Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
It’s our life.
The delicious scents of cinnamon and maple draw me from my girly thoughts, and I float into the kitchen. Mom sits at my little table drinking coffee and staring lovingly at Major, who’s cooking. He sees me and points to a steaming mug with my favorite tea label hanging over the side.
“Thanks.”
“I’ll never understand how you kick-start your day without coffee,” Mom says.
“I drink coffee sometimes but prefer this the morning after drinking. It’s full of antioxidants and vitamins.”
“Wait until you have children. You’ll learn to love the high-speed kick of a strong cup of coffee.”
I swallow quickly in order not to spew my tea. Major chuckles, flipping a pancake.
“You laugh, but I bet your mom feels the same. She had three boys. She probably invested in the company.”
“More like she bought a winery,” he relays so casually I’m unsure if he’s kidding.
“Did she really?”
He nods. “When the twins turned thirteen, Dad took her on a trip to Sonoma. They fell in love with a little winery off the beaten path. The owner was trying to get his business to the next level. Mom and Dad jumped at the opportunity to invest. Why do you think their basement is a wine cellar?”
This is news to me. “I thought they loved wine?”
“That too.”
“How fascinating,” Mom gushes.
“I’ll have her ship you some to try. You like it, cool. If not, no big deal.”
“Oh, I couldn’t accept that. Tell me the brand, and I’ll order some.”
Her mistake is immediate when he pins her with his annoyed glare. “The brand is the kind that shows up at your door as a gift.”
Her wide eyes fling to mine.
“He’s a little pushy, Mama. Better to go with it.”
“I’m seeing this,” she mumbles without a trace of irritation.
“What are you ladies doing today?” He plates the pancakes and serves her first.
“We’re visiting Harley’s house before Mom leaves.”
“Actually,” she begins, looking between us, “I’m not leaving today. Thought I’d stay until at least Thursday.”
This time, I’m not so lucky and the tea in my mouth goes spewing everywhere. “What?”
“Is that a problem?”
“No, no, I mean, it’s just unexpected. What about Daddy and the boys?”
“Your dad is fine, and the boys are on their own. They don’t need me near as much as you think.”
What do I say to this? It would be crass to fight back with the fact Major and I haven’t had any alone time in days and I want to have sex with my boyfriend all night and wake up with him in the morning.
“Margo, is something going on?” Major’s question has me looking at her closely. She’s got something on her mind.
“Yes.” She sets her fork down. “I had some time with Rowan yesterday, and I think she could use a healing ear.”
“Oh, Mama.” My heart soars and throat clogs at the news.
“Am I missing something?” His inquiry is laced with confusion.
I take Major’s hand in mine. “Mama is a world-renowned therapist. She worked all over the state with troubled youth before she created her Equine Therapy program.”
“I wouldn’t say world-renowned, but I have some experience. And that sweet lady needs to talk to someone.”
“I agree.”
“Plus, being with all those women yesterday made me realize how much of my daughter’s life I’m missing out on. Ladies’ night at Tom’s sounds like a delight.”
I moan in exasperation. “Mom, you don’t like bars.”
“I love bars! It’s your stupid dad and the rest of my family that gets us kicked out of everywhere we go! It will be nice to enjoy a night out without having to worry about the whole town talking for weeks.”
My head tilts to his. “Uncle Dope and Dad seem to get into trouble during football, baseball, basketball, and hockey season. Last fall, they went to watch the Kentucky bowl game at the local pub. My brother and cousin ended up having to throw them in the clink for fighting.”
His lips curve up and his eyes light with hilarity. “The clink?”
“You know what I mean.”
“I know that every day I’m getting to know more and more about your life of crazy.”
“Too late to run, you have a gun in my house now. That’s the rite of passage.”
The light in his gaze grows molten. “Never running, babe. Ever.”
I’m so lost in his spell, I jump when Mom claps and giggles.
“So, no worries, I’m not here to cramp your style. You can stay at the Casanova Club if you want. Or Major is welcome to stay here. I wear earplugs at night.”
My body goes stiff and my mouth falls open. “Mama!”
“I’m not a square, Julianna. It doesn’t escape me how you two are together. You need your privacy. I won’t be insulted.”
Heat flushes everywhere. Major’s chest shakes and I slap him lightly. “This is not funny.”
“Babe, your mom is the spitting image of you in every way.”