Waiting for Mr. Darcy by Chamein Canton Read Free Book Online Page B

I’m not a kid anymore, Mom, and you need to date.”
    â€œNo, dear child of mine. I need to eat, drink water and breathe. I don’t think dating qualifies as a need.”
    â€œYou’re avoiding the question.” He was getting impatient.
    â€œThat’s because the answer is she hasn’t been on a date, period,” Harrison chimed in.
    â€œWere we talking to you, Harrison?”
    â€œNo, but it’s the truth.”
    â€œNow that’s a shame. You’re still a young woman.”
    Alicia grinned. “Listen to how cute you are.” She got up and kissed him on the cheek. “I got my Mr. Darcy when I married your dad.”
    â€œI know, Mom, but I’m sure Dad would want you to find someone and be happy.”
    â€œI am happy. I was lucky enough to marry the love of my life, and even though he’s gone I can still see him in you. What more could I want or need?”
    â€œGame, set and match, Mom. How am I supposed to answer that?” He looked down at his cell phone. “I have a text here from Sally. Listen, Mom, I think my phone is about to die. Can I use yours to see what’s happening?”
    â€œSure.”
    â€œThanks.” He got up and left the room.
    Harrison waited until it was clear. “What kind of BS are you handing your son?”
    â€œExcuse me?”
    â€œYou know what I mean. Why don’t you tell him the real reason you’re not dating?”
    â€œI just did.”
    â€œWe both know that’s not the whole reason.”
    â€œLeave it alone, Harrison.”
    â€œWhy? Why are you so scared?”
    â€œWhat am I supposed to tell him? Should I tell him I’m scared to date because I’m diseased?”
    â€œDon’t say that.”
    â€œIt’s the truth. I don’t want the people who work with me to know I have MS. How can I possibly start dating?”
    â€œMartha had MS, too, and I didn’t run away. I loved her completely, no matter what.”
    â€œI know. But you were already together when she was diagnosed. I mean, what’s the proper etiquette on when to tell someone you have a chronic disease with no cure? Is it the third date or the fifth date? Frankly, I’d rather not call Emily Post. I’ll take a pass.”
    â€œYou’re taking a pass on life, you know.”
    Kurt Jr. walked back in.
    â€œEverything okay, honey?”
    â€œYes.” He looked at Harrison and Alicia. “Did something happen while I was on the phone?”
    â€œNo. Everything is fine,” Alicia lied.
    The doorbell rang.
    â€œWere you expecting anyone else today?” Harrison asked as he headed for the door.
    â€œNo.”
    A minute later Lauren walked in.
    â€œHey, Auntie Lauren. How are you?” Kurt got up and hugged her.
    â€œKurt, it’s good to see you.” She kissed his cheek. “Let me look at you.” She smiled. “You’re still as handsome as ever.”
    â€œOh, Auntie, you have to say that, you’re my godmother.”
    â€œNo, I don’t. It just happens to be the truth.”
    â€œWhat brings you over today? I wasn’t expecting to see you,” Alicia said.
    â€œCan’t I just pop by? Do I need a reason to see my best friend?” She sat down.
    â€œOf course you don’t need a reason. Except you look like you just flew out of your house and past all mirrors.”
    â€œExcuse me? Are you saying I’m a mess?”
    â€œNo, you look fine.” She came closer. “But there is something up. Are you hung over?”
    Lauren seemed shocked Alicia was so dead on, but she tried to play it off. “I may have had one too many martinis, but I’m fine.”
    Lauren could see from the expression on Alicia’s face that she wasn’t buying it.
    â€œCan I talk to you in my office, Lauren?” She stood up.
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œOkay. Would you rather I continue in front of Harrison and