Ian.” She goes to return to the table and I let out the breath I was holding.
Gage puts a hand to my lower back and rubs a circle. “That was a good start. One step at a time.”
Still, I need a breather, so we remove ourselves to the kitchen and get some drinks. I hook my arm in Gage’s and lead him back with me. Once we’re behind the door, he rubs my shoulders as I let out a breath. “You’re doing great. Is there anything else I can do to help?”
I shake my head. “No, I just want this evening to be over so we can be alone together.”
When we return to the porch, my mom heads directly over to Gage and grills him about his boat and business as he’s trying to eat some of the steamers. I only catch snippets of their conversation. Her firing questions at him: Maine coast, Waterway, Virgin Islands.
His deep voice rumbles in response: Kennewick, seven years, every winter.
I don’t want her butting into my private life. She doesn’t deserve to know. Mom will only use what she learns for her own benefit. Staring at Gage’s back, I plead with him internally to walk away from her and come back over to me.
It doesn't work. I stay with Andi and Sam and have a glass of wine. We huddle together and Sam fills me in on her mystery man from The Rooftop. Apparently, he lives in Port City and has his own business. Sam gave him her number and they’ve been texting all day and might meet up later tonight.
She’s giddy and we’re both happy for her.
I keep my eyes on Gage, who seems to be holding his own with my mom, mainly discussing racing from what I can discern.
My aunts, Jenn and Liz save Gage by bringing over a plate of cheese and crackers.
He grabs some and edges away from them, a relieved look on his face.
Liz cackles at something Jenn says and my mom swigs her drink.
Uncle Chris joins them, his ponytail blowing in the breeze behind him.
I inhale and exhale slowly, steadying myself again.
Maybe it won’t be so bad. We just need to get through the meal and then we can leave.
My grandparents have outdone themselves with fresh striped bass for dinner with roasted potatoes and a large salad.
Mimi even baked her famous biscuits to go with it.
Gage and I sit at the opposite end of the table from my mom and I eat the meal with Koda sitting at my feet.
It’s like he senses I’m about to lose my shit at any second.
My reserve is starting to fade though. I’m waiting for her to stir the pot again since I’ve remained mostly calm all night.
Sam and I help clear the dishes. On my way back to get the serving plates, my mom corners me by the rocking chairs.
“So, you've moved on quickly from Tyler. This new guy is younger though. But very handsome.” She drinks her wine again, peering at me over the glass. Time hasn’t been kind to her, she looks older than my aunts even though she’s the youngest.
“Your boyfriend’s father was quite the looker back in his day, but unfortunately only had eyes for his wife.”
“God, Mom. Really?” Disgust bubbles up in my gut. She has to take it to the next level.