Page 21 of Even More Christmas Magic and Romance (Holiday Hiccups #3)

Twenty-One

STANLEY AND I slept in the next morning.

It was Sunday, and both of us were ready for a day free of family problems. I didn’t think we were asking too much, but a call from my Mom proved otherwise.

She and Adam had another argument, and she sounded upset.

She also said that Adam decided to spend his day visiting a cousin in a nearby town.

After Mom’s phone call, I stood in the kitchen, fixing a cup of tea.

Stanley unloaded the dishwasher. Neither of us had much to say to each other.

A knock at the front door and my brother letting himself in, roused Ben from sniffing around the kitchen floor.

It’s something he often does after we’ve had a dinner with friends or relatives.

One time, he located a tidbit of cheese that must have fallen off a charcuterie board.

Ever since, he explores every inch of the floor after a big dinner.

My brother’s voice put Ben on alert, and he ran to the foyer. Stanley and I followed. I was happy to see Jack. After exchanging greetings, we all went back to the kitchen. At first Jack was quiet, but intent on pouring himself a mug of coffee. With mug in hand, he sat down at the table.

I was the first to ask my brother about his unexpected visit. “Is everything alright with Mitzi and little Jackie?”

“They’re fine,” he said. “It’s Mom I’m concerned about. I called her earlier and asked her and Adam to dinner this evening. She not only refused the invite, she sniffled throughout the conversation. I came here because you always seem to know what’s going on, Gloria.”

Stanley and I sat down at the table too. “I don’t know much about the current situation,” I said, “but Mom and Adam did have an argument before Thanksgiving. I thought they patched things up, but from what Mom said today, they’re quarreling again.”

“I see,” Jack said as he sipped his coffee.

“There’s something else,” I announced.

Jack looked up and frowned. “Spit it out, sis.”

I glanced at Stanley and back at Jack. “I didn’t want to say anything, but after Mom’s first argument with Adam, she seemed confused about her feelings regarding Dad. They’ve been spending a lot of time together since Dad bought his house.”

Jack repeated his earlier words. “I see.”

After his short comment, the three of us remained silent. Jack finally spoke up.

“I don’t know if I should say anything, but—“ He paused and averted his eyes.

“What? What is it?” I asked.

“I’ve been talking to Dad, and—“ He paused again, gave me a funny look and continued. “Here’s a bit of news.”

Jack rarely shares anything. So when he delivered his statement about a “bit of news,” my hand tightened on my tea cup. I went on alert, sort of like Ben when the doorbell rings. My mind rushed ahead, making a mad dash to some unknown event. “Go on, Jack,” I demanded.

“Dad has started seeing someone. I don’t think it’s serious, but I can tell Dad really likes the person he’s dating.”

I scowled in protest. “He didn’t say anything to me!”

“Gloria, as I told you a while back, Dad and I have talked to each other for a long time. It started out when I got into sports in high school. Through the years, our friendship and conversations have grown to include whatever is happening in our lives.”

What Jack didn’t say was that I took a different approach with my father.

As an adult, my world centered around a career and little else.

I felt certain I didn’t need the advice of others, including my Dad’s advice.

And I certainly wasn’t interested in day-to-day chitchat.

I was all business until my world started to fall apart.

I decided to choose my next words carefully. “I appreciate the information. Thank you.”

Ben came over and jumped up on Jack’s pant leg. He was all doggy smiles and friendliness. Maybe he felt what I didn’t. Jack was reaching out and needed some family backup.

Jack suddenly smiled. “Mitzi and I are thinking about getting a pet. Any advice?”

Stanley hadn’t said a word during the conversation, but he quickly offered some thoughts on the subject. “Gloria and I feel like Ben has added a wonderful element of unconditional love to our lives. Right, Gloria?”

I nodded. “That’s true. He’s like another family member. However, you and Mitzi are very busy. Would you have time for a pet?”

“Mitzi and I will definitely consider the responsibility involved before we make a decision,” Jack said. He took another sip of coffee and stared at me. ”Now, back to Mom’s present state of affairs. Do you think we should visit her and see if she needs anything?”

