Page 21 of Unbound Boxset

CHAPTER EIGHT

“Hi, Mom. How are you?”

Ariel was heading over to Grant’s place even though it was late. Her team had made a breakthrough with a few possible taglines, and the creative juices hit her like a shot of adrenaline. She’d called Grant on a whim, expecting him to deny sex for sleep. Instead, he growled into the phone to get her ass over pronto or he’d do bad things to it.

She’d immediately called an Uber and was only a few minutes away.

“Fine, I’m calling to check in. You seem to be busy, as usual. It’s a miracle you finally decided to pick up the phone.”

She winced, sensing it was going to be one of those calls. Her nerves stretched even as she prepared herself for what was coming. “Sorry, I got your message and was going to call you in the morning. I’ve been busy.”

“Anything special? Or anyone?”

Irritation bit but she ignored it. “Well, I am seeing someone I like.”

Her mother’s voice warmed. “How wonderful! For how long? Tell me all about him.”

“We’ve dated a few weeks now. He’s a yoga teacher.”

Silence fell. “A what?”

“Yoga, it’s an exercise that helps decrease stress.”

“I’ve heard of yoga but I thought it was for women. Does he make a living at it?”

Ariel laughed. “Yes, he seems to do fine.”

“Well, that’s what you get for dating city men, I guess. Has he been married before?”

“Yes.”

“Kids?”

The Uber pulled up to Grant’s block and she climbed out. “No.”

“Good, you don’t need to deal with stepchildren at this point. I told you if you keep waiting, they’ll all have been married already.”

She couldn’t do this now. Not when she was excited and focused on seeing Grant. Her mother had the tendency to suck all the joy out of her. “Yes, I know. I do have some other good news. I got a promotion at work.”

She held her breath and hoped.

A disgusted breath came over the line. “Another account, Ariel? Is that all you have to talk about? That’s the reason you can’t make any relationships work. You keep putting work first and you’ll end up alone, while everyone is married and happy with children. Is that really the type of life you want? Don’t you want to be a mother?”

Her chest tightened. She stopped outside the apartment building and hovered on the steps. “Eventually, but I still have plenty of time. You don’t understand, this is a big promotion. I’m moving to Chicago to work on a Super Bowl commercial. It’s what I’ve been working for my whole life.”

Ariel hated the childish voice inside that begged for her mother’s approval. Each time they spoke, she hoped for some sort of softening or understanding. She loved her mother and only wanted to be loved back. Why did she have to be so resentful of her happiness?

“Mom?” she whispered into the silence.

“I can’t believe this. You finally find a man you care for and you’re moving to Chicago for a silly job?” Ice dripped over the line. “I’m tired of trying to help you. Tired of defending you to your father and cousins and friends here at home. We’d all hoped you’d be settled down by now but instead you’re about to start all over. Does money mean that much to you? Over family? Over love?”

Pain sliced through her. Why did she sound so bitter? As if Ariel’s success had ruined her mother’s happiness? Her heart numbed as she forced out the words. “I have to go, Mom. I can’t do this right now. I’m sorry you’re disappointed.”

She clicked off and slid her phone into her Coach bag.

It took her a few moments to gather her composure. Straightening her shoulders, she swore she wouldn’t let the conversation bother her, not when she had an evening with Grant to look forward to.

She buzzed the intercom and the door opened. She climbed the steps to the third floor.