I UNLOCK THE DOORand enter my house. It’s mostly dark, like always, but it’s warmer somehow and I know the reason. Setting my bags down by the staircase, I take a look around. Simon’s coat hangs on the peg next to mine, and his messenger bag slouches on top of the bookcase. His Nikes sit by the back door and the laundry basket by the mudroom is brimming with his t-shirts.
The temperature outside has dropped, and I’m in need of tea to warm me up, so I pad into the kitchen with Jimmy at my heels, clamoring for my affection and sustenance. “You’re such a good boy,” I tell him as I turn the corner and top off his water dish and refill his bowl of food. I wash my hands and reach for a towel and that’s when I notice the note on the counter in Simon’s blocked lettering.
Lainie-
I’m at trivia, which you know. And I’m missing you, which you probably also know. Jimmy’s been fed, so don’t fall for his tricks. I’ll see you around ten, and I can’t wait to hear about the rest of your day.
-Simon
I smile at his words, knowing I was fully duped by Jimmy’s cries, as I fill the kettle and light the burner, then select my favorite orange cranberry tea bag. It’s perfect for a cold night like tonight.
While I wait for the water to boil, I head upstairs to change out of my work clothes. For a moment, I imagine lounging around in my bra and painties, waiting for Simon to come home. But, no, I’m not quite that bold. Besides, it’s freezing, so I snuggle into flannel pants and a cotton tank that my mother would surely disapprove of, then I hunt around for one of Simon’s hoodies to keep me warm.
As though I’ve summoned her, my phone chimes with a text, and I know, without checking, that it’s my mother. I’ve been avoiding her more than usual lately, and that always means there’s hell to pay, so I grab my phone and head downstairs, thinking a little whiskey in my tea might be necessary.
Mother: Elaine, I know you’re there. Janice Chambers just saw you at the Shoppes at Grandview.
Holy hell. My mother lives two hours away and has spies everywhere.
Elaine: Yes, I just got in from a shopping trip with Molly and I’m having tea.
Mother: Is it that green tea I sent last week? It’s supposed to burn calories.
I take a healthy sip of my bourbon-laced cranberry orange tea, laden with sugar, and reply.
Elaine: It’s delicious.
Mother: It’s not supposed to be delicious, Elaine. It’s supposed to burn calories.
Lord, I do not have the patience tonight and Simon won’t be home for another hour.
Elaine: What do you need, mother? I’m pretty tired and I have an early morning.
Mother: Oh, are you going to the gym again?
I roll my eyes and text the thumbs up emoji.
Mother: Good. You should get a personal trainer.
Elaine: Great idea, but I really should get to sleep, so have a good night and give dad my love.
Mother: Elaine, it’s 9 p.m., for God’s sake. You’re not a kindergartner. See if you can keep your eyes open for another five minutes. We have things to discuss.
Elaine: What’s up?
Mother: Thanksgiving dinner will be at two, and don’t feel like you need to bring anything. Mrs. Carlisle and I have the menu worked out to everyone’s tastes.
Elaine: Sounds lovely.
Mother: Everett and his wife are arriving late Wednesday. Feel free to do the same. Dad and I won’t be home until after dinner, but Mrs. Carlisle knows to have salad on hand for you.
For a moment, I wonder just what my mother would say if I texted and told her I was bringing my boyfriend? And what if I said he’s still a growing boy and requires much more than salad to satisfy him? She’d probably call me a liar and scold me for playing games. And I’d never throw Simon under the bus like that, though holidays would be much more enjoyable with him around. Ev’s great, but he’s usually working, even on holidays. And his wife, Victoria, is nearly as awful as my mother.
Elaine: Perfect. Thank you.
Mother: Of course. Now get some sleep. Don’t stay up until all hours reading or your eyes will be puffy in the morning.
I text the sleeping emoji and set my phone on the side table. I really will never understand her. She scolds me for going to bed early and chastises me for staying up late. Ugh.
