Page 52 of Big Daddy to Go

18

Lexi

Almost a week had passed with no word from Kane. I sent him a few texts, but they went ignored. Everything in life has been extra irritating. The subway seems dirtier. Clients are more annoying. And Renata… I’m convinced I’m capable of murder when I’m around her.

After my mother hounds me all week about having lunch with her, I finally give in, knowing I need to get it over with. I had managed to keep her at bay while I was dating Kane, not wanting her to jump in with questions or ask to meet him, but I can’t postpone her forever.

Of course, the day I’d finally admitted I was seeing someone to Mom was also the day Kane found out about Jason, and my whole world came crashing down… yet again.

“So, when do I get to meet your new boyfriend?” Mom asks as soon as we’re seated at the restaurant.

“He wasn’t my boyfriend, Mom. We were casually dating,” I sigh. “Besides, it’s over now.”

“What? So soon? What did you do to screw up this one?”

“Really, Mom?” I ask with a huff. “Most mothers comfort their daughters after a break-up… oh, but not Renee Smith! She just blames her daughter and reminds her of how fat she is,” I say, disgusted with her attitude.

I stand up and am about to walk away, but Mom seizes my wrist.

“Lexi, I’m sorry. Please sit down,” she begs.

I mull it over for a moment and decide to give her one last try.

“Why are you like this, Mom? Is it because Dad isn’t here for you to nag?”

“That’s not fair, Lexi,” Mom says. “I know I’m tough on you, but it’s because I don’t want you to end up alone, like me.”

I can see the sadness in her eyes, and somehow, I find myself comforting my mother instead of her being there for me.

“Mom, you know Dad wouldn’t be upset if you met someone else. He would want you to be happy.”

She nods. “You’re right. It’s just hard. I still love him so much. I pray that you will find a love like your father and I had.”

“I pray for that, too,” I sigh. “Kane felt like my best shot at it.”

“Then why are you letting him get away? What happened that you can’t get back together with him?”

I stare at Mom for a moment and sigh.

“I didn’t tell him about the engagement. Or about me being stood up at the altar. Or that he looks a lot like Jason…”

“What do you mean he looks like Jason?” Mom asks, confused.

“I mean, they could be twins. Except Kane is older and more beautiful and is a wonderful person…” I sniffle. “I miss him, Mom.”

She squeezes my hand across the table.

“Lexi, if he really cares about you, he’ll get over this. You should have told him, but I know how much Jason hurt and embarrassed you. I’d forgotten how much you used to smile before him… Does Kane make you smile?”

“Until my face hurts,” I laugh through my tears.

“Give him some time, sweetie.”

After lunch, part of me feels better and the other part feels worse. Mom advised I give Kane time, but that’s no guarantee. Time can heal, but time can also put too much distance between people.

By the end of the day, I’m a walking zombie. Besides the fact that I haven’t slept in days, I’m emotionally drained. I’m trying to finish up work so that I can head home for a nap before seeing Melanie for happy hour tonight.

Unfortunately, Renata has other plans for me. She is currently babbling on about “The Bachelorette” while I’m trying to work. Kill me now.