"Late again, I see," Mrs. Westmoreland said, not looking up from the wine list.
"Sorry, Mom. The traffic--"
"Yes, yes, always something." She put the list down and motioned to a waiter. "We'll have two glasses of the Jarvis Reserve Chardonnay. Try to get it right this time."
"Yes, ma'am."
Susan looked around the restaurant. "Your country club sure is nice."
"It should be, for what we pay in dues." The wine arrived and Mrs. Westmoreland took a sip. "Now, why the lunch invitation? Do you need money?"
Susan sighed. "Mom, I didn't take your money in college, and I sure as hell don't need it now."
"Nice language. No wonder you're still single."
Susan drained half of her glass, then took a deep breath. "That's why I wanted to have lunch. I'm getting married."
"Married? To whom? This, this 'Alex'? You've hardly mentioned him! Why, your father and I haven't even met the boy!"
"I know it seems kind of sudden, but we're in love and--"
"Oh yes, 'love.' Trust me dear, love is the least important thing in making a relationship work. What does he do? Where will you live?" She paused for a breath, then leaned toward her daughter. "Are you . . . pregnant?" she whispered.
Susan laughed out loud. "Christ, Mom, you think that's the only reason someone would marry me? No, I'm not pregnant. I'm in love. And Alex is an executive at a software company, making more money than Dad ever did, not that it's important. Or any of your business."
"Susan Judith Westmoreland! You will not talk to me that way!"
Susan finished her drink. "I'm sorry, Mom. It's just--"
She stopped as an attractive young woman approached the table. Mrs. Westmoreland waved her away. "We're not ready to order yet, Miss."
Laughing, Susan stood, then kissed the newcomer full on the lips. Arm-in-arm, they faced Mrs. Westmoreland.
"Mom, meet Alex."