by Wegner, Ola
“Amy! Oh, Amy! My dear girl!” Stacy Barry placed affectionate kisses on both of Amy’s cheeks, “You cannot imagine how happy I am with the news!” she exclaimed as she pinned Amy to her well-endowed bosom. “My son married at last,” she cried dreamily. “I thought that it would never happen. I’m so happy that Jake is married, and to such a wonderful girl like you.”
Amy forced a smile and tried to pull back from her mother-in-law’s fierce hug. Jake hadn’t mentioned to her that his mother intended to pay a visit. Actually, she was pretty sure that he hadn’t mentioned his mother at all since their conversation in his office that day when she’d stormed in there during his meeting.
“I ... thank you,” she stammered, “It’s so nice to see you. Please, come in.”
She stepped back and made a welcoming gesture with her hand. Jake’s mother had only a small carry-on bag with her.
Before she could react, she was back in the other woman’s embrace.
“My dear child, I almost lost any hope for my son to ever settle down and give me grandchildren.” Stacy’s expression turned teary again. “I was so afraid that he would be left all alone in the world after I am gone,” she said through tears and rested her face on Amy’s shoulder which was rather awkward because the same as her son she was much taller than Amy. “I’m so happy, and it’s all thanks to you, daughter.”
Amy’s eyes widened in panic as she automatically patted her mother in law’s back. The words—‘daughter’ and ‘grandchildren’, screamed in her mind. She wondered what Jack had told his mother about his marriage.
“You must be tired after the journey. Let’s go to the living room.” Amy made a special effort to give her voice a casual pleasant note. She managed to disentangle herself permanently from the older woman’s embrace. “Have you flown straight from Florida?”
“Yes, I caught the first flight this morning, after learning from Jake’s secretary that he’d married.” Stacy followed Amy into the living room.
“You mean that he didn’t tell you that we got married?” Amy asked unbelievably.
She hadn’t given much thought if Jake had informed his mother about their marriage or not. So many things had happened in the last weeks, so many changes and adjustments for her that she’d completely forgotten about Mrs. Barry’s existence, especially that Jake hadn’t mentioned her, too.
“Not a word,” the other woman confirmed as she sat on the couch. “But I’m not surprised, it’s so very much like him,” she remarked dryly.
Amy sat gingerly on the armrest of the couch. “That’s my fault too. I should’ve thought about calling you. The wedding was very quiet, just the two of us. My father wasn’t present either.”
Stacy patted her hand. “But I don’t blame you, my dear, not in the least. I know my son and his ways. He’s always been so secretive about everything, even as a little boy.”
“Would you like something to drink, or perhaps you’re hungry?” Amy asked nervously after a moment of silence.
The situation was awkward. She had no idea how she should talk with this woman, who was now her mother-in-law. Had she known about the visit she would have asked Geri and Laura for some tips on how to handle the visit from a mother of one’s husband, and mentally prepare herself for it.
Jake’s mother smiled at her steadily. “No, thank you I’m not really hungry. I had a snack on the plane and it wasn’t half as bad as usual.”
“So perhaps, a cup of tea, it’s quite chilly today,” Amy proposed politely.
“A cup of tea would be very nice, my dear,” Stacy conceded at last.
Amy smiled and excused herself to the kitchen, relieved to be alone if only for a few minutes. But her guest followed her shortly after.
“I know I’ve said it already, but I really can’t tell you how thrilled I am that Jake married at last and such a wonderful, decent girl like you,” the woman assured warmly.
Amy smiled again, not quite sure how to answer that. She concentrated on preparing tea, and cutting the chocolate cake into slender pieces. There wasn’t much left of it, though she’d made it only last evening as she wanted to try a new recipe recommended by Geri. Jake had eaten half of it after she’d taken it out of the oven. Now, only about one third was left, meaning he had helped himself this morning, as well, when she hadn’t been looking.
