Page 6 of Big Daddy to Go

3

Lexi

The oversized sunglasses do little to block the sunlight as I peruse the menu. Mom insists we sit outside and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. She, of course, is sitting in the shade while I struggle to read the menu choices.

“I’ll just have the grilled cheese,” I cave, handing the waiter my menu.

I’m getting a headache after trying to read past the first few items. Besides, comfort food is called for after the last few days I’ve had. Mom orders a salad before the waiter walks away.

“Lexi, just because you don’t have to fit into a wedding dress anymore doesn’t mean you should let yourself go,” Renee sucks her teeth, remarking on the grilled cheese I ordered.

I narrow my eyes at her, even though she can’t see them behind my shades. Meanwhile Renee continues.

“You’ve got to put yourself back out there, sweetie. Maybe you can go to the gym with me,” Mom offers, her eyes bright with the idea.

The last thing I need is to go to the gym with my skinny and judgmental mother. Every morning, Renee runs five miles before hitting the weights. Meanwhile, I’m lucky if I make it to the gym once a month to take a cardio class that always leaves me bent over in two with agony.

“Mom, no. I don’t need you monitoring what I eat or my physical fitness.”

Renee looks offended.

“I’m just trying to help. This is a difficult time in your life, and I want to offer suggestions.”

“I know, but I’ll be okay.”

I don’t completely believe the reassurance I give her, but I don’t want Mom meddling in my life any more than she already does.

She means well, and she truly cares for me, but she never realizes how hurtful she can be. Tough love has always been my upbringing. When I was upset and simply wanted to cry on Mom’s shoulder, like now for instance, she wouldn’t have it.

“Crying about it won’t solve anything. Be strong, Lexi,” Mom would say.

If my pain was over a boy, the solution has always been the same: work on my revenge body. A cycle of fad diets and workouts I hated were then shoved down my throat. I’m sick of trying to change myself to either get over a guy or land a guy. I’m done with it. My life isn’t a reality show, and I don’t want to pretend.

“You know, there are lots of options out there for you,” Renee begins while spreading a napkin across her lap. Her nails are perfectly manicured and look young for her age. I wouldn’t be surprised if Renee’s gotten some kind of surgical treatment on her hands to stay youthful.

“Options?” I wonder what she means.

“Do you remember Susan and Kevin’s son, Richard?”

Susan is one of my mother’s friends. From what I remember of her son, he is closer to my mom’s age than mine.

“Balding and glasses?” I ask to make sure I’m correct.

“Big deal if he’s losing some hair,” she shrugs. “He’s very handsome. Maybe not Jason-handsome, but you can’t have expect that. You had your chance, Lexi, and you blew it.”

I stare at her.

“So what you’re saying is that I need to date someone more in my league?” I ask, getting frustrated. “Like Richard, right? Balding, fat and ugly, but as docile as a dormouse. How old is he, Mom?”

My tone drips with snark. Mom takes a sip of her water and shrugs, completely unflustered.

“Fifty-six, maybe fifty-seven.”

“Mom,” I groan. “I’m only twenty-five! What, do I have to resort to trolling retirement centers now?”

Renee frowns.

“Lexi, if you want a dependable man, you need someone older. With age, comes wisdom,” she says.