Page 88 of The Mastermind
Under the table, Audri touched my thigh with her hand as though preparing me for something unexpected.
“Audri, I saw Mrs. Sherman yesterday, and we talked about how you’re single now. She told me that her son, Stephen, would love a date with you. He’s a successful surgeon at Mass. General Hospital in Boston.”
I choked on the soup, put down my chopsticks, and lost my appetite. I reached for the glass of water.
“Mom, I don’t need any blind dates. I know who he is, and I’m not interested.”
“You’re close to thirty, and you’re still single. I want to make sure you can still have babies.”
“Oh my God, Mom.” Audri’s face reddened. “If you want grandbabies, talk to Grayson.”
“You haven’t brought anyone home for me to meet. Have you moved on from that jerk—”
“Actually, Mrs. Wu.” Swinging an arm around Audri’s shoulder, I pulled her close and kissed the side of her head. “We’re dating. So, there’s no need for any blind dates unless you want me to make him blind. I’m sure he needs his vision to be a successful surgeon.”
Mrs. Wu laughed as tears filled her eyes and clapped. “I was wondering when you’d tell me. You can disregard the blind date with Stephen. I made that up. I mean, not really. He did ask about you, but you were with the jerk, Kevin.”
“Mom!” Audri gaped at her mom.
“I can tell when someone’s dating. Were you planning on telling me at all?” Hurt edged her voice.
“Yes, we were planning to before we left. You’re just impatient, Mom.”
“When it comes to my daughter’s happiness, I’m always impatient.” She winked at me.
“Melanie is always causing trouble, trying to set people up. She does it to me too.” Derek shivered.
“I want you happy too, Derek.” Mrs. Wu turned to Audri and me. “You make an adorable couple. I approve.”
This time, I tapped Audri’s foot.
Finishing his bowl of soup, Derek got up and put it in the sink. His phone rang, and he excused himself, exiting through the side door into the backyard again.
After dinner, Audri rearranged the cabinets for her mom. Mrs. Wu asked if I could help her dry the dishes. How could I say no? I knew she wanted to discuss Audri, and I convinced her no one was more important to me than her daughter.
“I’ve always wondered when you would start dating her,” she said.
“What do you mean?” I placed the dry bowl aside on the counter.
“I’ve seen the way you look at her. When you were younger and now. As a mom, I notice these things. I watched you grow up with Grayson and the other boys. In some ways, you’re all my children. Why didn’t you date her before now?”
I didn’t know how to reply. Mrs. Wu was like a second mom to me, and she treated me better than my stepmother.
I shrugged and gave her the truth. “She’s my best friend’s sister. I didn’t want to disrespect him or you. And I didn’t know if it would work out and didn’t want to complicate things.”
“I understand,” Mrs. Wu said, nodding. “That shows that you care beyond what’s expected of you, and because of that, you’re perfect for her. Come here.” She embraced me, and I was grateful for her acceptance.
A plate crashed to the floor, with shards scattering on the floor.
“I got it,” I told Mrs. Wu.
Audri looked pale as she stood staring out the window. I didn’t see anyone in sight. Her hands trembled, and I clasped them between mine.
“Are you okay?”
Mrs. Wu came over with a broom. “Are you all right, honey?”
Squeezing my hand real tight, she turned to face her mom and forced a smile. “Yes. I’m just tired from working a lot this week. Thanks for dinner, Mom. We’re gonna head out now. Remi has an international conference in an hour.”