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The server nodded and turned to leave.
“So, how’s New York been treating you so far?” Sam asked, turning back to me.
“It’s been manageable. I mean, if you don’t consider a total stranger assaulting me at the airport.”
“What? Why?” she flared.
I shrugged. “I believe she got me confused with someone else.”
Her eyes narrowed. “She?And you have no idea who this woman is?” She looked ready to tear a hole in the said woman’s chest.
I chuckled in an attempt to ease the tension. “It’s nothing to worry about. There was a slight misunderstanding, but that’s over with.”
“That’s such bullshit. She was lucky I wasn’t with you. Why didn’t you ask me to come get you anyway?”
“I already had someone for that. I wanted to finish up with work first before contacting you.”
Her eyes dimmed at this, and she leaned away from the table. “Good to know your priorities haven’t changed.”
I sighed. “Look, that is not what I meant. I just wanted to get everything out of the way first so I’d have this time to spend with you.”
“That’s bullshit, Lex. I am your sister. I don’t expect you to cancel your plans, but at least I should know when my brother is coming to my damn city. I’m sure you had this trip planned for over a month and I’m only finding out a day after you arrived.”
My phone began to ring on the table, and I was thankful for the great timing. However, my happiness dropped when I saw the caller ID. “It’s Mom.”
“What? No, don’t pick up!” she was whispering as if I had already picked up the call.
I raised an eyebrow. “Why should I not?”
“I’m not ready for any discussion around marriage this afternoon.”
The corner of my lips quirked up at this. It pleased me to know that I was not the only one under my mother’s radar. I picked up the call and placed it on the loudspeaker before dropping it on the table between us.
“Hello, Mother,” I said in a singsong voice, ignoring the glare Sam was shooting at me.
“You seem particularly happy today.”
“Well, you wouldn’t guess who I’m with right now.”
The glare grew into sign language, which I presumed to be death threats but generously ignored.
“Is your aunt Maggie there with you?”
“Oh, even better, I’m seated at this lovely restaurant with your second child, who I must remind you is just as single as your first.” My face lit up as Sam gave up in her attempts to stop me.
“Samantha? Is she there with you?” Mom asked.
I looked up at Sam, who was now just trying to wish death upon me with her eyes. I smiled as I nodded at the phone.
“Hi, Mom! Good to hear from you again,” Sam greeted.
“Have you been ignoring my calls, Samantha?”
“No, I haven’t. These last few days have just been really busy for me, especially with my friend’s wed—um, event.”
“Well, busy or not, I’m glad the both of you are together. That means you should both be able to visit your aunt Margaret later in the day.”
“Mom, I—”