something. Those airplanes are so dry. And all that recirculated air is so bad for the complexion.”
As expected my comment redirects her attention. She immediately sits on the couch and pulls her water bottle from her bag.
I whip around and face Vin. “I am so sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m starting to see why you’re such a force of nature.”
“Force of nature is a very kind way to put it. I had no idea she planned to show up tonight.”
“I can tell.”
“Please don’t be offended but could you come back tomorrow? I can’t sleep with you knowing my mother is on the other side of the wall. And yes, I know it’s ridiculous because I’m a grown woman but still.”
“Ari, no explanation is needed. Spend some time with your mother. I’ll go catch up on some work. It’s no problem.”
After a quick kiss and a detour to the bedroom, Vin comes out carrying his overnight bag. He waves to my mother who pretends she doesn’t see him. He chuckles.
“The test tomorrow, are you sure you still want to come? That was before I knew my mom would be here.”
He gathers me closer. “I won’t come if it makes you uncomfortable but I’d rather be there than at work wondering what’s going on. Do you want me there?”
“I do. It’s kind of selfish I guess. It’s not like I’ll be alone this time. And it means you’ll be in the waiting room with my mother for hours.”
“It’s not selfish. I’ll come back in the morning and bring your mom breakfast. I know you can’t eat beforehand but it’ll give me a chance to get to know my future mother-in-law.” He smirks.
I roll my eyes at that. He’s never going to let me live that hubby comment down.
“Okay. Bye.” I kiss him quickly but I should have expected more. This is my man we’re talking about after all. He bends me over his arm and gives me the kind of kiss that would make a nun want to sin.
“See you tomorrow, wifey.”
20
Sleeping with Ari has ruined sleeping alone for me. Since I’m awake early, I decide to tackle some work. Working around Ariana’s tests and appointments will have to become my new norm.
That’s something I can’t contemplate just yet so instead I answer emails.
Once it hits eight o’clock, I figure it’s late enough. I didn’t want to show up at Ariana’s place too early and wake them up. That definitely wouldn’t help me make a better impression on her mother.
Although I have a feeling nothing will help in that department. Ingrid appears to be one of those people that can find fault with anything.
After a quick pit stop to buy an assortment of pastries and several types of coffee, I drive to Ariana’s apartment. At this time of morning on a weekday parking spaces are actually available near her building. I’m grateful since I’m sure her mom will be annoyed if the coffee is cold.
I knock three times. After a few minutes I knock again. A door down the hall swings open and an old lady with curlers in her hair looks out.
“Could you be any louder?” she yells in a thin, reedy voice. “Asshole.” The last part is muttered as she slams her door.
The door in front of me opens finally and Ingrid regards me with interest. “Oh, hello. I wondered when you’d be back. Come in. Come in.”
She turns and walks away, leaving the door open so I can follow. Perplexed by her much friendlier demeanor, I follow her inside. Her long, silky robe swirls around her legs as she takes a seat at the kitchen counter. With her blond hair and blue eyes, it’s like looking at a paler version of her daughter. She really is a beautiful woman.
“I brought some food and coffee, ma’am.”
“Thank you. So mannerly. My daughter has been keeping you a secret.”
I’m not sure how to respond to that. But Ingrid doesn’t appear to need my input to the conversation.
“Ariana wouldn’t give me any of the juicy details but I already read all about the wedding online. The pictures look like heaven.” She takes a tentative sip of one of the coffees before putting it down and taking another. After another sip, she apparently deems this one acceptable before she opens the box of pastries.
I have to hold back a smile as she makes faces at each one before finally making a selection.
“It was a beautiful wedding. My brother and Casey are very happy. They’re on their