“And not for Dad?” I asked.
She remained silent for a moment, tapping the side of her glass. “Not really.” She looked up at me. “I know it’s kinda’ fucked up to say that, but I feel like he’s leaving her high and dry here.”
I sighed. “It’s an awful lot of speculation.”
She shrugged. “You’re right, it is.” Kelly said. “But I can’t explain it any other way. Mom’s always the happy-go-lucky one and I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s the only reason they haven’t gotten divorced. She’d want us to stay together as a family.”
“You might be right.”
“I think I am,” she said staring in my eyes. I was surprised not to see any tears. “That’s why I think it’s good that she’s doing this.” Kelly stirred her glass. “You realize she wouldn’t have said yes if you didn’t agree to as well.”
“What makes you say that?”
Kelly shrugged. “She just… You’re her boy.” She took a large swig of her wine.
I smiled, “Thanks Kelly. I’m going to try and not put too much thought into the fact you said our undersexed mother has a thing for me.”
“Argh!” Kelly groaned in annoyance. “That’s not-”
“No, it’s fine. Like water off a duck’s back,” I said to which she smacked me again.
“You always joke.”
“Hey, I can’t help it! It’s just my thing.”
She rolled her eyes then downed the rest of her drink. “Fuck it. Thanks for saying yes,” she said as she headed back up the stairs.
I followed suit, but joking aside, the conversation stuck deep in my gut.
Chapter 2.0
Between the three of us, we worked out the details for the shoot. Kelly used to style hair and makeup before finding her calling with fashion so we had that covered. For the location, we settled on heading up to a cove north of the city where we’d be able to get some great shots of the waves breaking against the rocks. We went there years ago for a family camping trip so the area was somewhat familiar.
A week passed and the day of the shoot was here. I had a quick gig in Oakland early that morning so I got to the house just before we needed to head out. Our goal was to get both bright sunlight and sunset shots before we called it a day. So far, everything was looking peachy.
“Hellooooo!” I bellowed as I entered the house.
“We’re back here,” I heard Kelly call.
I found them in the master bath, both sitting on stools facing each other. Mom in a white robe and Kelly in black yoga pants and a pink tank top, focused on applying Mom’s mascara.
“Hey Bro. You get my message,” she asked focusing on her task.
“No, what’s up?”
“Your dad can’t make it,” Mom said. “His client is having a… I don’t really remember. He won’t be there.”
“Oh well, sucks for him.” I checked my watch. “How we doing here?”
“Just finished her hair and I’m just touching up her makeup.” Kelly tilted Mom’s chin up.
“How’s it look?”
I knelt beside them. “Not bad,” I said.
“What a charmer,” Mom smirked.
I chuckled. “No seriously, you’re stunning Mom, you know that. What we need to do now is accentuate her best features. Really make it pop, you know?”
Mom looked up to me. “And what are my best features?”
I gave her a once over, though I really didn’t need to. “I’d say… your eyes and lips are the first things that stand out. They’re captivating, alluring. Even a natural pout.”