Just Convenience

Chapter 2

Peyton's POV: 

I woke an hour before my alarm; this normally happened on nights I had nightmares. This one in particular was not one I ever wanted to relive, and yet in my dreams, I relived it over and over. It was 4 a.m., and I knew that there was no getting back to sleep. So I started my day rolling out of bed and changing into clothes that were not drenched with terror sweat. Then I left my house to run along the Mississippi River, The fresh air helped clear my head from the nightmare, and when I returned home, I finished my workout in my home gym. Wiping sweat out of my eyes, I walked back to my room to take a shower and get ready for the day. 

Today was Friday, which meant that I had three meetings, and then I was done. I could do that, couldn't I? It's not like I'm the fucking CEO or anything. My phone rang, and I picked it up and swiped 'answer' without looking at who it was, "Morning dear," my mother's voice, crisp and clear, came through the speaker. 

"Morning, Mom," I murmured, taking a swig of water from my bottle. 

"Did I wake you-?"

"No, I was already up," I answered and hoped that she wouldn't ask why I was up so early. 

She tisked, "Good, well, I was just calling to let you know that your brother will be in town this week," she paused, and I instantly knew where this was heading, "with his girlfriend." There it was, ding, ding, ding. 

"Yes, Holter texts me too, Mom," I started, "We already made plans to go out to dinner twice, and then he will come in with me to the office on Wednesday." 

"Oh, wonderful!" she exclaimed, "I wasn't sure if he told you or not." I scoffed softly. Of course he told me; we talked probably more than he and Mom did. She knew it too, but if this was heading where I assumed it was heading, she didn't care. "Will it be a double date?" 

I groaned, "No, it will not be a double date; how many times do I have to tell you I don't have time to date." I walked into the bathroom adjoining my bedroom, running my fingers through my hair. I would need a haircut soon; my hair was in my eyes already, and I couldn't have it in my eyes; the feeling was too much of a reminder, even after all these years. 

"Pshh, of course you have time to date!" she persisted. 

"Mom, no I really don't, "I started the shower and sat on the counter, waiting for it to heat up. "And I'm about ready to shower, so whatever you want to say, say it quickly."

She tisked again, "Peyton, please, I only want what's best for you. Holter is 25 and already has a wonderful girlfriend-" I wanted to tell her that no, she really wasn't that wonderful, but refrained, "- you are handsome, successful, and any girl would be lucky enough to date you." I hummed in response, "I'm being truthful, Peyton; when will you settle down?" 

"I don't want to settle down, and the water is hot now; I'm going to let you go," I told her and was about to hang up when she spoke again. 

"Don't you dare hang up on me," I sighed, "Darling, please just consider going on a few dates that I will set up for you." 

That caught me off-guard, "W-what?" 

"You heard me; I will set up dates for you, you can either go willingly, or I will force you; which one will you decide?" What happened to 'considering'? She spoke in that serious tone all mothers get when they threaten their children, and though it didn't scare me, I still wanted to honor her. 

"Can I just say that I will think about it?" 

She sighed, her tone lightening once again, "Fine, dear, but give me an answer by Sunday, or I will not only set up a date, but I will plan a marriage as well." Then, she hung up. I had no doubt that she would plan a wedding with anyone I found to date either; it was what she always did and what she was basically doing for Holter.