I roll my eyes. “Don’t make fun of me because I’m thorough with my job.”
Cassie giggles and we head back to the hotel.
~
I sit in my room and have all the pictures of the clothes spread out on the spare bed. I have the models pictures taped up on the mirror. I have a list of mock pictures with the clothes and models laying all over the place, and I’m trying to make sure it all works smoothly.
My phone ringing breaks me away from my thoughts. “Hello, Mama.”
“Kinley, how is Utah?”
“It’s busy, Mama.” I look at everything all around me. “How’s Alabama?”
“I’m so glad you asked me that because I think I have found the perfect man for you.”
“Oh dear,” I mumble. “Mama, I don’t need to be set up. I’m perfectly capable to find a boyfriend on my own.”
“You don’t need a boyfriend. You need a husband. You’re twenty seven. The fish in the pool are being caught up by other mermaids.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “That doesn’t even make sense.”
“My point is, your eggs are drying up and I want grandchildren!” Mama almost screams at me. “Every other woman my age has them, and I don’t have any. Not even one.”
“Mama, I’m not going to marry some random guy to give you a grandchild!” I yell at her.
“Young lady, don’t take that tone with me.” Her voice goes low, and I clamp my mouth shut. “I’m trying to help you.”
The knock on the door makes me take a longer pause with my mother and when I answer the door, I roll my eyes.
Carson.
I wave him into the room and go back to the conversation with Mama. “I’m sorry I took that tone with you. I’m a little stressed out right now, but I shouldn’t take it out on you,” I soothe her.
“Kinley, you need to settle down. You’ve had fun these last few years playing career Barbie, but now it’s time to be a mother and a wife.”
Mama’s words cut deep. I’m not playing. I want a career. I want this life. I shut my eyes and pray that no tears will fall. “Mama, I need to go.?
? I hang up, not even saying goodbye.
“Stress with the parents?”
I spin around to him. “Something like that. What do you need, Carson?”
“Well, I would say a place to sit but considering this mess that you have,” he trails off looking around the room.
“Carson,” I say more firmly. “What do you need?”
“I was about to watch a movie and was going to see if you wanted to watch it but looks like you need help with all of this.” He waves his hand all over the room.
“I’m trying to make sure that everything is in place. We have our first shoot tomorrow. I’m sure you know this,” I growl at him.
“I sent two confirmations back to you, so yeah, I know.” He pins me with his look.
“Why is everyone making fun of my emails today?” I throw my hands up in the air. “I want to make sure everyone knows what’s going on and not be late,” I clarify to him. “Anyway, thanks for the offer but unless you’re going to help me here, you can leave now.”
Carson looks around the room for a moment, actually pondering the idea. “What do you want me to do?”
I roll my eyes. “Carson, do you even know anything about planning a large photo shoot, commercials, or any of this?”