Page 26 of Mercedees: Forever An Atkins
“Good morning,” I replied feeling seen.
He intertwined our hands and escorted me downstairs. Whatever was being cooked had the house lit. Breakfast smelled damned good, but it also didn’t smell traditional. I was curious to see what was on the menu.
Walking into the kitchen, my eyes fell on a small Asian woman that looked like she didn’t belong here at all. She was the cutest little thing. She looked up from the island and smiled at us. For some reason, I didn’t feel uncomfortable or nervous to meet her. I was genuinely over the introductions and ready to go home so I could decompress.
“Baby boy, is this her? She’s beautiful,” she complimented me.
“Yes ma’am. Dukes, Clover. Clover, Dukes.”
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you, and for the record, my name is Mercedees, not Clover. Your sons don’t seem to understand that,” I said, extending my hand in her direction.
She rejected my handshake by waving me off and widening her arms for a hug. I looked over to Arion and he gave me smallnod encouraging me to engage. Honoring her request, I almost broke my back bending down to her level. It ain’t make no sense how tiny she was.
“They don’t understand a lot of things which makes them just like their father. Greek still has a hard time doing so with me. Well, I guess I can stop worrying if you’re a troll or not. We would’ve loved you regardless, but it would’ve taken time. You know what I mean?” I burst out laughing at the fact that she had presumed that I had a face only a mother could love.
Arion cuffed my hand and guided me deeper into the kitchen. We stopped at the island she was placing platters on. Like I figured, nothing about this breakfast was American. Observant as he was, he noticed me scanning the food.
“I’m Black & Vietnamese. Food wise, I prefer my Asian side more. It’s healthier and it allows my mother to stay rooted. This is Bánh Bao and Xôi, which ain’t nothing but steamed pork buns and sticky rice with beans. These are egg rolls, literally. And then this is Bun Ho Hue, which is rice noodles, slabs of beef, and lemongrass. If you eat Pho, you’ll fuck with this,” he explained making sure I understood what each dish was before trying it.
“So, what should I start with?” I asked picking up the set of chopsticks that lay on the napkin in front of me.
“Shit, whatever looks appeasing,” he commented shrugging his shoulders before doing the same.
I waited until he dug into the bowl of noodles before following his lead. I was new to this and didn’t want to insult his culture even though I didn’t give a damn about it at the moment. The more I cooperated the faster I was left alone to think and get a piece of mind.
“Mercedees, right?” Linh questioned.
“Clover, Ma. It’s easier to remember,” he corrected her.
“Yes, or Cedees is fine. I answer to both.”
“Good to know. He’s stubborn so good luck with getting him to acknowledge you by anything other than what he’s labeled you. I was curious to know what your family’s reaction was to being married to my son. He’s a handful so I wanted to make sure he was accepted,” she chimed.
Dripping my head with a slight smirk, I ate another moment of embarrassment. This marriage was going to humble me every time.
“All my family knows is that I had a blast in Vegas and married a stranger. They know nothing of Arion, and to be quite frank, neither do I,” I admitted.
“That’s perfectly fine. I guess that’s something we have in common. I didn’t know Greek all that well before I went and told him about my family struggles. Next thing I know, I’m wearing his name and ring. We grew with each other and learned how to love without taking losses. Arion, Aurora, and Ashaun were the result of that. I hope you and my son can do the same.”
“She wants an annulment,” Arion blurted out.
“A what? Why? Did Arion do something to make you go that route?” she inquired with worried eyes.
Lady, you can’t be serious right now.
It took everything in me not to twist my face up at her response. Me and her son were strangers! I didn’t understand why she kept bypassing that. We enjoyed Vegas to the T and did something neither one of us wanted in the long run. This marriage held no weight in my eyes because he didn’t. That wasn’t going to change.
“He’s done nothing but be a gentleman actually, but that’s not the point Ms. Linh. We?—"
Cutting me smooth off, she threw out a suggestion before, “Call me Ma or Mama Linh, it’s your choice,” she said while carrying a smile.
I threw one on as well whether it was fake or not to match her energy. “We are in a generation where things like this ain’t normal. You stayed with yo’ husband becauseyouwanted to. It’s my choice not to do anything with this man and that includes staying married to him. I’m a successful businesswoman with a one-track mindset. Sorry if that’s upsetting to hear, but I’m not changing. Excuse me,” I said standing my ground.
I was on my feet, digging through my clutch for my phone. I was ready to go and refused to stay any longer. The attention I’d given this topic was too much already. I truly didn’t give a fuck anymore.
“Sit down and relax, Clover,” he ordered, not looking up from his meal.
“I’m good love.”