“And it’s so much like him, not to inform his own mother, the only family he has,” Stacy said, when they sat down at the table. “If I hadn’t phoned his office this morning, I wouldn’t have learned about it for God knows how long.”
“I’m sure Jake intended to tell you soon, but he’s been so busy lately, so much has been happening.” Amy tried to justify the situation as she poured the tea into the cups.
Stacy reached out and patted Amy’s hand one more time. “It’s nice you’re taking his side, child, but as I’ve said I know my son well, and I’m not surprised. You know he’s always been such a private person about everything, and hard to read. From the earliest years, he kept things to himself, and had problems with expressing his emotions and feelings. He has always been so closed up in himself.”
“Really?” Amy propped her chin on her fist. “I don’t know him so well, yet, but I think he’s rather articulate in telling what he wants,” Amy said dryly, before she realized how it could have sounded.
She felt her mother-in-law’s curious gaze, and couldn’t stop a blush from seeping into her cheeks. In an effort to change the subject she pushed the plate with cake towards her guest.
“I’m sorry, that there’s not more cake,” she said apologetically, “I baked it yesterday, but we’ve run out of it pretty quickly.”
“You mean my son ate all of it,” Stacy guessed knowingly. “He’s always had a sweet tooth.”
“Well, he has it now,” Amy noted with smile.
She didn’t really know what to say next or how to carry on a conversation, so she concentrated on her tea.
“Your place is lovely, my dear,” the woman said after a moment, “Like from an interior design magazine.”
Amy blushed at the praise. “I like decorating,” she admitted, and added eagerly. “We’re looking for a house now, well to be precise, I’m looking because Jake is too busy. I can’t really wait to start decorating it.”
“Oh, have you found anything interesting so far?”
Amy shook her head. “Not really. I’m quite picky I must say.”
“Oh, that is totally understandable. Buying a house is a very important decision.” Jake’s mother bit on a piece of cake, took a sip of tea, and asked the unavoidable question. “So tell me how all of this happened, the wedding, everything?”
Amy gave her a pale smile, thinking desperately on how much she should or rather could reveal. She didn’t want to lie, but saying to a mother that she’d married her son only for his money and position was rather crass. She decided on half the truth.
“We met again a year ago and renewed our acquaintance. Jake sponsored the new children’s wing in the library where I work.”
“You’re a librarian?”
Amy nodded, relieved to leave the subject of the wedding behind.
“I thought that Jake mentioned once to me that you studied law,” Stacy noted casually.
Amy glanced at the other woman in surprise. Jake had talked with his mother about her? It was unexpected.
“Yes, I was in law school for a year, but I decided it wasn’t really for me.” She took a sip of her tea, praying not to be asked more questions about it. “I really like my current work,” she stressed. “I don’t really think that I would enjoy working as a lawyer for some big corporation.”
“Well, I think that’s a lovely job, a librarian,” Stacy assured quickly.
Amy smiled too, glanced at the clock on the wall, and lifted herself slowly. “I’m afraid I need to start preparing dinner. Jake should be home in an hour or so, and he’ll be hungry.”
The other woman stood up as well. “Oh, dear, I’m interrupt
ing you on your plans...” she started but Amy caught her hand impulsively.
“No, of course not! You must stay, please and have dinner with us, Mrs. Barry.”
“I’ll be happy to stay.” The woman smiled, her expression bright. “But on the condition that you call me Stacy, and I’d like to help.”
“No, you’re my guest,” Amy protested, and at the same added, “But I’ll be happy if you keep me company in the kitchen.”
Both women moved to the kitchen. Amy began making spaghetti sauce, while her mother-in-law settled herself comfortably on the high chair, by the kitchen island. They talked casually. Stacy asked if Jake always returned home so late and worked until almost seven o’clock. Amy answered that yes he did quite often. She felt instantly guilty because the fact that he worked so much was at least partially her fault. He had more work now as he ran not only his own companies but her father’s. Her last wish for him was to overwork himself, because of her own brother’s irresponsibility.
