Chapter 25
Vivian
My father looked like he was about to have a major health crisis when I walked into the room with Clinton’s arm around me. The introductions were awkward and the small talk didn't come easy. Dad flipped into over-protective mode and I could tell that Clinton felt defensive. My mother’s small room at the nursing home didn’t seem big enough to contain all the tension.
But mom has a way of diffusing explosive situations. She spins conversations around, asking the right questions and sharing the perfect anecdotes that allow everyone to let their guards down. Today is no exception. I see the way Clinton warms up to her and eventually to my father. I catch the hard-earned smile that my father shoots Clinton’s way. It turns out that dad was actually quite amused that someone finally put Aunt Jean in her place.
Then my father asks the question that sucks all the air out of the room. "Clinton, what are your intentions for my daughter?" He leans back in the armchair where he's sitting and crosses his arms over his chest. He stares at Clinton from over the top of his glasses.
"Dad!" I scold, warmth flooding my cheeks. Why does he have to put the guy on the spot?
Clinton doesn't fumble, though. He refuses to flinch under my father's heated glare. "I intend to keep her." He reaches over and takes my hand in his. I squeeze his fingers in reassurance. My heart tumbles about at the pure conviction in his voice.
"You intend to keep her?"
"Yes, sir. There's no other woman for me. Vivian is it. And I'm going to keep her."
My mother's breathing hitches and her hand falls to dad's thigh. Oh mom—please don't get teary-eyed. Too late. She's already reaching for her handkerchief. Dad sizes Clinton up again, scrutinizing him mercilessly. My man's resolve stays firm, his eye contact doesn't waver and eventually, my father's shoulders relax.
Before long, my dad rises and pulls a packet of cigars from his shirt pocket. "I'm in the mood for one of these." He runs a cigar under his nose and basks in the rich scent. "Join me."
Clinton places a kiss on my knuckles and accepts my father's invitation. I watch as the two of them step into the hallway and head for the elevator.
“Do you think they’ll both come back in one piece?” I mutter nervously under my breath.
My mother turns to me and I know she can't help the excitement she feels inside. "He's so handsome, Vivian. And the way he looks at you...Makes me want to be thirty and in love again."
My brow lifts in surprise. "I—I thought you wouldn’t like him. Y’know because he’s all tattooed and stuff.”
“Oh honey, the paintings on a man’s skin don’t matter. It’s all about what’s in his heart. I just want you to be happy. It's been so long since I've seen that genuine smile on your face. I worship any man who can give that to you.”
“Even if he’s covered in tattoos?” I challenge.
“Even if he’s outside of your comfort zone,” my mother says, rephrasing my words.
I shake my head. "Wow, this isn't the reaction I was expecting from you. I came here ready to fight for him. He isn’t exactly the type of man I know you guys expected for me."
"I’d rather see you with a man covered in ink who’s wild for you than a clean-cut jerk who only thinks of himself." She winks at me and I break out giggling. "You’ve been holding yourself back for too long. With your plans and your checklists and your rigid expectations. This world isn't perfect and things don't always go to plan. It's okay to step out of your safety net, honey. Because if you're not mindful, your comfort zone easily becomes you're prison."
One corner of my mouth kicks up and I watch her. "Mom you sound like a fortune cookie."
Rolling her eyes, she waves me away. "This is wisdom I'm giving you, Vivian. You'd better soak it all up."
I laugh. "Any more sage words of advice for me?" I'm being just a bit snarky to divert from just how nervous I am.
She leans forward conspiratorially. “Yes, one more piece of advice…Have all the sex you can!”
“Mom!” My neck is hot and prickly all of a sudden.
My mother giggles at my discomfort. "Life's way too short to not be having sex. With someone who takes your breath away. And makes you feel like the most beautiful woman who ever lived. You owe yourself that much...But from the way you're smiling, I can tell that you already knew that."