I Hate You, Mr. Boss-Man [18+]

047

Katherine

My leg shook with an anticipatory manner, eyes darting from the condensation dripping down the sides of my glass to the front entrance of the restaurant.

My stomach was in knots, nerves crawling up my throat. Even if I had seen my mother in advance to this lunch date, I didn't get a chance to voice my thoughts. I'd planned to tell Jesse about the unexpected visit, but I was so wrapped in his being that it'd slipped my mind. It almost surprised me. How could I forget to tell my boyfriend about a mother I haven't seen since I was eighteen?

The bell jingled across the Bistro, the familiar figure of my mother stepping through the door. I exhale loudly, relief flooding through my chest as her eyes lock with mine. There was a part of me that had doubts on whether or not she'd come. Call it old habits, but the disappointment was a part of my expectations.

"You made it," I start, pushing out of my chair to rise to my feet. My eyes flicker down to the silver chain around her neck, dad's wedding ring looped into it.

"I got lost for a moment, so many numbered streets." My mother answers, her lips pulled into a soft smile. I reciprocate the smile, letting her reach for my shaking hand, encapsulating it into her own. "My dear Kathy, as beautiful as always." Before I realized it, she was tugging my hand towards her, coaxing me into her arms for a hug.

Although the embrace was unexpected and unwanted on my end, I gave into it, my chest colliding with hers. Suddenly, I found myself hugging her back, my arms coming around her back in a desperate manner, almost clinging to her as if I were afraid she'd vaporize. My eyes began to water, my chin resting atop her shoulder as I tightened my hold on the woman who brought me into this world. It wasn't until she tightened her grip as well that I knew I missed her deeply. I missed her scent and the way her arms felt like my father's.

I bury my face into her neck, inhaling her Tiffany's perfume-bringing me back to the years before. "I'm sorry," I croak, unaware of why I was apologizing.

"No," She whispers beside my ear, shaking her head in disapproval. "You have nothing to be sorry for, honey," She unlocks her arms, leaning back to look at my face-hands gripping the top of my arms. "You're not allowed to apologize nor feel sorry for me. I deserve what you're willing to give." Her hand rises to wipe the falling tears off my cheek. "Should we sit?"

I swallow thickly, nodding in agreement as I step away from her-plopping down in my seat, and she does the same. "I don't even know where to begin," I exhale a humorless laugh, meeting her green eyes that reminded me of botanical gardens.

"Uh, how was your day?" She initiates, and I was grateful for her starting the conversation.

"I had a line-up of interviews this morning," I sigh heavily, recollecting to this morning. "I barely made it out before lunch." Jesse had suggested placing an ad for an assistant, and nothing could've prepared me for the over-fill in my inbox.

"Interviews?" She cocks her head to the right, curiosity crowding her irises before she drops her head, lowering her gaze to the table, chuckling softly. "I'm sorry, I just realized that I have no clue what you're doing now. Guess, I lost that privilege a long time ago, huh?"

My lips press together in a hard line, skeptical in the sense of her playing the guilt card or if it was simply rhetorical. I don't answer the question-subtly moving on.

"I'm an executive vice president of a private equity enterprise. I need an assistant, thus the interviews I had to get through."

My mother's gaze meets mine, eyes rounded in surprise. I even surprised myself with how professional I made it sound-all things considered-it was more than I painted it out to be.

"W...What happened to that fashion school you wanted to go to?" I could see the lump in her throat as she swallows. Her chest rose and fell with every inhale and exhale. Deep down, I felt she already knew the answer to that.

"I...uh," I glance down at the table, tracing the grain of the table with my nail. "That wasn't in the cards for me, I guess. I had to pick a career that was going somewhere, ya know?"

"Kathy..." Olivia whispers, regret crossing her features, recognition flashing before her eyes.

I dismiss her with a wave of my hand, drawing both of my lips together in a hard line. Of course, my intentions weren't to scold her actions or demand her to apologize. I wanted to make her understand, and I meant that. "It's okay, mom," I mumble, shrugging my shoulders nonchalantly. "You were right. That dream wasn't meant to be."

"No." She voices firmly, her brows furrowing deeply. "No, Kathy. I wasn't right. I was wrong about your dreams. Just as I was wrong to blame you for things you had no control over. I wanted you at my fingertips, and I lost sight in the mere knowledge of having a hold over you. I knew how independent you were, and you never needed me, honey. I have a shit-ton to make up with you and Dylan. Mostly you. As I said last night, I don't expect you to forgive me. I hope you'll give me the chance to earn your forgiveness."

I swallow the knot in my throat, concurring with a nod. I let the silence swallow us for a moment-the waiter waltzing over to take our order. The clinking of silverware clattering against the china sounded around us-the soft tune of 60's soul playing through the speakers. "I'm doing really good, mom." I chime, slicing the tension between us. "I'm happy with what I have and where I am. I've got a great friend, a great job, great boyfriend, and for the first time in a long time, I'm so fucking happy."

Olivia exhales with a smile, her tense shoulders relaxing with how my words lifted the weight on her chest.

"That's...that's all I ever hoped for you, kitten. I know it didn't seem like it, but I was so proud of you for getting out. It took a solid minute to recover from your absence and for me to stop acting like a child-giving you the silent treatment was not something you deserved. I think higher of you-as a mother should of her daughter. I, if you'd have me-I would love to make up for the years we both lost. Wherever you'd like to begin."

I fall back onto the chair, pondering her ask for a second. There wasn't anything I wouldn't do to have my mother back in my life. Despite everything, I wanted to make up for the years too. Where would I start?

"I'd like for you to meet him," I counter, folding my arms over my chest. "I want you to meet my boyfriend."

My mother's eyes bore into mine, tongue darting between her lips at my demand. I knew that a part of her suspected that I told Jesse everything that happened between us, and she was correct. Jesse had once told me he didn't like to make opinions from another's point of view. He liked to judge someone upfront, and I respected him for that.

"When?" She asks. "Does he know about me? Does he know I'm here?"

"Yes and no," I answer truthfully. "I haven't had a chance to tell him about your arrival. I wanna ease him into it, as for you," I lean forward once again. "I know your visit wasn't supposed to bleed over three days. Can you stay just a bit longer?"

"For you," Her lips pull into a smile. "I'll stay for you."

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Okay, okay...I know. I know this was somewhat anticipated and I took fucking years to upload but, I think the writer's block is gone-for now, anyway.

I hope you enjoy this chapter and please lemme know what you think. Feedback is always appreciated. Thanks!