Never Let go - Lucy Darling

1

Jameson

“Stop fussing with it.” My mom smacks my hand away like I’m a child.

“It’s fucking choking me.” I pull on the bowtie, letting it come undone. She rolls her eyes at me.

“Watch your mouth.” She scolds me but there’s no power in her tone. A few people turn to look at us. I don’t care if they stare. I am here for one reason and one reason only. My mom wants me here. She’s the only person in the world that could get me to come to a ballet.

At least that’s what I think it is. It could be a musical. I almost groan out loud, thinking about how boring this shit is going to be. It doesn’t matter, though, because either way, I am going to sit and watch it because it’s what my mother wants. I’ll just have to hope I survive being bored out of my mind.

“I just can’t wait for you to see this. You’re going to eat those words about this being boring. Then you’ll get all pissy about the lack of shows Bunny Rose puts on.” I don’t think I’ve ever been pissy about anything in my life. Especially about someone with a ridiculous name.

“Wait. Is this a burlesque show?” With a name like Bunny Rose I’m going to guess yes. The last thing I want to do is sit through a burlesque show. Especially since I’d be watching it while sitting next to my mom in the front row. This night is starting to sound worse by the second.

“What! No.” She smacks my chest, shaking her head at me. “People are listening to us. You’re being ridiculous.” She raises her glass of champagne to her mouth, taking a sip. People are looking but that’s not abnormal for me. I am what they call new money in a world full of old money.

The wealth of Dallas doesn't much like that I don’t fall in line with the rest of the wealthy. But they have no choice but to rub their elbows with my dirt covered ones. Except for tonight. I cleaned up before I took my mom out. Even though I like to give her a hard time, she knows that I’ll do anything for her. I can’t say no when it comes to her.

“I don’t care if they stare.” I throw back the rest of my scotch, wondering when they are going to let us into the theater. I wouldn't mind sitting for a few hours. I’ve been on my feet all day. At least I won’t have to worry about my phone or anything else. I can use this as down time, zone out a bit and try to relax. I snag another champagne glass, handing it to my mom. She takes it from my hand as I drop her empty one down onto the tray.

“Ms. Price, how are you this evening?” Samuel Johnson takes my mom's hand, kissing it.

“I told you to call me Rebecca, Sam.”

“I should have known you’d be here.” He smiles at my mom. I’m still not sure how I feel about Sam. You’d have to be a few beers short of a six-pack to not pick up on that.

“I reckon you’re here because you thought she might be here.” Sam doesn't flinch at me jabbing him.

“Maybe so.” He kisses my mom’s hand again that he’s still holding. I notice my mom’s cheeks pinken and I know I’ll be getting an earful later. The lights overhead start to flash, letting us know it’s time for us to head in. The doors open for everyone to pour inside. “I’ll see you after the show, Rebecca.” He lets my mom’s hand go before stepping back. Both my mom and I watch him walk over to a young girl. I’m pretty sure it’s his granddaughter. It better fucking be.

“Wipe that ridiculous look off your face. It’s his daughter.”

“He’s sweet on you.”

“Who wouldn't be sweet on me?”

I chuckle at how forward she is. “You’re right.” I offer her my arm.

“He’s scared of you.”

“He should be.” He didn't seem to be scared when he strolled over here and began kissing her. I’m not sure if I’m flattered that he fears me or not. I guess if he did, I’d have to give him points for still coming over. If he wants a chance with my mom he better be willing to work for it. If he isn't then he doesn’t deserve her. Anything you want in life is worth fighting for. That’s how I