Closer(2)

I let out a sigh, reminding myself that I’m perfect how I am and these curves aren't going anywhere. I love carbs way too much. Not to mention when I do try to cut back, the scale never changes. So why bother denying myself what I want? I shake off the negative thoughts in my head and grab my purse. I look at myself one last time in the mirror and smile. Positive vibes and kind words only.





Two





Lucas





I check my watch to make sure that we aren't running behind. If there’s one thing that bothers me most it’s being late. I lean back when I see I have more than enough time, even with the how terrible traffic is. As if my mom knows I’m not busy, my phone rings.

“Ma,” I say in greeting.

I know what’s coming and I don’t want to talk about it right now, but she’ll call and call until I answer. Besides, after the small scare we had last month I’m always a little on edge when I see her number come up on my screen. The last time it was the head of security calling to tell me she’d been admitted to the hospital after fainting.

We found out she’d had a mini stroke, and ever since then it set me and my sister off balance. Our mom is all we’ve ever really known. Our father took off shortly after my sister Rebecca was born. I’ve always been the man of the house and I've taken that responsibility seriously my entire life.

Over the last month, since my mom had her stroke, she’s come up with this idea that she has to make sure I’m taken care of and happy. Which she has decided can only be accomplished by marriage. Even the word marriage sounds so foreign to me. It’s not something I’ve ever given much thought to. The only relationships I’m familiar with are the ones I have with my family. Beyond that, my only focus is making money. I want to make sure that they’d be taken care of if anything ever happens to me.

“I knew you’d be awake already,” she sighs into the phone.

Where else would I be on a weekday morning at seven a.m.? My days always start at five. I work out, eat breakfast, and answer any emails that might have collected overnight.

“How are you feeling today, Ma?” I ask, not taking the bait.

“Well, tomorrow night is the Stein Charity Gala, and I’m going to bring some women with me I’d love for you to meet,” she says in her sweetest voice, knowing that I can't get out of this.

I’m the biggest donor to the Stein Foundation. It’s an organization set on helping single mothers in need. I’ve been working with them since I made my first million many years ago. Now my mom is involved with them. If there’s one event I can't get out of it, it’s theirs. She has me cornered and she knows it.

“That might be awkward since I’m already bringing a date.”

The lie rolls right off my tongue. That should probably make me feel bad, but fuck, it’s worse when she throws women at me. I always feel like a total asshole when I politely tell them I’m not interested. Some don't take it so well and even push further. One woman my mom tried to set me up with showed up at my office.

I know my mother means well, but it’s starting to make my life hell. I’m done with it. Her throwing women at me has had the opposite effect. I don’t want anything to do with them now.

“Really?” The excitement is clear in her voice, making me feel instantly guilty. “Where did you meet her?”

“Through Rebecca, she works with her.” Damn, another lie rolling right off way too easily.

She lets out a sound of surprise. “One of her models?”

“Yes.” I’m already in this lie, waist deep. No sense in backing out now.

“Okay, well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.” Her tone is flat like she’s distracted. “I’ll talk to you later. Love you.” She hangs up before I can respond. I chalk it up to her wanting to call my sister and dig around, knowing she can get more from her than me.

I sigh as I run my hand through my hair. I might have gotten my mom to back off for today, but tomorrow will come and I’ll have to deal with the fallout. Maybe I can just fake it? I could say my date got sick or something. I’m not worried about Rebecca. When my mom calls she’ll know what I’ve done and play along.

My driver pulls up to the building my sister leased for her new business. Pride fills me with how far she’s come. She’s too hard on herself about where it is. From my research, she’s doing more than well for a new business like hers, even if she doesn't see it in herself. But if I’m honest, I don't care if the place is bleeding money, I just want her to do something she loves. I’ve made enough money for all of us to live well and I’ll keep making sure that it stays the same for our family to come. Maybe not family for me, but when my sister decides to have one.

I don't wait for my driver and open the door myself. When I walk inside I pause when I see my sister standing there waiting for me. She comes over and gives me a hug, and I can tell she’s already laughing.

“I love you, but sending Ma my way? Really?”

“About that,” I start, but she cuts me off.

“I have a line of models coming today. I’m sure one would be more than willing to be a fake date for you.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “Maybe it could turn into more.”

“Please don't tell me you’re on Ma’s side,” I groan. I can’t have both of them after me. That would be cruel and unusual punishment.