26
“You heard me,” Molly said.
Ava looked like an elephant had just stepped on her foot. “I thought you were going to take things slow.”
“We have been,” Molly said.
“Ava, I promise I’m gonna be good to your mom,” Reggie said.
Ava made no reply to that. Instead she said, “I have to go. Paisley’s waiting in the car.” Then she was gone.
“That went well,” Reggie muttered as the door shut behind her. He picked up the dropped bag and stuck it in the refrigerator. “What’s your girl got against me, anyway?”
Molly hated to tell him. It was bound to hurt his feelings. She hesitated.
“There’s got to be a reason, but I can’t figure out what it is,” he said as he rejoined her on the couch. “Help me.”
“She thinks you’re too old.”
Instead of looking hurt or insulted, his eyes opened wide in surprise. Then he began to laugh. “That’s it?”
Molly shrugged and nodded. “According to Ava, men your age want either a nurse or a purse.”
The laugh got bigger. “I don’t need a purse. And do I look like I need a nurse?”
“No, you don’t. You’re probably in better shape than me.”
“If I did need a nurse, I could afford to hire one.” He downed the rest of his champagne. “I guess this doesn’t match up with a romantic movie ending.”
“Our story’s not over yet,” Molly said. “Ava will come around.”
“I hope so, ’cause I sure don’t want to give you up.”
“You won’t have to because I’m not giving you up,” Molly said firmly. She downed what was left of her champagne, then snuggled up against him. “Let’s finish this movie and see if the man in it can get in touch with his inner Reggie and wow the woman.”
They did finish the movie, but for Molly their happy time had lost some of its luster.Thank you, Ava, for ruining what should have been a perfect evening.
After Reggie left, Molly put in a call to her daughter.
“What?” Ava answered.
“Don’t you dare get like that with me, young woman,” Molly scolded. “You and your sour face managed to ruin what was a perfect moment, and I’m telling you right now I’m not going to have you ruining all the moments to come.”
“Mom, you said you’d take it slow.”
“I changed my mind. I love Reggie and I want to be with him.”
“And how long do you think that will be?” Ava retorted.
“You are unbelievable,” Molly said in disgust.
“I don’t want you to get hurt. He’s old, Mom.”
“He’s hardly ancient. And, anyway, since when is it a crime to be old?”
“It’s not.”
“Good. Then you can give it a rest.”