“He should cut down on the work time, having such a pretty, young wife like you,” Stacy noted with a warm smile, “and spend more time at home.”
“He takes his responsibilities very seriously. It’s really hard to convince him to work less.” Amy put the skillet on the fire.
“I can believe that,” Stacy agreed easily. “But I’m sure it’s in your power to make him stay at home more often.”
Amy only smiled at this, again not knowing how to answer it. Did every woman feel so awkward when talking with her mother-in-law? Or was it because this particular marriage was a sham, while that woman believed that her only son had at last found love and happiness, and was just starting a happy family?
Amy heard the door open and Jake’s deep voice followed. “Amy?”
“I’m in the kitchen,” she said loud enough to be heard, trying to give her voice a normal tone.
Her mother-in-law lifted her finger to her lips, shaking her head. Amy nodded and smiled.
A moment later Jake walked into the kitchen. He didn’t look around, but went straight to his wife, and drew her into his arms.
Amy obediently let herself be pulled into his bear hug, her gaze meeting Stacy’s over her son’s broad shoulder.
“Missed you,” he murmured into her ear with a tired sigh.
Amy cleared her throat, and pushed gently at his chest. “We have a guest.”
Jake turned around. “Mum?”
Stacy slipped from her high chair and walked to him.
“Why am I learning from your secretary that you married?” she demanded rather sharply, her hands on her hips. Amy observed the son and mother with round eyes, afraid that in a minute she’d have the opportunity to witness some family fight.
But Jake stepped to his mother with a smile, and embraced her.
“Of course I intended to tell you,” he said warmly, in the kind of tone that Amy noticed he usually used only with her. “But it all happened so quickly and we’ve been so busy the last few days.”
Amy let out a breath of relief when she saw Stacy patting her son affectionately on the back.
“When your secretary told me this morning, that you couldn’t talk with me because your wife was on the line, I caught the first plane here.” Stacy stroked her son’s cheek. “I was so excited about the news. You know that I’ve been after you to settle down for ages.” She pointed her finger into his tie.
Jake turned to Amy, who stood beside him. He caught her hand and pulled her close.
“I simply wanted the right girl,” he said tenderly and kissed Amy on the top of her head.
She just stared at him in wonder.
She knew that he didn’t say that just to convince his mother. He said nice things to her all the time, as if he really cared about her; as if he’d been in love with her. But when he’d come with this whole idea of marriage, he said he’d valued her for her qualities as a person, and he hadn’t spoken anything about love. It had been totally understandable for her then, because how could he speak of love to someone he barely knew? Had he declared then to be in love with her, she wouldn’t have believed him, assuming it had been just a maneuver to convince her to agree to this whole crazy marriage idea. However, now he acted almost like some lovesick boy.
Stacy’s voice brought her to reality and she tore her eyes from Jake’s face. “Well, first I went to your office, thinking to find you there. I didn’t but at least I found out where you’re living now.”
“Marcia mentioned to me in the morning that you called, but she said that you switched yourself off. I tried to call you later but you didn’t answer,” Jake said.
He draped his arm over Amy’s back, his hand stroking her arm.
“Well, I wanted to see it with my own eyes, and surprise you.” Stacy grinned.
“You certainly did, mum.” Jake said it lightly, but when he glanced at his wife, Amy was pretty sure that he was just a bit exasperated.
She freed herself from her husband’s embrace and turned back to the cooker.
“I invited our guest to have dinner with us,” she said as she put the pasta into a pan of boiling water. “Jake, go and change your clothes.”” She lifted the cover from the skillet to stir the sauce. “Supper should be ready in ten minutes.”
Jake followed the order obediently and soon the two women were left alone in the kitchen again.
Stacy moved to stand by her side. “He does what you want him to do without a word of protest,” she noted in a whisper with a kind of admiration, if Amy read it properly.
