by Claire Adams
“Your house is lovely,” I said. Gavin’s head nodded as he somewhat acknowledged my words. I wasn’t lying; his house truly was incredible. Tall ceilings that were decorated with diamond chandeliers and marble corners, with furniture that seemed too expensive to sit on and Greek statues that gave the mansion a sort of old architecture vibe. I wanted to explore it all, from the countless numbers of doors that led to more giant rooms, and up the grand staircase and across an indoor bridge toward the rest of the mansion.
Though it did seem empty, I realized as Gavin showed me a washroom tucked in the corner. The other two restrooms in the foyer had been occupied, but I was surprised to learn that there had been another two in the back of the house.
His house lacked a personal touch. No pictures of happy family moments, nothing to show even a glimpse into the mind of the man who owned such a huge mansion. It was obvious he hired a decorator, but even he seemed uncomfortable as he stared at the wall decor.
“I’m sorry about your mother,” I said. Gavin gestured toward the open door of the restroom.
“It’s fine,” he said and turned. He was much taller than I remembered, and I barely remembered him at all, but I recognized the same bright blue eyes that had always seemed to grab my attention. His hair was still dark, but now there was gray peppered throughout his short hair, and he was much, much more muscular than he had been when I was leaving for college. “Dinner will be ready soon.” He left almost in a hurry, leaving me alone on the other side of the house. I couldn’t stop thinking about his eyes, even as I stepped into the restroom and took care of business.
His mother was dying. Poor Mona, I had met her maybe twice in my life through Ron, and she had always been such a sweet woman. A dedicated mother, I remembered. Once, when I was still in high school, I was at Ron’s house waiting for my mother to pick me up when Mona and Gavin had stopped by to pick up one of his suits. She had taken one look at me and made a joke about my side of the family being blessed with good genetics while Ron had been stuck with a pre-maturely balding head. Gavin had agreed, and me, being the self-conscious teenager that I was, had blushed profusely and stumbled over words of gratitude. I mentioned my dreams of being a model, and Mona promised to attend my first show.
How long did she have? Would she still be alive for my first movie role? I shook my head as I washed my hands in the sink. It would be a long time before I got any type of role in a movie, and she had made it sound like her time was short. This must have been what the dinner was for, to tell everyone the truth at the same time. It seemed that Ron didn’t even know.
Poor Gavin, I thought. His house already made him seem lonely, and now he was losing his mother? No wonder she wanted him to find a wife. And of course, he wanted to make her happy, but what was he going to do? Then again, a man with his looks and money wouldn’t have any problem finding a woman to marry him.
I left the washroom just as the rest of the guests were sitting for dinner. Some were already eating, and I found my spot beside Ron. Gavin was on his other side, with Mona at the end of the table. She seemed lively enough as she smiled and laughed with the guest on her other side. I wondered if she was able to stop thinking about her death long enough to enjoy the company of the room. I hoped she was able to, at least.
“The asshole could barely look me in the eye,” Ron was saying to Gavin. “He had his tail between his legs and ran in the damn puddle as he tried hiding. Fuck, it’s been so long since I’ve had to raise a puppy.”
“Milo?” I forced myself into their conversation. “Don’t blame your lack of training on him. It takes the average puppy like a year to be fully potty trained.”
“Then you take him,” Ron said. “I already offered him to Gavin, but he refused, even though this house is big enough for like 10 Great Danes.”
“You complain about him all the time, but we both know that you couldn’t handle spending a single night away from that dog,” Gavin said. “You love him.”
“He does,” I said. “I’ve caught them snuggling on the couch a couple of times.”
“Milo doesn’t like his crate,” Ron said. “What am I supposed to do? Force him in there?”
“That’s exactly what you’re supposed to do,” Gavin said. “Our puppy growing up hated his crate until my dad started feeding him in there, then he never wanted to leave it.”
I watched as Gavin seemed to relax the more he spoke with Ron. His eyes still flickered over to his mother, and I recognized looks of concern pass between their faces, but he seemed less stressed than he had on the patio. Either that, or he was an amazing liar.
