“Your father doesn’t drink scotch anymore and, I happen to know, neither do your brothers.” Mom took the bottle of scotch and left the room.
“You can’t trick Mom,” Asher said from behind closed eyelids. “She’s like a witch or something. It’s almost scary.”
“That’s for sure. When did Dad stop drinking scotch?” I asked to the room. “Parker, did you know about this? Is there a health issue?”
“I suggested he cut back on some things. He’s okay though.” Parker looked up from a paper he was reading. “What’s going on with you?”
“With me? What are you talking about?” I asked as if I didn’t know what he was getting at.
“If I’m noticing you acting strange, then it must be pretty obvious to everyone else,” Parker said. “So, what’s wrong?”
“He’s in love.” Asher said. “Just like you and August.”
“With whom? I didn’t know you had a girlfriend.” Parker tilted his head. “Did you tell me you had a girlfriend?”
“Don’t listen to Asher. I don’t have a girl.” I met eyes with August who just smiled. “I’ve been meaning to ask. How’s married life?”
“Nice deflection, Trey,” Asher laughed, then got up off the couch. “I’m going to get a shower. Can’t sleep with you girls chatting so much.”
“Better put some makeup on, punk. You need to look your best,” I called out to him. “I’m getting the highest bid at the auction for best egg and a date.”
“I’m so glad I’m not involved in this. It’s awful.” Parker put his paper down. “I’m going to get dressed. Trey, are you wearing that tonight?”
“Yeah, what’s wrong with this?” I rechecked my outfit. “It’s Eastery.”
“You know Mom wants formal this time. The women are wearing gowns tonight,” Parker said before he left the room. “You can’t go like that.”
I looked around the room and now noticed Parker and August were both in suits.
“When did this change?” I asked no one in particular. “I don’t want to dress up.”
“Trey, stop your whining and get a suit on,” Mom said, walking back into the room. “I have to go put my gown on. Can you let the girls know we need to leave in thirty minutes?”
“Sure Mom.” I gave in. “Hey Mom, do you still have the bunny costume?”
“I had it boxed, and Hank gave it to your driver to put in your car,” Mom said. “I figured you’d want to wear it tonight or tomorrow morning to go to the hospital.”
“You do think of everything, Mom.” I kissed her on the cheek on my way out. “Monday let’s talk about that bride stuff, okay?”
“I thought maybe you had changed your mind after meeting Chloe.” Mom paused in all her hurrying around. “You did say you wanted your own Mia. That’s pretty close.”
“True, I did say that.” I laughed at how close to that request it was. “But, she’s gotta get back to Sydney soon. She has a child that shouldn’t be uprooted and I have a life here.”
“Are you saying there’s no room for change?” Mom poured herself a wine. “No room for compromise? How are you going to be married?”
“I can change and compromise, just not across an ocean.” I stopped at the door before going out. “She’s pretty cool and really nice, but not the girl for me. I need someone here that works in my lifestyle.”
“Well, have fun tonight. Maybe the woman that buys you for a date will be the one.” Mom sipped on her wine. “You are a catch after all. You’re the eldest Hawthorne son.”
“I don’t want to be a catch anymore, but I will tonight for charity and for you.” I nodded and walked down the hall.
What was up with her? Seemed like she was pushing Chloe. I can’t be that hard to pick a bride for.
Chapter 22
Chloe
Mia had gone overboard with beautiful gowns for me and Sophie. She even made sure that our dresses coordinated with each other. When we walked down the grand staircase in our gowns, it felt like we were princesses in a Disney movie.