It's been weeks since category four storm Gloria blew through town. Ren had been trying to smooth things over with her but Gloria was having none of it. She carried on with her life like I didn't exist and I didn't mind at all; that way I didn't have to deal with her. I did however try extend an olive branch by calling a few times. The calls went unanswered but I still left a light voicemail one of the times
...was hoping we could do lunch yadda yadda
Tried again another day and the call was declined after the second ring. The following time the number was disconnected... well fuck it I did my part. When Gloria came to the house I made myself scarce or just up and left for the time. She instituted Thursday afternoon dates for her and Ren because she
"missed spending time with my Renny"
One Wednesday Ren told her he was planning on asking me to come along on the date. That Thursday Gloria canceled the date no explanation given. Gangsta move Mother Gloria but I understood it; why force something that's not there.
William had been also trying to get Gloria to a home-cooked meal at the villa. Each time, Gloria had been steadfast in her decision to decline. Through some form of trickery William got her to agree to a meeting. While we wait, Ren is in the office going over paperwork with Brent. There's nothing for me to do until they arrive so I start to read Bag of Bones yet again to quiet my thoughts but it's not working.
The intercom clicks on
"Baby come keep me company I'm lonely, plus I'm tired of looking at Brentwood's ugly mug"
"You love this face so shut it"
A light crash followed and I had no doubt something was thrown. I'm laughing on my way to his office when the alert for the gate chimes. My heart skips a few beats and a chill runs through my body. I check the cameras and yup; THEERE'S GLORIAAA. I buzz the gate open and the staff goes to let them in. I head back to the sitting room even though instincts are saying RUN BITCH RUN!!
Ren and Brent walk in just as Gloria and William enter. Before Ren could say anything the hurricane winds picked up.
"I'm not here for pleasantries I already told that woman how I felt and I'll take nothing back. I spoke to you at length to express how I felt about this God forsaken engagement. If you insist on this horrible mistake a prenup must be in place, there will be no other way."
There's a low growling at my knee; Missy's sitting beside me watching Gloria and William closely.
"It's ok girl I feel it too lets go find you something to play with, come on... pardon me"
Missy reluctantly turns and follows me
"So Ren what's it going to be?"
She asks as I leave the room.
Missy picks out a toy and we play in her room for a little. I secure her doggy door and make my way to the sitting room just in time to hear Gloria on top of her lungs
"YOU DID WHAT?! YOU CANNOT BE FUCKING SERIOUS REN!!"
What the hell is it now? My steps speed back to the sitting room
"What's happening??"
I find Gloria sitting at the edge of her seat, Ren smiling from ear to ear, William smiling and looking through papers and Brent just being a very interested spectator.
"There she is, the love of my life"
He comes over and stands in front of me.
"This is your moment my sweet baby"
Gloria glares at me
"YOU P-!"
"Mother please! I gave you what you wanted"
Gloria's murmuring
"I can't believe it, I just cannot believe it"
Ren comes over to me
"Mom wanted us to have a prenup.. "
I nod as remembered her rant I overheard a few days ago
"Yes I know Ren and I already told you I don't mind signing one, so what's the problem now??"
"There's no problem my love. Brent would you mind explaining?"
"Not at all; in a nutshell the prenup states that in the event of the demise of your marriage Hanna Nicole Rose; that's you, will receive anything and everything she wants from Ren Neil Rutherford"
I look at Ren like he grew two extra heads
"What? It's all yours for the taking baby. I know marriage is hard work but I know rwe can do this. Will you sign it?"
"I cannot fucking believe this; don't you dare sign that piece of shit paper"
She's on her feet now and looking hella menacing, I'm definitely running out of this room.
"Hush Gloria!! You have no control over this, you wanted a prenup there's your prenup let the boy live his life. Brilliant boy, just brilliant"
William shakes Ren's hand and goes to his wife's side. Ren gives me a pen but my fingers will not cooperate. I'm reading and reading but it didn't really matter what the paper said. It filled me with great joy that this man loved me this much and couldn't give two fucks about what anyone thought or said. I could hear a new soundtrack to my life playing in my head 'That's How Strong My Love is" by Alicia Keys as I signed the papers
"Are you OK mom?"
Gloria's eyes shot daggers around the room.
"William we're leaving"
"Yes dear"
William squeezes my hand
"Don't you worry about her she'll come around. Everyone can see the love she's just in denial. Ren you take care of Hanna"
William hugs and kisses me on the cheek
"That's a given sir"
Run runs over and lifts a very stiff Gloria in the air in a bear hug
"I love you woman, be happy for me"
Through gritted Gloria said
"PUT"
"ME"
"DOWN"
"NOW"
Ren obeyed but not before planting a huge kiss on her cheek
"Mark my words, reality will come screaming through the door of your little fantasy world sooner than later. Of course I'll be there to help you pick up the pieces, but I'll also be shouting through a megaphone I TOLD YOU SO!"
Gloria stomps out and gives me one last glare as they drive away. Meanwhile her grinning fool of a son has me by the waist waving goodbye.
Will she ever change her mind about me? Maybe I did have something to prove to her after all.
YOU ARE READING
As It Should Be
RomanceCan a single mother let her guard down to find love again? Can she push through the toxicities of life and enjoy it once more? It was a scary thought but I always get like that when I have time to think. Staring out at the horizon of the city I h...