“Either way I’m not getting a dog,” Gavin said. “Maybe a cat, but there’s no way in hell I could clean after a dog in this house. It’s too damn big.”
“That I agree with,” Ron said.
I picked at my dinner, roast beef with vegetables and a buttered garlic roll, as I watched Mona in the corner of my eyes. She seemed fragile with thinned hair and sunken cheeks, but she didn’t actually look like she was dying. My uncle passed from cancer when I was little, and I remembered just how terrible he looked in his final months. Mona seemed to have the energy of a woman in her prime, not the clock of death ticking in her head.
Mona glanced at me and smiled brightly, and I felt an instant guilt. She didn’t seem to mind her fate, so why was I spending so much time on it?
“Everyone,” Mona stood and received the entire room’s attention immediately. “I’m so grateful that you all could make it.”
I glanced at Gavin. His hands were in fists on the table, one clutching a fork and the other a knife, I realized that he hadn’t taken a single bite of his food, while Ron was already on a third plate.
“I know for some it’s been a long time since we’ve shared an evening,” Mona was saying. Several guests nodded. “I’m so sorry we couldn’t enjoy more. And for those who I’ve seen often, I’m still glad that you’ve set aside an entire night just for this. It truly means so much to me.”
There were a few murmurs through the table, just guests wondering what the point of her speech would be. My trained ears caught words on people’s tongues. Gavin, marriage, bride, heir, money and father were among them. It seemed the popular theory was that Mona would announce Gavin’s engagement. Ron knew better, and he leaned forward in his seat and listened to Mona.
“I have some news I wanted to share with everyone,” she continued. “Some unfortunate news that has changed a lot in our life.”
Gavin shifted in his seat and pulled at his collar. I wanted to touch his shoulder, offer some sort of comfort, but I kept my hands on my lap and waited for the inevitable.
“Most of you know that I’ve been battling cancer for quite some time now,” Mona said. “But it doesn’t seem like I’ll be winning this one. The doctor has given me six months at best.”
The room grew so quiet that we could have heard a pin drop. Ron sucked in a breath and glanced at Gavin, who kept his eyes trained on his mother. A few quiet murmurs echoed in the silence, but everyone waited for Mona to continue.
“I wanted everyone here to hear it from me first,” she continued after a pregnant pause. “Thank you so much for your support; I’ll never forget any of you.”
She sat down and grabbed Gavin’s hand. Not a single person spoke as dessert was served, a dark chocolate cake with pistachio ice cream and toasted hazelnuts. Mona was the first to bite into the cake, followed by Gavin, and then the rest of us.
“I know what we need,” Ron said to the room. He raised his empty wine glass. “A refill. I think we’re all going to need a refill.”
Several guests chuckled as they wiped tears from the corner of their eyes. Mona smiled at Ron and gestured at one of the workers.
“More wine for everyone,” she said in a loud voice. “Make sure no one has an empty glass today. Let’s celebrate life, not mourn death!”
Her bright attitude was infectious, and soon the entire room was covered in a bubbly fog of alcohol as they
laughed and joked and enjoyed each other’s company. Mona was the happiest of all, a cheerful presence beside her son who seemed to have a permanent scowl on his face. He had emptied his glass twice by the time I had just started on my second, and he didn’t stray far from his mother.
Several women offered their condolences to Gavin throughout the night, and I watched as Mona frowned each time Gavin waved them away. I realized Mona had been serious about her wish, and Gavin not so serious about the promise he had made. I couldn’t blame him; how could he even spend more than a moment thinking about woman and marriage and a wife when his mother was dying?
He had this giant, empty mansion and apparently enough money that no one in his family would ever have to work ever again, and yet I wouldn’t be surprised if he gave it all away the moment his mom was gone. Ron told me how hard it was for Gavin to sell his father’s company, but they needed the money for Mona’s hospital bills. I watched Gavin make small talk with the wealthy businessmen that Mona had worked alongside her entire life. He seemed uncomfortable in the room, always pulling at his collar, itching beneath his cuffs, scratching his ears. I couldn’t stop thinking about the promise he made his mother.
