Connected. Sure. Whatever you want to call it.“Hey, Mom.”
“So you’re home and safe now?”
What?
“From your deployment?”
“No. I’m out. Done. Civilian. Moved to Washington.”
Long pause. “Oh, that’s just wonderful. DC is so nice this time of year.”
“State.”
“Even lovelier. Why don’t you come for a visit?”
“Thanks, but I’m really not looking to travel right now.” As far as they needed to know anyway.
“So the reason I called today is to let you know that we finally welcomed Blaire as a full partner in the firm.”
“What?” He’d known she’d transferred back east after their divorce, but that she’d had the gall to join his parents’ firm?
“Yes. She interned with us after leaving San Diego. I thought you knew?”
Uh, no.
“Zane?”
“Yeah. I’m here.”
“Well, I was talking with her about you two and how good you two had been together–”
What the fuck?“No. We were awful together.”
“And I was thinking you should come home, at least for a visit. I’m sure you’ve both grown up so much.”
“I’ve got to go.”
“Wait, dear. I know you must have hard feelings about the way things ended.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Come visit and see for yourself. I think you two will get along famously if you give her a chance to show you how much she’s changed.”
“Fuck no.”
“You might change your mind, see what sparks are still be there. Wouldn't that be wonderful, if you two could reunite, the firm will grow and be fully Harris-owned, and we’d get to share more of your life. I’m sure you’re rusty, but you could start slow and it will all come back to you.”
“I like where I'm at.”
“Then we would love to come for a visit. To see what you’re up to. I have no doubt Blaire would love to come, too.”
“No.” He cringed, walking back outside to figure out how to get through to the dense woman that Blaire and he werenevergoing to happen again. He looked down and saw Freya strolling down the sidewalk, her wild curls wickedly tossed about from the windy walk, her black cotton dress dancing over her skin with each step, tangling in her legs with each gust. “That might get weird. I, uh… I remarried.”
Shit, had he really just said that? He knew his mother wouldn't stop once she'd found something worth hounding him about. Didn't she ever wonder why he never came home to visit? Normally their calls were easier; his parents loved talking about themselves. When he’d called at Christmas, they told him all about their new puppy. The Christmas before, they’d decided he should invest in a bamboo manufacturer with them.
Usually, it was more work-based, like today. The Blaire approach was new. And horrible. Had they been waiting until he was out to pounce, knowing that had been the last straw that had brought on the divorce all those years ago?
“Oh. Of course. When did you get married? I mean–”
