“Why on earth would he do that?” Mom sounded justifiably flabbergasted.
“I don’t know. Because he’s Niles?” I sounded justifiably irate.
“That’s just… that’s… I don’t even know what that is,” Mom stammered.
“It gets better.”
“Oh no.” Now she sounded anxious.
“Dad said he’s staying in town. He said, ‘this isn’t done’.”
“Oh no.” Now she sounded panicked.
“Oh yes.”
“What are you going to do?” Now she sounded hysterical.
“Well, the hotel is a pretty building, so I’d rather not set explosives.” Max chuckled again and I glared at him again while he flipped the lid down on the coffeemaker and then touched the switch.
“So, with that not being an option, what are you going to do?” Mom asked.
“Ignore him.”
“He’s hard to ignore.”
“Yes, well, by a cruel twist of fate, I am his daughter. Two can play at stubborn.”
Mom was quiet then she said softly, “Sweetie, I’m worried.”
“Why?”
“Because I got that picture.”
“What?”
“The e-mail you sent,” she said. “You look happy and he’s, Max… he’s… well, he’s gorgeous.” No doubt about it, she was right about that. “And, sweetheart, he looks happy too.”
My anger took a hit and warmth started to slide through me.
“Mom –”
“I haven’t seen you look like that…” she paused, “heck, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look like that.”
“Mom –”
“I don’t want your Dad messing that up for you.”
“But –”
“And he will. If he can, he’ll do it.”
“It’ll be okay.”
“You’re sure? Because I’m not so sure.”
“Mom, I really think I made my point this morning.”
“How? Because when that man gets something in his head –”