Page 47 of The Singles Club

Benny leaned back in the chair; his eyes kinder. “You made a mistake. It happens, so stop beating yourself up over it.”

My brother could act like a jerk at times, but he didn’t have me fooled. He had a good heart under there, whether he liked to admit to it or not.

“Thanks.”

I wondered if Benny and Justin would get along. I couldn’t imagine Justin not getting along with anyone.

Benny let out a weary sigh. “Don’t look now, but Constance has entered the building.”

I shut my eyes briefly, preparing myself for over an hour of backhanded comments and not-so-subtle remarks on my looks.

Benny caught the waiter’s attention and ordered a mimosa.

“Why do you bother? You know she’s going to say it’s not what she wanted and order a Bloody Mary.” And if he ordered her a Bloody Mary, she would’ve said the same thing and ordered a mimosa.

“I know, but she’ll still drink the mimosa,” he said under his breath before standing up. “Mother, you’re looking well.”

She offered her cheek, and he air-kissed it. If he ever planted a real one, I think she’d have a stroke. “Benny.”

I stood to offer the same non-kiss. “Love the dress.” That wasn’t a lie. My mother had impeccable taste and an eye for style, which she had passed down to me. I wished she passed down her sleek, golden hair instead, but I was stuck with my father’s unruly auburn locks. It was a process to keep it tame, especially on humid days.

She looked me up and down before sitting in the chair. “You’re glowing and obviously eating well. Please tell me you’re still taking birth control.”

“I’m not pregnant,” I said through gritted teeth. That was my mother’s way of telling me I was gaining weight.

The waiter brought over her mimosa, and just as expected, she said she would prefer a Bloody Mary. The waiter apologized and went to take the drink away.

“Leave it,” my mother sighed. “No sense in wasting it now.”

Benny smirked my way then went back to his menu.

“So, about your glow. Are you seeing someone?” she asked.

“No.”

“Mmm-hmm. Well, be careful about getting too comfortable, your face is already looking fuller than the last time I saw you.”

Heat seared through my belly. I shouldn’t let it bother me, but my mother always knew how to get under my skin.

“I think she looks great,” Benny said.

I smiled.

“Men usually don’t notice the subtle differences until it becomes obvious.” She took a healthy sip of her drink. “And even then, they rarely see it,” she added with a touch of sarcasm.

As soon as we set down the menus, the waiter came to take our order. Since I hadn’t eaten breakfast and it was already past twelve-thirty, I was starving. I really wanted the Benedict with prosciutto but ordered the arugula salad with seared tuna. No dressing. Constance approved and ordered the same. Benny got the Benedict with salmon.

We had a bit of the usual small talk, which consisted of her asking about our careers. Our answers were short and quick, offering nothing that she could pick apart.

“Have you tried the new restaurant that opened up a month ago?” I asked, looking up at Benny. He was a foodie and loved to try new places.

“The Back Alleyway?” he asked.

“Yes, that’s it.”

“No, but Dad said if you go, try the duck.”

I gave Benny a death stare for mentioning the D-word in front of our mother.