I smiled. “That’s a great idea.”

A few minutes later, Jack and I were bundled up in our winter coats and walking down the street to Mom’s house. Ben wanted to be included, but I thought it best to leave him with Stanley. I wanted our visit to be as unobtrusive as possible.

While I was admiring a neighbor’s lamppost, decorated with a wide, red velvet ribbon and looking like a candy cane, I wasn’t watching my footing. I nearly tripped over a bit of raised sidewalk. Jack was there instantly, grabbing my arm and keeping me upright.

“Gloria, please be careful,” he ordered in a stern tone.

I could have been upset by his brusque voice, but like Stanley’s dad, I knew my brother’s heart was in the right place.

Once I collected myself, I looked up at my tall, strong brother. “Thanks, Jack, but please don’t tell Stanley about how I almost fell. He’s already extremely nervous about everything.”

Jack stopped and stared back. “Stanley? He’s always the picture of calm.”

“Yes, but he’s never had a pregnant wife before. Were you nervous when Mitzi was pregnant?”

Jack stiffened. “Mitzi said I drove her batty with my over-protective nature. However, after talking to Dad, I felt better. He said that he worried a lot when Mom was pregnant with you.”

“Maybe most men are protective when their wives are expecting a baby,” I said.

“You’re probably right,” Jack agreed.

When we arrived at Mom’s house, we stood on the porch, but we didn’t ring the bell. Jack said we had to prepare ourselves first.

“Jack, I know you’re a lawyer, but that doesn’t mean you can prepare a conversation with our mother.”

“Okay, but do you know what to say to her?” he asked.

“Let’s be honest and let Mom know we’re concerned about her.”

Jack’s brows narrowed at the thought. “Gloria, we tried that approach last year, remember? It didn’t go over well. Mom thought we didn’t trust her to run her own life.”

My brother made a good point, but I didn’t know what to do. So I behaved impulsively and rang the bell. “Let’s just act natural,” I said.

Jack shook his head at me, but he didn’t have a chance to comment. Mom was quick to open her door and stare out at us.

“Hi Mom,” I said, “Jack and I were out for a walk and thought we’d stop in to see our awesome mother.”

Mom let out a heavy breath. “How nice to see you both. Come in out of the cold.”

I didn’t move. “If we came at a bad time—”

Mom’s expression softened. “No, come in. I was kind of expecting you,” she said.

I hurried into the foyer with Jack following close behind me. After Mom took our coats, we all sat down in the living room. I surprised myself when I was able to keep quiet and let someone else do the talking.

Jack smiled his nicest smile. “Mom, you sounded upset when I talked to you this morning.”

Mom nodded. “You called a few minutes after I talked to your dad. I wasn’t doing well at the time.

I’d just found out that he has a lady friend, and he’s quite fond of her.

It was something I found very difficult to accept.

Yet it wasn’t fair of me, was it? After all, he was so gracious when I started dating Adam. ”

Jack and I remained silent after Mom shared her feelings. A few minutes passed before she continued to confide in us. “I guess Adam felt hurt by my reaction. After a few words, he said he needed to visit a relative. But I think he wants to give me time to sort out my feelings.”

“Do you regret the divorce?” I asked. “Do you want Dad back in your life?”

Mom smiled. “I’ve been asking myself the same questions.

In fact, I had to remind myself of how much happier I’ve been on my own and also with Adam.

” She hesitated. “So I know I should be counting my blessings. Instead, some part of me is angry, even feeling betrayed.” She looked up at me and then Jack.

“I can only conclude that I’m a terrible person. ”

“I disagree,” I said, “and I’m kind of an expert when it comes to feelings. I’ve experienced so many of them in the past couple of years. And the one thing I’ve learned is that they don’t make you a good or bad person.”

“Gloria is right, Mom,” Jack said. “So give yourself a break. And from what Mitzi has told me, it’s best not to fight what you’re feeling.”

After we left Mom’s house and started home, both Jack and I agreed Mom was in a better place after talking to us. Her face looked much less stressed when she said goodbye.