Mr & Mrs Fake

Chapter Two

Jade, 25

I look up when someone calls out and snaps at me. I sigh and walk over to the table. "How may I help you?" I ask cheerfully. "Oh, hello. We're ready to order, ma'am," says the older woman with the man I assume is her son. "I'm sorry, but customers usually order at the counter," I say. "Well, that's strange. Where's your manager?" she asks.

"Eomma," the man says quietly. "I am the manager, ma'am. This is my business and right now I'm the only worker here," I say, feeling my patience wear thin. "Oh. Well, that's impressive. Congratulations," she replies. I put my hands in my pockets and look around awkwardly. The son clears his throat, breaking the silence. "Could you make an exception just this once, since you're already here?" he asks with a smile. I roll my eyes discreetly.

"Sure. What can I get for you?" I ask. "Can we have a menu?" the woman asks. "The menu is on the big billboard up front, which is why customers order at the counter," I say with a smile. "Theo, why don't you go see what's on the menu?" she suggests. "Sure, eomma," he replies, sliding out of the booth. I step back and look up at him. Whew, he is fine. We walk to the counter. I get behind the cash register. "What can I get for you?" I ask again.

"Two chamomile teas, two grilled cheese sandwiches, and a Danish, please," he says. I ring up his order. "That will be $10.98. It will be ready in a few minutes," I say after he pays. "Will you bring it to us or do we have to get it from the counter?" he smirks. I narrow my eyes. "I'll bring it to you," I say. "Now get away from my counter," I mutter under my breath.

I prepare the tea and sandwiches, then carry them to the table. "Here you go. I hope you enjoy it," I say. I start to walk away but turn back. "What does eomma mean?" I ask. "It means Mom," the son replies. "Oh, okay. And that's Korean, right?" I ask. They look surprised. "Yes. Very few non-Koreans know that," the mother says, smiling. "I had a Korean friend in high school, so I know. I'll leave you to enjoy your meal," I say and clear some tables.

I finish a few chapters of my book until the customers leave. At their table, I find a napkin with "Thank you :)" and a twenty-dollar bill. I smile and tuck it into my pocket.

After some light cleaning, I close the shop, turn off the lights, take out the trash, set the security alarm, and lock the door. My phone rings as I step out. "Aw, shit," I say, annoyed when I see my mother's number. I answer, knowing she'll keep calling until I do.

"Yes, Mom?" I answer. "Jade, it took you long enough to answer. Are you still coming for dinner?" she asks. "I just closed the shop. I'm on my way now," I say, wedging the phone between my ear and shoulder while I put the trash in the dumpster. I get in my car and connect my phone to Bluetooth.

"Jade! Did you hear what I said?" my mom screeches. "Sorry, what?" I ask. "Bianca and her boyfriend just got engaged," she huffs. "That's nice. Who's Bianca again?" I ask. "She's Tracy's son's daughter's cousin," she says. "Um." I scratch my head. "Jade, keep up. Tracy's son has a daughter, and her cousin is Bianca. She's engaged," she says impatiently. Why does she expect me to keep track of people I barely know? Who even is Tracy?

"Oh, okay. That's nice, I guess," I say. "You know she's only three years younger than you and already engaged," she says. I know where this is going. "Ma, don't start. I don't want to hear it tonight," I say, stopping at a red light.

"I'm just saying. You're not getting any younger. You're about to be thirty, and you don't even have a boyfriend," my mom whines. "Okay, Ma. First off, I'm five years away from thirty. I'm not in any rush to get married. I'm happy right now. I just opened the bakery, and business is going well," I say as I pull into my parent's driveway.

"I'm outside. I'll come in now," I say and hang up. My mom meets me at the door. "No man your age wants an old woman. And I want some grandbabies. You better start before you turn forty," she says, hugging me.

"Ma, I'm twenty-five, not fifty-two. I still have time. I don't want to rush," I say, taking off my coat and walking into the kitchen. I find a bottle of wine in the fridge and smile triumphantly. "Time stands still for no one, Jade. You don't want to end up like me with only one child who doesn't want to give you grandchildren," she says, crossing her arms.

I roll my eyes. "If I had started earlier, I would have had more children and grandchildren by now. Instead, I waited until I was thirty-three," she says, pouring herself a glass of wine. "You have a grandchild, Mom. His name is Klaus," I say, referring to my dog. "Girl, bye. That raggedy dog is not a grandchild. And why'd you name him Klaus?" she asks.

"He is not raggedy," I say defensively. "I named him after Klaus Michaelson from The Originals," I grin. I help her carry the food to the dining room table. "That's a stupid name. And I can't spoil a dog," she says. "Maylene, give the girl a break," my father defends me. "Shut up, Harold. I'll give her a break when she has a ring on her finger and a baby in her belly," my mom says. I roll my eyes and finish my wine. Most parents would be proud of their daughter running a thriving business. Mine are focused on marriage and kids.

It's like this every day. I tune out and eat my food. "You need to find a nice man, preferably rich. Marry him and have a couple of kids," she says. "This isn't the 1950s, Mother. My purpose isn't just to marry and have children," I say. "Can you just drop it?" I snap. "Well, excuse me. Fine, I won't say another word about it," she says, offended.

"I'm sorry for snapping. I just need you to understand I'll get married when I'm ready. I'm not in a rush," I say.

"I'm not trying to rush you, Jade. I just want you to be happy," my mom says, squeezing my arm. "I know, Ma. I am happy. When the time comes, I will get married and start a family. But right now, I'm focusing on myself and my dreams. I need you to respect that," I say.

We finish dinner without further discussion on the topic. After helping clean the kitchen, I say goodbye to my parents and head home.