My mind was full of wine as my thoughts spun wildly. Surely Gavin had connections in the entertainment industry somewhere, maybe a talent scout in Hollywood who owed him favors? Someone with as much money as him would have to have a connection for a woman like me, and it just so happened that he had a predicament that I could help solve.
The evening was nearly over, and guests were beginning to leave. Mona thanked everyone profusely and apologized for the sorrow announcement.
“Don’t you ever apologize again,” Ron said as he hugged her. I stood awkwardly to his side as Gavin and Mona said goodnight to the both of us. “Just call when you need a drinking buddy, alright? Or a smoking buddy, whatever you need.”
“Don’t try to get my mom to do something illegal,” Gavin warned. I had caught a moment between Ron and Gavin earlier, a serious exchange about Gavin’s feelings and thoughts. I couldn’t bear eavesdropping on such a conversation and walked away just as Gavin admitted he was lost.
“It’s whatever the lady wants,” Ron said. Gavin winced as his mother agreed. I knew instantly what was on Gavin’s mind.
An idea had been forming in my head, a thought that was too fresh to voice. But it would solve both of our problems, more so Gavin’s, and I felt that his desperation might need it. I didn’t want to offer it just yet.
I said goodbye to Mona and gently tapped on Gavin’s shoulder as he said goodbye to Ron. My cousin said he would meet me at the car, and I pulled Gavin to the side, out of earshot of his mom.
“I’m glad you could make it,” he said, though it sounded forced and rehearsed.
“Yeah, I’m sure you are,” I said and turned to face him. “Look, I think I have a solution to your problem.”
“Problem?” He frowned and raised an eyebrow.
“The promise you made to your mom, before dinner,” I said. “If you’re interested, we could discuss it over dinner sometime?”
“Like a business meeting?” he asked, disbelief in his voice. I was worried he’d refuse.
“Nothing fancy, just somewhere away from this crowd. Tomorrow night, at that steakhouse on Third?” I asked. “I think you’ll like this idea, if you want to keep your promise, at least.”
“Of course I want to keep my promise,” he argued and sighed. “Alright, I’ll meet you there at six.”
I smiled and shook my head. “See you then.”
I met Ron at the car. He couldn’t keep quiet about the shock of Mona’s declaration, and I voiced my agreement. But the more I thought about it, the more nervous my idea made me. Was I really going to propose such a crazy plan? And more so, what would Gavin think?
Chapter Seven
Gavin
Karen hadn’t bothered forcing a smile as she greeted me at the front door.
“It hasn’t been a good day,” she said. There were three plates of uneaten food waiting on the kitchen table, and two glasses full of orange juice.
“Has she eaten?” I asked.
“She couldn’t even keep the pudding down,” she said. “She just got out go the shower; I’ll go let her know you’re here.” Karen left me sitting at the dining table staring at a plate of mashed potatoes and corn. In mom’s defense, it didn’t look very appetizing.
I felt stiff and uncomfortable in the formal suit that I had chosen for dinner. It wasn’t a date; I actually had no idea what Maddie was planning, but it was important that I dressed like it was. I didn’t want Mom to think I was spending another Saturday night drinking on my yacht with Ron. I wanted to make her feel like there was hope for me, at least.
Karen returned a few minutes later with mom leaning against her arm. I stood immediately and offered my own arm, and helped mom sit at the table.
“Do you want me to heat anything up?” Karen asked.
“I can’t even think about food; I’ll puke,” mom said and noticed my outfit. “Now why are you dressed up all fancy?”
“I have a date tonight,” I said. “With Ron’s cousin, actually. I think you’ve met her a few times?”
“Madeline?” she smiled. “That beautiful girl? How did you get so lucky? I always thought she’d end up with some handsome actor and go live in Hollywood.”
“That’s not a very nice thing to say to your son,” Karen said. “He’s not so bad looking himself.”
