Page 47 of Real Forever
As he approached the end of the hallway, he mustered up a cheerful voice. “Mom, Dad. You didn’t tell me you were coming to visit.”
The woman standing in the kitchen wore a deep scarlet wool peacoat and black dress slacks. Her hair was pulled back neatly, and tasteful diamond and white gold earrings hung from her ears. Black leather gloves covered her hands, which held a square black handbag. She wore understated makeup, outside of severe eyebrows which stood at attention in a permanently judgmental arch.
The man was also dressed smartly in a simple black trench, leather gloves, and a plaid navy and cream colored scarf. He wore thin, metal framed glasses, a neatly trimmed beard, and salt and pepper hair which was still relatively full for a man of his age. His shoulders slumped a little.
“I’m sorry,” Adeline snipped. “I didn’t realize we needed to make an appointment to visit our only son.”
As Jake stepped out of the hall and into the kitchen, Madison became visible from behind him.
“Mom, Dad. This is Madison.” Jake took her hand and gestured to his parents. “Madison, this is my mother, Adeline Murphy, and my father, Eric Murphy.”
Adeline’s expression turned pinched. Sour. Eric side-eyed Adeline. Neither spoke.
Madison stepped toward them and extended her hand. “I’m so happy to meet you both. Jake’s told me such lovely things about you both and your wonderful home.”
Eric reached to meet her hand, but Adeline cleared her throat in disapproval, and he slunk his hand back to his side.
Madison raised an eyebrow at Jake.
Damn you, Mom. Can’t you be nice for once? Just pretend, for five minutes?
“I wish I could say the same, my dear,” Adeline replied, “but this is the first we are hearing of you.”
“Mom, I’m sorry I haven’t had the chance to tell you about Madison yet. We haven’t been seeing each other for long.”
“Hmm. Long enough for her to be waking up in your bed though?”
Zach sputtered on his orange juice.
“Mom, come on.”
Adeline raised her hands in mock innocence. “Well, aren’t you going to invite us in?”
Jake rolled his eyes and cocked his head, “Won’t you please come in? Can I take your coats?”
“Yes, thank you.” Adeline was already removing her gloves and handing them to Jake as she walked in, casting a careful eye over Madison as she brushed past her.
Eric handed his coat to Jake and offered a stiff pat on the back. “Hello, Son.”
“Hey, Dad.”
Adeline and Eric seated themselves at the dining table. Adeline eyeballed the kitchen counter, staring at the empty coffee pot.
“Coffee?” Jake asked, struggling to contain the annoyance in his voice.
“Only if it’s not too much trouble, dear.”
Jake noticed Madison and Zach exchanging wide-eyed glances. He couldn’t tell if they were amused or horrified. Probably both.
“So, I’ve been trying to reach you for some time now, Jake.”
“Yeah. Sorry. Work’s been busy, you know.”
Adeline surveyed Madison up and down. “Yes, I’m sure. In any case, we need to speak about the Calgary property. I’ve spoken to the realtor, and I understand you’ve now closed on the property. Correct?”
“Mom, why are you calling the realtor?”
She waved him off. “We need to strategize the move. I know you had planned to leave in the spring, but I believe it would be best to move the timeline up, given you’ll be taking possession of the new office in January. I think a February move with a soft opening date of March first would be ideal. Don’t you agree?”
