“I love you, Mom. Whatever crazy decisions you decide to make, I’ll support you.”
I stood up and wiped the tears that were beginning to form from the corners of my eyes.
“Let’s meet the man who managed to sweep you off your feet.”
She clapped her hands and stood up as I snatched my things from the bench. Arm and arm, we strolled from the tiny municipal airport to the old familiar truck she had always driven.
3.
To say Otto’s Pub was a popular place would be like comparing it to an oasis. People really only went there because it was the only watering hole in the tiny city that mattered.
Sure, there were a couple of other bars in the area, but none of them were manned by the famous Otto, who could down a beer in less time than it took you to snap your fingers.
Our truck sidled into a spot surrounded by several motorcycles.
“Umm, are you sure this is a good time to be visiting the bar, Mom?” I asked nervously.
“Trust me, Hel, this is the best time,” she replied with a smile.
I palmed a small can of mace I kept in my purse, hoping I wouldn’t have to use it.
She pushed her way through the assembled bikers as though she were a queen, and they parted as such. I felt more than a little embarrassed, and with my head down I followed her inside.
The old diner was packed. Every plush and colorful booth was overstuffed with men and women of all different sizes and shapes. Through all this, my mother trotted along like this was normal, and I continued to shuffle along behind her.
We came to a halt in front of a booth that rested against the back wall of the pub, where two men were already sitting with beers that were half drunk.
“Duke, I’d like to introduce you to my daughter, Hellen,” said my mom, whom promptly pushed me to the forefront to put me on display.
I felt incredibly uncomfortable with being gawked at by two men I hadn’t previously met. One of them was large, burly, and much older, while the second was tall and muscular with tattoos that ran the length of his arm.
The younger of the two held my gaze for more than a moment before turning his head away.
The older of them, who I believed might just be Duke, pried himself from the booth and wrapped his big oafish arms around me in a hug that easily lifted me from the floor.
“Hellen, your mother, has said some of the sweetest things about you!” he shouted with excitement.
I smiled awkwardly but couldn’t help but giggle at his silliness.
“Nice to meet you, Duke,” I said, trying to find my breath in the midst of his tight embrace.
He returned me to my feet and pulled my mom in close and gave her a big kiss on the cheek.
“As you can tell, your ma is a real gem.”
They stared at each other for a time before a look of sudden realization came over Duke.
“Right! This here is my son, Axel. I think he’s a couple of years older than you, but all things considered, I think you two might just get along.”
I turned my attention to the man still sitting at the booth. He gave a customary wave before pulling himself to his feet. It seemed he couldn’t quite decide whether to shake my hand or give me a hug, as he held his gloved hand out only to retract it and offer me a hug.
He was warm as he held me. His skin felt like rough leather, a welcome change when compared to the many soft men I had held over the years. He smelled of grease and oil, and unapologetically so.
“Ahem,” I heard my mother cough behind me.
Axel released me, and I realized it had been a little longer than a welcome embrace should have been. I straightened my skirt and hair, returning quickly to my mother’s side.
“The wedding is on Sunday, so it’s a party tonight. Then Saturday we’ll be going for a fitting. So, don’t drink too much tonight, okay, sweetie?”
I nodded. My head was loopy from the strain of meeting my new stepfamily so quickly. It was a lot to take in, and I really just wanted to get some sleep. The jet lag wasn’t helping much either.
“Can I just get some sleep in my room, Mom?” I asked.
The beer she thrust into my open hand answered that question.
“Dear, you’re young. Just have some fun tonight and sleep later.” She smiled that na?ve smile I had come to recognize as uniquely hers, and I relented with a sip of the cool, frothy beverage in my hand.
The music grew louder as the night continued. I wanted to be social, but at the same time I didn’t want to get to know a bunch of people I wouldn’t stay in contact with.
That didn’t mean they wouldn’t try, though.