I chuckled and shook my head. “It’s okay, Karen. I know my mother doesn’t mean it.”
Mom slipped a finger in my empty collar and pulled.
“Well, if you’re going on a date with a woman like that then you have to at least put on a tie,” she said. “Really, Gavin, haven’t I taught you anything?”
“I don’t recall going over proper dress etiquette,” I said.
“Gavin Hayward, do not tell me you’re actually going on a date without wearing a tie,” mom scolded me. “If your father were here he’d be so disappointed in you.” There was a small smile on her lips as she spoke.
“I’ll go put one on before the date,” I said. “Do I need you to pick it out as well?”
She eyed my outfit. “That nice gray one would go with it.”
“You always suggest that one,” I said.
“Because gray goes with everything. Never forget that,” she said and kissed my cheek. Her arms trembled as she leaned against the table, and it seemed as if she was having trouble holding her head up. She was growing weaker, and I wasn’t sure how I could possibly watch her get worse.
“How are you feeling?” I asked.
She shook her head and pressed a palm to her forehead.
“Cold one second, and hot the next. One minute I’m famished and the next I want to puke just thinking about food. My bones are weak, and my skin always hurts.” She shrugged. “It’s always the same.”
“I can ask for stronger painkillers,” I offered. “If your dosage isn’t helping.”
Mom ran her fingers through her thinning hair and shook her head.
“I don’t need drugs, Gavin. I need a daughter-in-law and a grandkid,” she said.
“Mom, you didn’t mention anything about grandchildren,” I said. “I relented on the whole wife search, but I can tell you right now I’m not having a child in six months.”
“I know,” she said and held my hand. “I just want the promise of grandchildren before my time is up. And I would like to at least meet the mother of my grandchildren.”
“Like I said, I’m working on it,” I said and checked my watch. “I should go meet Maddie for dinner.”
“You look handsome,” she said and kissed my forehead. “Maddie has no chance against you.”
“Don’t make it sound like I’m on the hunt,” I said. “It’s unsettling.” I stood and said goodbye to Karen. Mom insisted on walking me to the door.
“Don’t forget that tie,” she said and hugged me. I laughed
and promised her I would change. She blinked away tears as I kissed her cheek. “I’ll always be your mother,” she said.
“Always,” I replied and left to get my gray tie. I checked my watch one last time, 20 minutes until dinner. I hoped I still remembered where that tie was.
I arrived at an upscale and chic restaurant in the gray tie that my mother loved. I’d only been to dinner at such a sophisticated place a handful of times; it was just never my style. Still, as Maddie sat at a table tucked away in a dark corner, she looked as if she belonged. Her brown hair was styled in loose waves that nearly reached the small of her back, and her dress was an off-the-shoulder black cocktail hour dress with a conveniently placed hole just below her collar bones. Her dress hugged her curves and showed off her voluptuous breasts in a way that I’ve never noticed before. In fact, she had always been Ron’s awkward younger cousin; I wasn’t sure if I had ever seen her as anything else.
The restaurant had dark walls with gold flecks glittering throughout, and a hostess in a tiny dress that barely covered her ass led me toward Maddie’s table. The hostess swung her hair over her shoulders and laughed at our small-talk, and I wondered if she would have been so easy to please had I not been wearing my most expensive suit and watch.
“Here’s your table, sir,” she said as her eyes scanned me. I thanked her politely and took a seat, offering the hostess a small smile as she hesitated a moment before leaving.
“She couldn’t have been more obvious,” Maddie said in the way of a greeting.
“What do you mean?” I asked. I wasn’t playing dumb on purpose; I guessed the hostess had ulterior motives in the way her body had gravitated toward mine, but Maddie had only watched us for hardly a moment.
“Really?” Maddie laughed. “She would have thrown you on the table and ripped your clothes off if the restaurant was empty. Actually,” she paused and tilted her head. “The restaurant probably doesn’t even have to be empty. She seems the type to enjoy an audience.”