Unexpected Perfection

22

{Theo}

"Hi, I'm Ayah and I'm really excited to meet you."

I was up all night tossing and turning for no reason, my ma immediately likes Ayah.

I stand to the side and scowl as they talk, wondering how long it'll last.

My ma loves to talk and Ayah's an amazing listener. Yeah, I could be standing here for a couple days.

"I was so nervous to get you this, I hope you like it."
She hands her the bag after what feels like forever. My leg is starting to fall asleep.

She didn't want me to go shopping with her, I wonder what's in there.

I raise an eyebrow as my ma holds up a very nice fur coat.

Where in the hell did Ayah find that!?

"Oh my, this is very lovely."
Ma is very touched.

"Yeah, my mom loves stuff like this, she says it makes her feel fancy."
Ayah says quietly.

I watch closely as my ma hugs it to her chest.

"It sure does feel fancy. Oh, I just know Jean from the salon is going to be so jealous."
She mutters.

"She sure is, ma."
I agree, walking forward to help her try it on.

I don't plan on telling her that I still have no idea who the hell Jean is, but she talks about her a lot.

"This is so nice, Ayah."
I whisper, absentmindedly feeling the fur.

She just winks at me.

She makes me feel incredible, holy shit.

"There's a cute little shop over near Edmond Street, you should visit sometime."
She turns back to ma, who is pacing in front of the couch, admiring herself.

I can't help but smile a little.

It's nice to see her smile, it usually takes about 30 minutes of listening to her gossip before she smiles at me.

"You know who'll definitely love it, ma? That old fool that lives on the next street, what's his name?"
I fold my arms.

She scoffs like she always does.

"You mean that sexy golf player, Mr. Patterson? Yeah, right. That man owns the country club, he wouldn't be interested in me."

I frown, remembering the time they sat and talked on the porch for hours, even after I was done mowing his lawn. I was 17 at the time which meant it had been 2 years since dad died.

They've had chemistry ever since, she just refuses to pursue him.

I think he's a nice enough man.

Ayah clears her throat quietly.

"You're very beautiful, Mrs. Bridges. I think you should talk to him, he may feel the same way."

Ma just glances at me and raises an eyebrow.

"This is your girlfriend?"
She asks.

I just smile.

"I told you, we met through Mason."

"Yeah, he's my best friend-"

"No he's not."
I narrow my eyes.

She looks very amused.

"We can share a best friend, Theodore."

I immediately groan.