Total pages in book: 14
Estimated words: 13270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 66(@200wpm)___ 53(@250wpm)___ 44(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 13270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 66(@200wpm)___ 53(@250wpm)___ 44(@300wpm)
I gasp. Wait, events are taking place at light-speed. In fact, it’s incredible that it’s happening at all. I squint while trying not to show my surprise. The diamond on my mom’s hand must be at least five carats. What? Why would George propose to Victoria when he just met her? Why would he spend so much money on a ring for a woman he barely even knows?
My mom titters, looking at the diamond.
“Oh, Sofia will love this,” she coos. “It’s absolutely gorgeous. I can’t wait to show her.”
I stop and stare at my mom for a moment. Sofia is a woman that my mom works with at the casino. Whereas my mom is blonde with a peaches and cream complexion, Sofia is exotic and darkly beautiful. She has perfectly arched eyebrows and blood-red lips, not to mention a figure to die for.
At first, I figured my mom and Sofia were friends, or even rivals at work. Why not? They’re both attractive, middle-aged women, and probably enjoy one-upping each other at every chance they get. But my mom’s been talking a lot about Sofia lately. A little too much, to be honest. It’s always Sofia this, Sofia that, and didn’t Sofia look so good today? Just last week, Sofia spent the night at our house – in my mom’s room. I didn’t hear moans, but I did hear a lot of breathy sighs from behind closed doors.
As a result, I’m beginning to think that my mom has entered a bisexual if not lesbian phase. Or maybe she was bisexual all along, and has only found the right person to express these desires with. Who knows? Everyone can change with time because sexuality is fluid.
But how does George play into this? I’m utterly confused and my mind spins. One moment, I thought my mom was living a freewheeling life dating people of both sexes, but now she’s getting married to a man? The mystery has me utterly puzzled.
But then George steps in, seeing the confusion on my face.
“Kayla, Victoria has become very special to me for certain reasons. Of course, your mother is beautiful and gracious, but I also need to stay in the United States to continue my medical research. Unfortunately, my visa will be expiring, and we’re hoping that marriage to an American citizen can extend my time here.”
I gasp a bit.
“You’re getting a marriage of convenience?” I manage to stammer.
Victoria jumps in.
“Well, I wouldn’t put it that way. Well, maybe a little bit. Okay, yes. George and I will get married and stay married until he gets a green card, and then we can go our separate ways. It’s perfect, don’t you think? Who wouldn’t want a hunk of man like him?”
The answer is obvious: someone who’s exploring her lesbian side. George smiles wanly at her.
“Thanks, Victoria. But yes, your mother has agreed to help me out with my immigration status, and I’m deeply appreciative. In fact, I’ve already put a bid in on a house near the Strip, and we’re headed to the dealership soon, aren’t we? We’re going to lease you a brand-new car,” he says to my mom.
Victoria squeals with glee.
“Yes, let’s go to the Mercedes dealership. Or the Tesla. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
George turns to me.
“I think you’ll like the house I put a bid on too, Kayla. It’s a huge Spanish colonial in a gated neighborhood, with a three-car garage and a huge, landscaped lawn outside. It’ll be nice living there. There will be enough space for all three of us to enjoy ourselves without bumping elbows all the time.”
I stare, still somewhat speechless.
“So we’re moving in with you?” I ask in a strangled voice.
“Oh yes!” squeals Victoria. “This duplex is so dumpy, sweetheart, and I’m sorry I could never afford for us to move. But now with George as my husband, we’ll be able to live in the lap of luxury. He’s a very successful doctor, Kayla, and I think you’ll find him to be very generous.”
I look over at the handsome man as he nods, his blue eyes giving nothing away. My heart starts pounding. Oh my gosh, I’m going to be living in close quarters with this man? I’ll see him coming out of the bathroom, dripping wet with only a towel around his waist? Holy cow. My body goes on red alert, and suddenly, my heart’s racing. I shouldn’t feel this way, and yet I do. Oh my gosh.
But then Victoria tugs a bit on George’s arm.
“Come on, introductions are over. Let’s get to the dealership, okay? I can’t wait to pick out my new car!”
With one last flash of a smile, Victoria drags her new fiancé out the door where his gleaming sedan awaits.
“The wedding is tomorrow,” he calls to me in a low voice. “The Little White Wedding Chapel at noon. See you then, Kayla.”