Because the last thing I’d ever do is push for anything beyond our platonic arrangement. We’re talking about a true marriage of convenience that’s the most inconvenient agreement I’ll ever make.
What a farce.
At least a wedding license with Rosalind would’ve come with zero strings attached. No emotional investment whatsoever. But a wedding license with Loren comes with all the strings.
Every single one.
And yet. Here I am, pressing the phone to my ear while my would-be bride scoots closer to me on Dexter’s old couch. Maybe my mother won’t accept my call, and I’ll have time to come to my senses, before?—
She answers.
“Hello, son.”
So much for a last-minute reprieve.
“Heeeey, Mom.”
Loren leans in closer, trying to listen. The scent of her shampoo sure is distracting. I can hardly think. “Put it on speaker,” she whispers.
“No way.” I may be dumb, but I’m not a masochist. I need to keep Loren and my mother separated for … ever.
“I was beginning to think you might avoid me forever,” mymother says, dragging me back to reality. “I hope the fact that you’re calling now means you’ve come to your senses?”
Debatable. Highly.
“I was actually hopingyoumight’ve changed your mind about the terms of the trust,” I say. Might as well give that option one last shot. After all, wishful thinking never killed anyone.
But she sighs loud enough for me to hear, which is pretty impressive given the distance between us.
“You know the issue is out of my hands,” she says, primly. “That’s one of the advantages—or disadvantages—of a trust, depending on your circumstances. Once it’s in writing …”
“Yes, I know,” I cut her off. “I’ve heard it all before, Mom. Thanks.”
Another sigh. “You understand this isn’t a punishment, don’t you?”
“Doesn’t feel much like a reward,” I say. “But I guess thatdepends on your circumstances.”
There’s a beat of silence.
“Well,mycircumstances were that your father left, and I was forced to make every decision on my own. For both of us.” Her voice shifts to curt. “Safeguarding your future was my priority. And I apologize if you disagree with the way I went about that.” I picture the cords along her neck straining. I’d almost feel bad for her if she weren’t using his failures against me. “All I’ve ever wanted was what’s best for you,” she adds.
“Come on, Mom.” I press out a laugh. “Be honest. You want what’s best for our branch of the Adams family tree.”
“You say that as if those things are mutually exclusive, but I assure you, they aren’t. With Rosalind by your side, you’ll be able to move mountains, my dear.”
“I could do that anyway, if you’d just support me. Instead, you throw up roadblocks.”
“Unconditional support is not my role as the trustee,” she says. “I’m here to ensure you reach your full potential.”
“Full potential,” I clap back, “is open to interpretation.”
“Perhaps, but the trust is not,” she says. “So.” There’s a brief hesitation. “Shall I contact Lyle Barrington? Or would you prefer to reach out to him yourself?”
Wow. The sudden subject shift isveryMargaret Adams. Which is why I strictly limit our communication. Still, I decide to take the bait on this one. Even if it means dragging the conversation out a little longer.
“Why, exactly, would I want to call Lyle Barrington?”
“To ask for his daughter’s hand, of course. Rosalind has been nothing but cooperative with regard to this merger. I think she’s earned the formality of you receiving her father’s permission, don’t you?”