Page 7 of Husband to Go

I finish up and put on some comfy clothes. Last night left me famished, and I need to get something to eat before I waste away.

Arriving in the kitchen, I find that Veronica is already downstairs, not doing much of anything.

“Good morning, Mom.”

We didn’t have much of a chance to talk last night because I came in way too late, but now in the bright light of the morning sun, I can’t avoid my mom. I mean, I could try, but that would cause more problems than it would solve.

“Good morning, Kylie. You lookawakethis morning,” she comments. One of her thinly veiled insults. It’s her way of saying I’ve done the bare minimum with respect to my appearance.

But she’s the one who’s crazy, not me. I’m wearing what most people wear on a Saturday meant to be spent at home: comfy clothes to lounge in. Veronica, on the other hand, has to be dolled up at all times, including now. She has full, heavy makeup on, and her hair is curled perfectly. She’s wearing a sexy outfit that shows off her toned and athletic body, like she’s ready for a night out. Even if it’s just the two of us standing in the kitchen right now.

Veronica’s not a conventional mother, to say the least. Honestly, not to sound too harsh, she might not even be agoodmother. All I wanted growing up was someone who would make me pancakes for breakfast, someone to gossip with and to confide in. That’s not Veronica, though. She’s more likely to tell me allherproblems, and not the other way around. But even with all her faults, she’s still my mother, and I love her.

I just wish she weren’t getting married again. Although it’s hard to believe, tomorrow’s engagement party is for marriage number four. That’s right, number four. As I get older, I started to understand that this is just the way Veronica is. She believes in the holy sanctity of marriage, even after experience that would point to the contrary. I respect that belief, but it didn’t make it any easier on me when she brought a new man into our lives only for him to leave just as quickly.

Starting all of this off was my dad. He’s someone I have no memory of. All I know is he left when I was two. Veronica doesn’t like to talk about him much, but from what I gleaned over the years, he may have been the only man she’s ever truly loved.

Marlon came second. He was a jazz saxophonist and actually pretty cool. Definitely the nicest of the bunch, but I swear Veronica didn’t even like him. I think she was just lonely, and Marlon was the warmest, closest body. Plus, she hates jazz, so I never understood why they married one another.

Then, there was Croy, the douchiest and sleaziest of them all. Every week with him was a new get rich quick scheme. It made no sense to me because Veronica makes enough money for us to be comfortable. I swear it was because Croy was on drugs. He was probably addicted to all kinds of different chemicals. Plus, every other night was a huge argument between the two of them. It was a dark time.

And finally, I’m about to meet husband number four at tomorrow’s party. Frankly, I can’t imagine how this guy will be any different. A pattern is a pattern for a reason.

But at least this time, I’ve managed to be completely removed from the entire situation. Going away to college gave me that option. I haven’t even met the guy yet because it’s part of my strategy. If he’s going to be around for one year max, it’s best to minimize my exposure. As you can see, I’m a realist. Being Veronica’s daughter will do that to you.

But I didn’t come home to start drama, I came home to participate in this wedding thing.

“How has planning been going?” Because I’ve distanced myself, I have zero idea what’s actually going on with the wedding. The only thing I have any information on is the date.

“Oh, there is so much to do!” my mom exclaims. “Jane has been helping out as much as possible, but it’s still rather stressful. I don’t have my dress for the big day yet. Hopefully this next fitting will be the final one, and then there’s stuff with the caterer and the florist, and the piano player has been haggling me on his rate,” she sighs.

“I’m sure you’ll get it all figured out. You always do,” I say in what I hope is an encouraging tone. In the end, it won’t really matter because she’ll end up divorcing this guy in six months, anyway.

“What does that mean, Kylie?” Veronica says, eyeing me suspiciously.

“Huh?” I’m sure I didn’t say that last part out loud.

She sighs and tilts her head.

“I know you think I just like getting married over and over again, but I’ve told you, Tanner isdifferent. He has his own money, so he doesn’t need mine, and he’s extremely powerful. Not like all those losers I used to date. He’ll actually be able to take care ofmefor a change.”

Everything she’s saying sounds nice, but money isn’t what makes someone a good life partner. But Veronica is Veronica, and she can’t be changed.

“I totally understand Mom. But didn’t you just get divorced? Like six months ago? Don’t you think it would be nice to take things a little slower, and maybe be single for a while? What’s the rush?”

But I know better. Even when she wasn’t married, there was always a man in the picture. Veronica might be one of those people who only knows how to function in a relationship.

“I mean, think about it,” I continue. “You could use the time to find yourself. See what it’s like to just be you. You don’t need a man, Mom. You make good money as a real estate agent, and it might be fun to be unattached. You can do whatever you want, go wherever you want to go, and there’d be no one you’d have to answer to.”

I’ve phrased it as delicately as possible, hoping my mom will listen, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference.

“Kylie, you should count your lucky stars,” she scoffs. “This guy is a billionaire. A billionaire, do you hear? Do you understand how much money that is? After I marry him, our lives will only change for the better.” I shake my head because there’s nothing I can say that will get through to her. Veronica’s been misguided for more than twenty years now, and anything I say isn’t going to make a difference.

I sigh. I suppose there is a slight chance that she’s marrying someone not half-bad, but the historical evidence doesn’t support that theory. Her fiancé is probably just another gross guy that’s into my mom because of her big blonde hair and huge boobs. He’s probably willing to drop a fortune to have a gorgeous woman on his arm.

After all, Veronica Mitchell has always been a beautiful woman, and she knows it. Unfortunately, she often uses her good looks in the worst ways. I hate saying it, but a lot of the time, my mom is vapid and materialistic. Her personality isn’t very enjoyable, and it’s a miracle she does pretty well at her job.

“Just think about all the fancy things we’ll be able to do once I tie the knot. We’ll be able to do whatever we want, like eat in the best restaurants and get the best seats at the opera,” she waves her hand dismissively.