The Aftertaste

Chapter One

My mom bounces Grayson on her lap, cooing at him. I watch from office as she waits for me to wrap up today's work. My photography job has been thriving significantly and I feel like Grayson is the blame. Once clients found out I had him, they wanted to see him and be around him. It's strange how babies draw people in.
"Okay, Calvin, come on." Mom says, standing. He runs from his usual hiding spot, showing her all ten teeth.
"Time to go mama?"
He has my eyes and that was my favorite part about meeting him. I was upset that mom even considered a second child but he makes her happy in ways that I can't. He's so smart for a six year old and adventurous. Grayson is like his sidekick, two and half, walking beside Calvin. It's the cutest thing. I close my laptop and the door dings, letting me know someone has entered.
"We're closed! I'm sorry, you'll have to come back tomorrow." I say, exciting the office. My studio is only open late on weekends, weekdays are normally to slow for that.
"Well you can't just close on your newest customer."
The voice is soft but humorous. Grey eyes stare at me, but lashes surround them. I could recognize those piercing eyes anywhere.
"Well are you just going to stare, love."
I am. Mrs. Alexander, Joe and Luke's mother,
"Hello, Mrs. Alexander, how are you?" My mother sticks out her pale hands, color sucked dry from chemo.
"My dearest friend, where have you been Joan?" She coos, pulling her into a hug. Grayson tugs on Mrs. Alexander's dress, begging to be picked up. He loves attention. I watch.
"Hey...there. You look lovely, what brings you in?"
"I've remarried. It was time and I've done it."
A laugh spills from her lips as she picks up Grayson. She bounces him in the air and the laugh stops. Now, she's staring, at Grayson. I want to snatch him away, what is she looking at?
"What brings you in?" I say, interrupting whatever thoughts running through her perfect grey head.
"Well isn't it obvious? I want you to be the photographer of my wedding. Word around town, is that you're the best. I want the best. Plus, I just had to see this beautiful baby of yours. You're so grown up."
How'd she know about Grayson? Did mom tell her without my permission? I eye mom who is just as surprised as me.
"W- when is it?" My voice cracks.
"I'm in a rush. Joe is out on a trip in Hawaii and Luke is celebrating his honeymoon, it needs to be done before they get back."
Before? She's having a wedding without them knowing? And bringing me in the midst. I haven't spoken to Lizzie and Luke in years. I stopped answering calls when I found out I was pregnant. I was embarrassed.
"How soon?"
"Two days, like I said, I'm in a rush."
"They won't like this, they'll hate me."
"I don't like things they've done. You know, my Joe, he's dating one of those girls in Hawaii and has to take trips back and forth? She says she hates life here and wants him to move there. Isn't that the darnest thing, Joan. She's draining his account."
A girl in Hawaii? That explains the trip.
"That is, how'd he meet her anyways?" Mom gossips.
"A dating site! You get that!? My boy just throwing himself out there desperately. I guess it was the heartbreak.."
The grey eyes are on Grayson again, his eyes, no longer a bright blue but more like burning embers.
"You know, he looks just like m-"
"I'll do it. Stop by tomorrow and we'll get started." I interrupt. I take Grayson away, holding him to me too tight. This is my only piece of happiness and I don't need her destroying it with her theories. He's mine. Nothing else to discuss.
"Thank you, love. See you then."
She kisses Grayson and he smiles. I'm numb. Mom hugs her and she's out the door.
"You're in deep trouble.." Mom sighs.
"Deep deep trouble." Calvin confirms.
Don't I know.