*on hold* Until Callan moved in next door, Presley was one hundred percent, completely fine with how her life was turning out.
She never regretted dropping out of college or wasting her days working in a diner for minimum wage. Boredom never plagued...
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A familiar melodic voice carried through the empty lakehouse as the sound of sandals clicked against the wooden planks. "Presley? Presley, are you here?"
"Uh, yeah. So my Mom is here," I said in response to Callan's questioning glance.
"Why?"
I shrugged as the footsteps came closer and Mom appeared in the doorway of the ensuite. I could tell she'd just had her hair colored, the grey of her roots hidden beneath caramel hair dye. "There you are! Brie told me I could find you here." Her eyes darted from me to Callan and back. "Who's your friend?" She asked. I did not appreciate the suggestive tone of her voice.
"Hi." Callan cleared his throat, stepping forward as he held out his hand. He towered over my mother who was even shorter than me, even in heels. "I'm Callan."
"Very, very nice to meet you," Mom cooed, shaking his hand eagerly. Her pink painted lips turned into a big smile. "I'm Marian, Presley's mother."
"Uh, good to meet you, too."
Mom held her navy purse in one hand, and a glittery pink gift bag with silver tissue paper in the other. I totally forgot she said she'd stop by to bring me a birthday gift. "You could have texted first, Mom," I said, trying not to sound annoyed. She had, after all, made the hour drive to see me.
She clicked her tongue. "I did, honey. I texted you an hour ago to let you know I was on my way."
I was just going to have to accept the fact that my mother was going to make impromptu visits for the rest of my life. "Okay," I sighed quietly. "I was just helping Callan with some renovation stuff."
Mom's face lit up. "How great!" She turned to Callan. "This is such a nice property. I can't wait to see what you do with the place, especially with my Presley's help."
"I just offered him some advice. It was nothing."
Callan shook his head, looking over at me. "You're being modest."
"I wish she'd reconsider her---" Mom began, but I was intent on changing the subject pronto. Discussing my future with my persistent mother in front of anyone, let alone Callan, ranked high on the list of the top ten things I'd rather scrub toilets than do.
"Why don't we go back to my place, and I'll make you some tea," I offered.
To my surprise, Mom shook her head adamantly. "Unfortunately, I don't think I can go there right now." She pressed her lips together. "I walked in on your cousin... with a boy - a man. They were, uh..." Mom cleared her throat, her cheeks turning rosy as realization hit. My hand flew over my mouth.
Was she saying she caught Brie and Austin... having relations? I struggled to find the words to describe how awkward that must have been for everyone involved.
"What?" I asked, not really wanting to know the answer.
"Let's just say, I think Brie and I will need some time before we'll be able to look each other in the eye. And Presley, please, disinfect your kitchen countertop. I mean it."
