FOURTEEN

“What does your mother want?” I asked.

My impression of his mother was decent at least. I mean she was surprised, even distraught at him announcing that he was suddenly married and hadn't told or invited anyone. 

She wanted him to get married to Victoria and I was the strange woman he brought to them.

“Look, my mother is…” He sighed. “That version of her you saw then, that's not really her. That's her on her best behavior. She's a lot and very spontaneous.” He said. 

“We're meeting her at her country club.”

[AT THE COUNTRY CLUB]

I felt completely out of place the moment we pulled up to the imposing white colonial building.

The staff member opened the door for us like we were royalty.

"Mr. Washington, Mrs. Washington," A man greeted us. "Your mother is waiting in the Garden Terrace.”

His mother was seated at table filled with drinks and beside her was that woman from the dinner. Madison I think. His sister. She looked like she'd just stepped out of a fashion magazine in a white sundress and oversized sunglasses.

She looked at me with pure disdain the second we entered, her eyes dragging over my casual outfit with barely concealed disgust.

I avoided her gaze instantly. I didn't know what exactly I'd done to offend her, but she clearly hated me.

"Finally," Eleanor said, setting down her drink. "How are you Eli? It's so good to see you.” She smiled. She was so beautiful and looked so much like Elijah. 

"Hello, Mother," Elijah said dryly. "Lovely to see you too."

We took our seats opposite them. 

A waiter appeared immediately. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"Whiskey," Elijah responded and I asked for just water. 

The waiter nodded and disappeared.

"Why is she here?" Madelyn sneered, still staring at me.

"Be polite, Madelyn. She is, after all, your sister-in-law." Eleanor said calmly.

"I have no sister-in-law. She is definitely not part of this family. She's an imposter." Madelyn said. Ouch. 

"You better watch your mouth," Elijah warned. "You'll get yourself in trouble again with the way you talk so carelessly. Remember what happened with the DUI? I had to pay a fortune to keep that out of the press and keep you out of jail."

Madelyn's face went red but she closed her mouth and looked away.

“Don't be so harsh to your sister Eli. It's been a while you've seen each other.” Eleanor have her a pleading look. 

Madelyn and Elijah definitely weren't the picture perfect exams of a perfect sibling relationship. I wonder why they didn't get along. I hope my presence wouldn't worsen their relationship. 

"Look mother." He sighed. "The only reason I came all the way out here is out of respect. It's my duty as your son to keep in contact with you, but I'm asking you.  please don't make this difficult."

Eleanor set her drink down. "I’m not here to cause troible. I apologize for inviting Victoria at the dinner since it clearly upset you but I felt that since she's very close to our family, she deserved to be there."

"I also read the publications this morning," She continued. "People are wondering why you two got married so quickly and so privately. Frankly, I'm wondering the same thing."

Elijah rolled his eyes. "Our relationship is none of their business," Elijah said exasperatedly. "Or yours."

"I'm your mother, Elijah. Everything about you is my business." 

She turned to me. She must have realized I was there. “Do you love my son Breanna?"

"Yes," I responded instantly. 

She studied me for a long moment, then nodded. "Good. Because if you're using him, I'll make your life a living hell."

"Mother!" Elijah stood up. "That's enough."

"Sit down, Elijah. I'm not finished." Eleanor didn't even look at him. Her eyes stayed on me. "My son is a billionaire. He's handsome, successful and powerful. Women throw themselves at him constantly. So forgive me for being skeptical when some random girl marries him after dating for what? a few weeks?"

"It wasn't random—" I started.

"Wasn't it?" Madelyn cut in, her voice dripping with venom. 

"Enough." Elijah said angrily. "One more word, Madelyn, and you'll regret it."

"Oh please. Don't pretend this is some great love story—"

"I said enough!" Elijah slammed his hand on the table, making the silverware jump.

The nearby tables went quiet and people turned to stare.

Eleanor's eyes narrowed. "Elijah. Control yourself. We're in public."

"Then maybe you should stop attacking my wife in public," Elijah shot back.

"We're not attacking her," Eleanor said calmly. "We're trying to understand. You've never been impulsive, Elijah. You don't do anything without careful planning. So this sudden marriage doesn't make sense."

"With all due respect, Mrs. Washington," I said, finding my voice.  "Elijah and I met under perfectly normal circumstances. We clicked, and it happened fast, but that doesn't make it fake."

Eleanor narrowed her eyes. "Normal circumstances? My son is a billionaire CEO. Nothing about his life is normal. Women don't just click with men like him. They're usually calculative."

“Are you saying your son is incapable of being loved by anyone?” I asked. Why would she infer something like that. 

She shook her head. “O-of course not. Why would you suggest that's what I meant I just mean you two are so different.”

"Maybe that's exactly why we work," I said. "I'm not part of this world. I don't want his money or his status. I don't care about country clubs or designer clothes or impressing people like you."

She nodded looking lost in thought. 

"Fine, I won't interfere but know this, if you hurt my son. I will destroy you. Do we understand each other?"

"Perfectly."

I guess I understood Eleanor. She was just a mother looking out for her beloved son. Her beloved asshole son. 

Eleanor nodded. "Good. Then welcome to the family." She raised her glass. "I suppose we should toast to the happy couple."

Madelyn looked furious. 

“Mother I don't know if you knew but Eleanor was previously engaged to someone else before she conveniently met Elijah.” She suddenly blurted out with a mischievous grin on her face.

I felt my drink slip out of my hand.