To be honest, I have no idea how I still believe in love after what Brad did to me and Presley, but I do. I saw what true love was when I was a kid, watching my mom and dad, and now, I see it in my best friend, and her husband, as well as my other friends.
Do I think I’ll find love for myself again? Probably not. I have too much baggage after Brad, but like I told Jason, I have Presley, and that’s enough. I have so much love for her that it’s all I need. I wish her sibling could be here for Presley, someone to have at her side, besides me. Having a sibling is different from a mom, but the cards didn’t fall thatway. A pang of grief hits me square in the chest, but I shake that off.
I bring my focus back to the task at hand. The mother of the groom called me over, complaining that the bride and groom are taking too long for portraits. I’ve tried explaining to her that they aren’t running behind, they still have at least twenty-five minutes before they’re due back, but she’s not having it.
“I don’t understand why they are taking so long,” she continues. I do my best to keep a straight face and not roll my eyes. “I could have sworn I saw the photographer a few minutes ago, so wouldn’t they be with her?”
In all reality, I know they’re not taking photos anymore. They specifically slotted themselves thirty minutes of alone time between their portrait session and when they are due for the grand entrance. Marissa, the photographer, and I are the only ones who know they technically aren’t doing their portraits right now. I have no idea where they are, or what they are doing, just that they’re alone. Honestly, I think it’s smart. It’s good to get some time to themselves, whether it be for a quickie, or time to recoup from the craziness of their wedding day.
“Mrs. Swenson, I promise, they’re on time. They’re finishing up here in about—” I check the time on my phone, “—fifteen minutes, and then it’s time for the grand entrance.”
She huffs again, clearly not pleased with my answer. I have an inkling she is one of those moms that has a hard time letting her baby boy go. Though, from what I’ve seen of the bride, she’s not putting up with it, and neither is the groom. The mom won’t take a hint.
She spins away from me, and I watch her to make sure she doesn’t follow as I head in the direction I saw Marissasneak off to with a plate of cheese and crackers. Thankfully, she’s pulled in the opposite direction by another guest, so I let out a sigh of relief and make my way back to the bar area. Jason has rejoined his staff, and Isaac is doing his final rounds of the night before he heads out.
I head over to where he is leaning against the bar, talking with Jason. My phone buzzes on my way over, and I pull it out of the pocket of my slacks. A fresh wave of guilt floods my body when I read the message.
Mom
If you can spare a minute, Presley needs a goodnight call tonight. She’s having a rough day.
I knew that was going to happen. Sometimes, she is fine to go to bed without hearing from me, and other times, she needs a call from me to be able to sleep. I do my best to call regardless when I know I won’t be home at bedtime, but sometimes, things come up.
Me
I should be able to make it work. Did something happen?
Mom
She saw a photo of your dad on the mantel, and asked if he left the way her dad did.
Fuck.
I’ve told her about my dad, her grandpa, and how he passed away and is in heaven, but sometimes that’s a lot for a seven-year-old to grasp.
Mom
I told her no, that he’d passed away, and that’s why he’s not with us anymore.
Me
Shit, Mom. I’m so sorry.
I know how hard it is for my mom to talk about my dad. She grieves the loss of him so much.
Mom
It’s not your fault.
It didn’t end well. She’s so stuck on why her dad isn’t here if he’s not dead. She keeps asking if he didn’t love her.
Me
I’m so sorry, Mom. You shouldn’t have had to deal with that.
Mom
It’s alright, honey. Just… try to call tonight if you can.
