3. Selena

The cab ride from the airport was uneventful and I'm exhausted.

I don't care what Mom said. I'm not traipsing through the restaurant with my bags. She can wait a few extra minutes, it won't kill her.

I head straight for the reception desk to check in.

Stepping up the counter, the middle age, gray hair man with his glasses perched on his nose, looks up front the computer.

"How can I help you?"

"I'm checking in." I let go of my luggage, placing my purse on the counter as I pull my wallet out.

"Name please?"

"Selena Middleton." I hand over my driver's license and he takes it, looking at it before typing on his keyboard.

"Ahh, here we are. Your room has already been covered and there's a credit card already on file for your incidentals."

My mouth drops open. What the hell? When has my mom ever been this generous?

He hands back my license, along with my room key, directing me to the elevator.

I don't hesitate and head straight to my room.

Walking in, I look around and check out my new home for the weekend. It's spacious with a king-size bed, table, and a dresser. A large flat screen television sitting on top of it. In the corner is a wet bar, which I will definitely be hitting up, especially if I'm going to be dealing with my mother. The curtains are pulled back, showing the balcony. Mom and the new stepdaddy definitely picked a nice place.

I drop my bags and flop down on the soft bed. Travelling is exhausting and a nap sounds pretty good. But first, I need to update Mom. I pull out my phone, knowing she'll be blowing it up soon.

Me: Hey Mom, I've just checked in and I'm in my room.

I've barely hit send when the check turns green and bubbles dance up and down on my screen.

Mom: What do you mean checked in. You were to message me so we could go eat.

Me: I didn't want to carry my luggage to the restaurant. It's just a few more minutes. If you're that hungry go without me I could use a nap anyway.

Mom: Do you enjoy embarrassing me?

Me: How am I doing that. I just checked into my room, that's it.

Mom: We have been waiting for you to eat. Abel wants to meet his future daughter. And we do have plans that don't involve you.

Me: Step daughter Mom I already have a father.

How dare she think she can replace him. I'll never call or think of anyone else as my father. I take a deep breath, knowing I just need to get through this weekend, so if it means sucking up to her, I will.

Me: I'm sorry. I could only get here as fast as the plane traveled.

I roll my eyes, knowing it won't matter, it will be my fault, like always. Her unhappiness is because of me.

Mom: We are in the restaurant downstairs. Hurry and get here. And make sure you look presentable. You are an extended representation of me,

Picking up a pillow, I cover my mouth with it and scream.

Me: Fine Mom. I'm on my way.

Reluctantly, I smooth out my skirt, and head for the door, but stop dead in my tracks when I remember that fuck head took my underwear. Rushing back to my suitcase, I open it and reach into the mesh pocket, pulling out a pair. There is no way in hell I'm sitting down at dinner with my mom and Abel, pantyless. Nope, no fucking way that is happening. I quickly step into them and shimmy them up my legs, smoothing my skirt once I'm done. Snatching up the room key, I walk out the door.

Once I make it downstairs, I head straight for the restaurant and spot Mom immediately. She's seated at a table, snuggled up against an older man with salt and pepper hair, muscled arms, and dark-rimmed glasses. He's gazing at her with a huge smile lighting up his face and I just watch them for a second.

She is so happy.

The happiest I've seen her since my father passed away. We may bicker a lot, and she might pick on every detail about me, but there's still a deep need in me to see her happy. I think it's dad. He's probably rolling over in his grave at how we are to each other now. If seeing her happy would bring a smile to his face, then I'm going to suck it up and take whatever she dishes out this weekend. I won't ruin this for her.

Maybe there is someone out there for me when I eventually get my shit together. I mean, hell, she found love twice.

Stepping up to the table, I clear my throat to pull them out of the tunnel vision they have on one another. "Mom, you look beautiful," I tell her, as she stands, moving around the table to pull me into her arms, squeezing me tightly.

"Selena, I'm so glad you're finally here. One of Abel's sons arrived early, but went to see the tailor. He needed to get his tuxedo fitted to make sure it didn't need any alterations before the wedding. We had hoped they would've gotten here earlier, but their work schedule didn't allow it. Luckily, they all wear the same size, so he is trying them on for all three, especially since Ezekiel may not get here until the morning of the wedding." My mother pouts and Abel jumps up to comfort her. I can already tell she has him wrapped around her finger, falling for her charade of woe is me.

"Oh, Pumpkin, it'll be okay. My sons wouldn't miss this for the world and the wedding will be amazing." He turns her around to face him and kisses her on the forehead. Damn if it doesn't instantly soothe her. He holds his hand toward me, and I reach out to shake it, but instead, he pulls me into a hug. "I finally have two beautiful women on my arm, my future bride and her daughter. I'm the luckiest man alive." He squeezes me, acting like we've known each other for ages, and as nice as he seems, being held in his arms is fucking creeping me out.

