Conrad
We have been back in the city for a few days. Maya is back at her place. I won’t lie; I miss not always having her there. Yes, we still see each other, but it isn’t the same. Last night was the first night we didn’t spend together in a while. I had a business dinner, so I wouldn’t be home until late, so Maya stayed at her place. I would see her tonight, though. I am staying with her. She is making us dinner. We plan on having a chilled night in with some movies, which is perfect.
Right now, I am on my way to meet my mother for lunch. She called me last night to meet. We haven’t lunched, just the two of us, for a while. She must have some free time. It would be nice to have a little time with her. I pull into our favourite sushi restaurant; the valet is ready to park my car for me.
I thanked him and handed him a twenty before strolling inside. I glance around and spot my mom in the corner.
“Hey, mom.” I smile as I approach.
She grins widely at me and stands to greet me with a hug. I happily hugged her back before we settled down at the table.
“I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”
I am running a little late.
“No, not too long.” She smiles.
“Should we order? Do you want a glass of wine?”
I only plan on a coffee. I don’t drink and drive. I am unsure if mom drove herself here or someone brought her.
“No, I drove here, so coffee for me. You order wine if you want.” She smiles.
I shake my head, “Just coffee for me.”
“Can we hold off to order? We have someone else joining us.”
I look at her, confused, “We do? Who?”
She didn’t mention someone else was joining. She just smiles but doesn’t answer. I get my answer a moment later when I hear a familiar voice from behind me.
“Hello, again.”
Bridget! What the hell is she doing here? Why wouldn’t my mother tell me she would be joining us?
I turn to face her and shake my head. My mom greets her happily with a hug before she sits down at the table with us.
“Bridget, what are you doing here?” I ask, annoyed.
“It was Bridget’s idea for the three of us to meet. She told she had seen you at the weekend in the Hamptons. She told me how nice it was to reconnect with you after all these years and wanted the three of us to have lunch like we used to.” Mom smiles.
Mom is obviously clueless on what is going on.
“We did not reconnect.” I snap.
“Conrad, don’t be rude.” Mom warns.
“Did she also happen to mention when she saw me I was with my girlfriend? Or is that something she kept to herself?” I ask, my eyes on Bridget.
“Your girlfriend? Since when do you have a girlfriend?” mom asks, confused.
“It is a new relationship. The only reason Bridget called to arrange this meeting was as part of her game. She tried to cause trouble for us back in the Hamptons.” I hiss.
“I did not. I just felt like Mia couldn’t be trusted or good enough for you. I was only being honest.” Bridget replies, playing all sweet and innocent.
“Who is this girl? And why does Bridget feel like she can’t be trusted?”
“Bridget is a liar. Mia gave her no reason to believe that. Mia is amazing. I trust her without a doubt. We are happy together.”
I didn’t like lying about Maya’s name, but I have to for right now.
“Bridget must have a reason, Conrad. She wouldn’t lie. Happy? It can’t be that serious, son, if you haven’t mentioned her. Maybe now is the time for you and Bridget to give it a try again. I always believed you two were meant to be, and it was the timing that was wrong.” Mom says softly.
I won’t get mad at Mom because this isn’t her fault. She and Bridget have always been close. To my parents, she can do no wrong and is the perfect woman for me who would make a great wife and mother to my children.
“No, she has no reason. She is lying. She doesn’t even know Mia. She is the one who can’t be trusted. She thought it was okay to belittle my girlfriend for no reason and make her feel worthless.” I reply.
I then turn my attention back to Bridget, “I don’t know what your game is, Bridget, but no matter what you try, it isn’t going to work. I don’t want you. I don’t even miss you. Truthfully, you never cross my mind. So stop, okay? Nothing is going to change the fact that I am with Mia. You need to learn to deal with it.” I snarl.
I am not one for losing my temper often, but I am not going to sit here and say nothing. I will always have Maya’s back. I am disappointed in the way Bridget is acting because she didn’t used to be like this. She was sweet, friendly, caring and had a heart of gold. Not a million years did I think she would be trying to ruin my relationship and get my parents on her side.
“I am just trying to look out for you, Conrad. I don’t know how you and Mia met, but I do know she doesn’t come from the same world as we do. It will be too much pressure for her. I worry she is with you for all the wrong reasons.” Bridget says softly and reaches over the table for my hand.
I yank my hand away, “Mia is not after my damn money. She doesn’t want or ask for anything, so don’t you dare. No, she isn’t from our world, but that doesn’t matter to me. It doesn’t matter to her. And I would never let it all get too much for her. So, you can spiel as many lies as you want, Bridget, but none of it is true.” I snap.
My mom looks between us, “Is that true, Bridget? You belittled Mia?”
I can hear the disappointment in my mother’s voice.
“No, I did not. I was just honest with her.”
“Yes, you did. Stop trying to get between us because it won’t work.” I reply and stand.
“Conrad, where are you going?” Mom asks.
“I am sorry, Mom, but I can’t have lunch with her. You and I will arrange for another time, just the two of us. Bridget, stay away from me and Mia.” I warn.
“Conrad, please don’t go. We can sort all of this out.” Mom sighs.
“I can’t. I am sorry. I will call you later. Goodbye.”
I turn and walk out of the restaurant. I am so annoyed and frustrated. I really hope Bridget gets the hint. The last thing Maya and I need is another damn ex hanging around. We have enough to deal with, with hers, never mind mine. I sigh and wait for my car.
All I want to do is see Maya, but I will need to wait until later because her lunch will already be over. I will tell her what happened today. I wouldn’t keep that from her. I really hope Bridget doesn’t find a way to get my parents on her side. Even if she does, it won’t matter; nothing will work. However, now, I am more worried about when Maya finally meets my parents. I dread to think they would treat her differently, especially if Bridget has gotten in their heads. I will keep Maya and our relationship private for as long as possible.