She gave the older women a quizzical look. “Well, I’m not sure.” She shrugged. “I think that he does. He’s been quite...” she paused, trying to find the right word, “obedient so far. Though of course he can be very stubborn and unyielding about some things,” she murmured, remembering their fight over the credit card from a few days before.
“My dear, where can I wash my hands and refresh myself?” Stacy asked.
“Ah, yes sure, on the left from the front door down the hall, there’s a guest bathroom,” Amy explained as she took the pasta off the cooker. “I’ll show you in a moment.”
“No, no, I’ll find my way.” Stacy patted her back. “Finish here, and don’t worry about me, I’ll be all right.”
Amy felt nothing short of huge relief, when she was alone in the kitchen. It was hard to deal with Jake alone, and now with his mother here it was worse.
She took her apron off, rushed to the dining area, and started setting the table. Jake came back in when she was putting on the finishing touches. Had she known about the visit she’d have bought fresh flowers to decorate the table. Strong arms wrapped around her from behind and she inhaled the familiar scent of his aftershave. She turned to him and noticed that he was clean shaven.
“You’ve shaved?” She touched his cheek.
“Yeah, this morning. I’d noticed scratches on your neck, before you woke up.” He touched the reddened place, just above her collarbone. She wore an elegant blouse, with a bateau neckline, showing off her creamy neck to perfection. “I realized I had caused it.”
“It doesn’t hurt.” She shrugged off his concern off. “I haven’t even noticed. But what about your mum?” she lowered her voice. “Did you really forget to tell her?”
“Where is she?” he whispered, looking around.
“In the guest bathroom,” Amy whispered back.
“I didn’t forget, and I intended to call her soon, but I wanted to have you only to myself for some time yet.” Seeing Amy’s confused frown, he added, “I knew that she would do exactly what she did, catch the first flight here.”
Amy walked past him, and back to the kitchen to bring the pasta to the table. “I was a bit surprised when I opened the door and she was there hugging me, kissing me on the cheeks, laughing and crying at the same time.”
“She must’ve given you a fright,” Jake guessed.
“Not that much, I mean after the first shock wore off it was ok,” Amy said distractedly. She glanced
around the table, checking if anything was missing. “She was really nice to me.” She leaned towards him and whispered her eyes wide, “But I got rather worried when she started talking about grandchildren.”
Jake chuckled and whispered back. “Yeah, that’s nothing surprising. I’ve been hearing this for several years now.”
Stacy entered so their conversation came to a natural end. They sat at the table and started eating. When they were half finished with the meal, the dreaded question returned.
“Amy, you really didn’t tell me how you got married?”
Amy’s hand stilled in the air, before the fork reached her mouth. She glanced quickly at Jake.
“In Las Vegas,” Jake informed her curtly. “We decided to make it only the two of us.”
“Oh, how very nice.” Stacy smiled, glancing searchingly from her daughter-in-law to her son. “So romantic.” It was obvious she was dying to know more.
Jake smiled. “Yes, we think that too.”
Amy concentrated on her plate. She nearly jumped in her seat when after a moment of silence another undesirable question fell from Stacy’s mouth.
“Are you thinking about children?”
Amy gaped at her. “We’ve been married for less than two weeks.”
“But why wait?” Stacy cried excitedly. “You’re both healthy, young, and you can afford to have a whole bunch.”
“Mum, we have time,” Jake interjected gently, but his mother ignored him and addressed her daughter-in-law again.
“Amy, would you like to have children?”
Amy swallowed the food she had in her mouth, and spoke as calmly as she could.
“Yes, of course.” She managed a pale smile. “I think most women want to have them, it’s in our nature. But it’s a very serious decision,” she added earnestly.
“I could help. I can do babysitting whenever you wish, Amy,” Stacy assured her. “I could even move back here to help with the little ones, if you’d like to return to work after maternity leave.”
Amy smiled bravely. She glanced up at Jake, but he wasn’t much help, only digging in the remnants of his spaghetti.