Pulling out of his hold, I step back and take a seat. "Are you excited, Mom?" I ask, trying to get the lunch back on track. I'm ready for it to be over so I can take a nap and a shower.

"Absolutely. Abel is such a good man." That's all she gives me before she gets right into business. "Now, tomorrow night, we have the rehearsal dinner. In the morning, the seamstress will be here and wants to meet with you quickly to check that your dress fits. I know the last time you came and saw me it did, but it looks like you might have put on a few pounds."

Of course, she would sneak a snarky comment in. My mother weighs a buck twenty, and because I have a butt that would make Beyonce jealous and thighs any man would want wrapped around his waist, she assumes I'm fat. ‘Get with the ages, Mom,' I want to scream at her. Men want a thicker woman now, not a beanpole. And to top it off, I'm not even that thick. But if you don't wear a size two, you're fat in her eyes.

"Ahh, Pumpkin, I think she looks fine," Abel says at the same moment our server steps up to the table. She's a fuller size woman, with auburn hair pulled back into a fierce bun, wearing a white shirt and some black slacks. "Good afternoon, my name is Buelah and I'll be your server today. Can I get you started with some drinks and appetizers?" She looks around the table, holding her order pad poised in her hand.

"I'll have some water and a house salad, please," I announce, wanting to be done with this meal as fast as possible. My mom has always been a little much, but since my dad passed away, her patronizing comments have gotten worse.

"Salad is a great option for you," my mother cuts in snidely and I see red.

"And I'd like to ?order my food as well. I had a late night and then had to rush to the airport and burned off a lot of energy on the flight. Can I get your thickest, greasiest burger and some fries smothered in bacon and cheese, please?"

My mother sits there, her jaw dropped open in shock, disgust. Abel just has a smile on his face. "I love to see a woman with a hearty appetite and not afraid to order what she wants."

She turns in her seat and slaps him across his chest playfully. "That is until she's as big as a house, then they move on to the skinny girl. Don't fill her head with delusions."

Tired of it already and wanting to get back to my room, I ask Mom the question that'll get her off the subject of my weight. "Why don't you order so you can tell me all about the wedding plans and what we need to do tomorrow?"

She quickly orders her bird food and Abel orders the same as me, minus the cheese on the fries. Then she does exactly what I expect. She talks about herself for the rest of the lunch. I have to admit it's her favorite topic, but it sounds like the wedding will be absolutely beautiful, and apparently, I'm gaining three stepbrothers out of the deal. I'll probably only see them on holidays when all the family gets together and then not again until the next family event.

I don't know how many times I yawn during the meal, but as I take my last bite, I know I can't sit here any longer. My mom is still talking, so I have to butt in.

"Mom, I'm exhausted. I"m going to head to my room and take a nap. I'll meet you in the lobby at nine tomorrow morning. We can get breakfast, go to the dress shop, and then get our nails done. Have a mother-daughter day."

"That sounds wonderful. Just make sure to wear something a little less wrinkled." Her eyes cross and her lips purse.

Seriously! I was on a plane for hours. And well, I also had some amazing sex, but she doesn't need to know that.

"Yes, Mother, I will ensure I look appropriate. Abel, it was lovely finally meeting you. And I look forward to meeting my future brothers. Please excuse me." With that, I stand and leave the restaurant, heading toward the elevator. Ready to take off these clothes and take a nice, long, hot bath.

As I step inside it and turn around, I swear I see a familiar face. The one I left in bed when I snuck out of his room this morning. It's not possible. What would he be doing here? Did my one-night stand come back to haunt me? He chooses that moment to look in my direction. His eyes lock onto mine and we're stuck staring at each other until the doors slide shut.

Great, if he's here, then I either have to work to avoid him or have another round of amazing sex.

Pressing the button for the sixth floor, the elevator jerks in motion as I step back, resting against the wall. It halts to a stop on my floor, dinging as the doors fly open.

Dragging my ass out, I head straight to my room, locking the door behind me. The luxurious king-size bed is calling my name, but I need a shower first. I haven't had one since yesterday evening before going out, and in that time I've had sex twice.

I head straight for the bathroom, finding the largest tub I've ever seen. It's big enough for two people and my mind immediately shifts to me soaking in the hot water, relaxing.

Putting the plug in place and turning the water on, I adjust the temperature, making sure it's hot before pouring in some bubble bath I found on the sink. There's no way in hell I'm letting this tub go to waste.

Undressing and dropping my clothes to the floor, I climb in, letting my body sink into the warmth of the bubbly liquid, and lay my head back. It feels so good to wash away the stress of the day—more specifically, my mother.

Now if I could just get out of tomorrow.