Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
“It’s been a while since you’ve seen him, hasn’t it?” I don’t miss how my mom motions to tuck her hair behind her ear where it already is. She does that when she’s on edge about something.
“Forever. He never comes back to the States anymore.” She rolls her eyes. Emily mentions her brother often. They sound as if they were close at one point until he’d gone over to Asia to work at some new start-up company I guess they are investing in. I think he’s being groomed to take over for his father.
“You’ve only met him once, right?” Emily takes a bite of her yogurt, standing at the kitchen island.
“Yes, Tomas took me to meet him on one of his quick work trips.” I remember. They’d had a long weekend away together. Mom hadn’t said much about it. That probably should have been a clue. Mom and I are close, and we openly talk about most things. It’s only been the two of us for a long time. She actually hadn’t said anything about Asher when she got back, and now she’s doing the hair tuck thing. This can’t be good. There must be a reason she’s not telling me about him.
“I have a game after school, but I’ll come straight home when it’s over so I’m here for dinner.” Emily polishes off the rest of her yogurt before she drops the bowl into the sink. “See you at school.” She gives me a wave before she bounces out of the kitchen.
“You don’t like him.” I close my book and put it into my bag. I need to get going as well. I’ll ride to school with Emily when she doesn’t have after-school activities, but when she does, I’m given a driver. It’s weird. To me it is, at least. To Tomas it’s normal because there is always a driver on staff, so why would it be strange for anyone to use one? It’s just not a lifestyle I’m accustomed to, and I almost think it’s a waste.
I grew up in the city. I’d take the bus or even a train at times when I needed to get somewhere. I hadn’t learned to drive, but I have started practicing so I can take the test soon. I’ve already got my permit.
“I didn’t say that.” I give her a look that lets her know I’m not buying what she’s selling. “He was a bit cold with me, but it’s not surprising with Tomas's past.” Yeah, I’d heard that their mother was a nightmare. It was clear in the articles I’d read online too. “Plus, Tomas is twelve years older than me. So, I’m sure Asher thinks I’m in this for the wrong reasons. I really can’t blame him for being skeptical, but I just wish he would have given me a fair shot before casting judgment.” That tells me all I need to know. Asher thinks my mom is a gold-digger and that we are leeching off his dad.
My mom is thirty-eight. She had me when she was only twenty. Tomas is turning fifty next week. The gap doesn’t feel that big to me. Not when I see them together. If anything, I think the most jarring part out of all of this is that we come from two different worlds. Sometimes I think it’s more like two different planets.
“Well, I’m sure once Asher gets to know you, he’ll see you’re not a gold-digger.” My mom's nose scrunches at the word. She hates it. While she and Tomas might have been a whirlwind romance, she’d made him chase her for a minute thinking it could never work between them because of the lifestyle difference and age gap. But they are honestly in love. I’ve never seen my mom so happy. It’s why I keep a lot of my thoughts to myself.
“I hope that’s true.”
“He will, Mom. There is a reason you were named ‘Nurse of the Year’ at the hospital a handful of times.” She gives me a warm smile. “Just be yourself.”
“I love you.” She places a kiss on my cheek.
“I love you too.”
“Want me to drive you?” she asks as Tomas enters the kitchen.
“Morning,” we both say to each other as he makes a straight line toward my mom. I swear that man only sees her when he enters a room. No matter how many people are in it.
“No, enjoy your breakfast with your husband.”
“Have a good day at school,” Tomas tells me as I slip off my chair and sling my bag over my shoulder. He always goes out of his way to be nice to me. I know he means well, but it’s still a bit strange.
“Thanks.” I force a smile on my face to reassure them both that it’s all smooth sailing with me. My whole world has been turned upside down. Hasn’t it all been for the better? Guilt hits me that I’m not being more appreciative, but for some reason I can’t shake the feeling that I just don’t belong.