November by Michelle Fernandez

Author:Michelle Fernandez [Fernandez, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Michelle Fernandez
Published: 2024-01-24T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER 8

BROOKLYN

“How was last night, dear?” Mom asks as she pours coffee into her mug, then sits down at the table.

“It was good. Franny and I had a great time catching up, and I’m so happy we got out of Moose’s before the crowd picked up.” I think of the biceps and miniskirts that pranced around the bar. “Since when did the place turn from a restaurant to a bar-club scene?”

“It wasn’t Misty’s idea. I think it just evolved to be that way.” Mama slurps her coffee. “Maybe it’s because of all those hot firemen who hang out there. Oh, to be young again and to be hosed down by one of them with their⁠—”

“Mama!” I almost choke on my bagel. Thank God Jonah is outside playing.

“What? I am a woman with needs. And speaking of needs, did you see any hot firemen for yourself?”

“Firemen, yes… hot, no.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“And why are we having this conversation, Mama?” I stand and place my empty mug and plate in the sink.

“Did you see Wesson? You remember him from high school. He’s still single.”

“Mama.” My voice is a warning as I glare into her eyes. “Did you tell Franny to take me there?”

“And there’s Mason. He’s divorced. You two have something in common.”

“Mama.”

“Oh, and there’s Bishop. His wife passed away several years ago, but I don’t think he’s over her. So, maybe Mason or Wes⁠—”

“Mama, please stop playing matchmaker. I came back to get away from New York… from Victor, so I can move on with my life and not watch his life keep going without me and Jonah in it,” I tell her, sparking a silent battle of wills as I stare at her, wondering what name she’ll throw out next.

Mama’s smile rings across the table. “I just want you to be happy.”

“Mama, I’m fine. Really.”

“I heard you arguing on the phone the other night. I know it was Victor. He made you cry.”

I’ve forgotten how thin these walls are.

“I wasn’t crying for me. I was crying for Jonah.” I let out a breath as I cross my arms over my chest and lean my backside against the counter. “She’s pregnant.”

Mama holds her breath as her hand goes to her chest.

“All that loving you gave to Victor, and he didn’t return it, will be given to you by another man. Someone who wants to love you the way you want to be loved.”

“Oh, Mama.” I sigh as I choke back the tears that are trying to spring up. “That’s sweet, but I think I just need to focus on me. Going out last night with Franny, catching up with her, hearing what’s been going on around town, was what I needed.”

“Did she tell you about…”

Mama begins to babble on the things that Franny told me and adds her version to some of the gossip. I hear her, but I’m not listening as my thoughts wander to one particular fireman she mentioned.

Bishop Wylder.

I should have said hello to him when I saw him approach the bar and order a bucket of beers for his friends.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.