The Rarest Gem

Chapter Eight

Tristan

Damnit!

Why is this so difficult?

I look at the arrangement of outfits on my bed, and nothing looks like the right attire for an interview. I want to make a good first impression on Logan's mother, not only to land this job but also to make him like me just a bit more.

Button up or Polo?

A Polo seems too casual...

"Knock, Knock."

"It's me, your wonderful mother."

Wonderful isn't the exact adjective that I would use to describe you, but okay...

"Hey, Mom, how are you?"

She makes her way into my room and starts shuffling through the clothes on my bed. I notice her pick up the blue polo and pair it with the corduroy khakis I have laid out, and honestly, the combination makes me want to vomit. I don't know if it is because she picked it, or I just think it looks horrible.

"I think this is the one, a bit casual with the shirt and a little something extra with the pants. What do you think?"

I try my hardest to force a smile. It's rare that my mom is this kind to me, and I don't want to say anything that will switch her mood to monster mode because I can deal with this version of her.

"Um, it's nice. I still haven't made a final decision, though. Seki's coming over in a bit to help me get everything together. She's had like a million jobs and is all about fashion, so I'm sure she'll be able to help me out."

"That's fabulous." She claps with excitement.

"Yes, maybe you do need a younger opinion. Your mother is getting up in age, you know, which is exactly why I need you to help out around here. I don't want to be working through the age where I should be relaxed and retired."

She throws me a wide grin, and it's been a while since I've seen her pleased with me, so I'm actually a little taken aback.

"You know, Tristan, I am really proud of you. For once, you actually took my advice and went out there and found yourself a job opportunity. I wish you the best of luck."

"Thank you, Mom."

"Now, only if I could get you to be a bit more active in the church activities, you would be an all-star son."

I try extremely hard not to roll my eyes.

"Maybe, Mom, once I get the rest of my life figured out."

"I'll remember you said that." She sings on her way to the door.

"By the way, your hair looks great. That's one positive step towards that new career opportunity."

She exits my room, and I'm back to staring at all the options I have laid out on my bed when suddenly I hear a ping on my phone.

Thank God, it's Seki, she's here.

I rush to the door to let her in. She stops to greet my mother, who repeatedly thanks her for being a positive influence in my life.

It's no secret that I really do appreciate Seki and how she's been there for me through the years, but the amount of adoration my mother is pouring onto her is nothing other than nauseating.

When we finally reach my room, I shut the door and initiate a grand gesture with both of my hands to draw her attention to the outfits I currently have laid out on my bed.