my mother couldn’t see through my attempt at selling the concept of a home-cooked meal. “I think I hear the garage door opening. Noah must be home. I should let you go—”
“Sweetheart, you know I only bring up these kinds of things because I care. I want you to have as happy and fulfilling a marriage as I have with your father.”
This time when I heard the ice clink in her glass, I took a sip with her. Mom either lived in a state of denial or adhered to the belief that extramarital affairs were a healthy part of every relationship. My father was well known for his strength in the courtroom . . . and his weakness for women. Despite remaining married for forty-five years, the two of them lived more as co-workers than spouses, their marriage a business instead of a relationship.
“Mom, everything is fine between Noah and me. We both have careers that demand a lot of our time and focus.”
“Let’s hope not so demanding there’s no time for intimacy.”
I almost choked on my wine. “Mom. Too far.”
“Yes? And when was the last time you and your husband were intimate?”
“First of all, by intimate do you mean spiritually or sexually because I’m struggling to keep up with your agenda of items to check off with me tonight?” I absently scrubbed at a water spot on the granite countertop, hoping Noah would come ambling into the kitchen any second.
An exasperated sigh echoed on the other end. “When was the last time you and your husband screwed? Does that clarify things for you?”
I checked behind me as if I were worried Andee or Noah were standing there and had overheard. “That is none of your business.”
“Which is all the confirmation I need to know it’s been too long.”
“Mom. We’ve been over this. I don’t feel comfortable sharing that part of my marriage with you.” Leaning into the counter, I closed my eyes. Would this day ever come to an end? “Pick a different topic or I really have to go.”
“Men have two appetites, darling. Just two, but they are bottomless.”
“Abort. Abort,” I mumbled, bracing for what was coming with a long drink of wine.
“As a wife, our role is to fulfill these appetites as frequently and capably as needed. However, for those of us who elect to have a career, it’s imperative you meet one of those appetites without fail.” Mom’s voice slowed the way a person’s did when they were trying to get a point across. “A husband can get takeout and delivery for the other kind of appetite, but you don’t want him ordering off of the value menu at some back alley Asian spa downtown.”
I finished what was left of my wine. “So eloquently put. Thank you. Is this the modern version of one’s mother advising a bride on her wedding day to keep her husband’s balls empty and stomach full? Because a few things have changed since then and modern marriage is more of a fifty-fifty partnership.”
Mom gave a broken sigh. “Things never change. Least of all how the game between men and women is played.” Another sigh, though this one was brief. “Just promise me you’ll do your best with Noah. They don’t make them like that anymore.”
My footsteps were soundless as I went to check the front window for signs of Noah’s car. “You mean men like him who do the honorable thing and marry the young woman they accidently impregnate?” My tone was biting, to better mask the emotion swelling within.
“He’s a good man.” Mom’s voice was soft, edging on maternal.
I almost broke down and flooded her with my fears where our marriage was concerned, but I caught myself before the cursed words slipped free.
“I know he is,” I whispered, staring at the empty driveway.
After clearing her throat, she asked, “How’s Andee?”
“She’s . . . fine,” I settled on, unable to bring myself to explain what had happened today.
Mom was already convinced I was failing as a mother based on the number of holes my daughter had pierced into her body; she didn’t need to know about the frequent visits to the principal’s office.
Or the suspension.
Or that Andee couldn’t direct a word at me unless it was coated in contempt.
“Tell her we said hello. And that we hope she’ll take us up on our offer to fly her down to Scottsdale for part of Christmas break.”
I nodded as though she were standing in front of me, staring with raised brow at the