The Gilmore-Grey Union

By Michael Weyer

POV: Maxine

I'm enjoying a nice morning off, something I so rarely get to do these days. A simple cup of coffee, a nice breakfast, read my paper, just try to enjoy a day without having to deal with the worst of humanity.

When the phone rings, I'm a bit annoyed but don't think much of it as I answer. "Maxine Grey."

"Mom? It's Amy?"

"Amy?" I frown. "What's wrong? I thought you were at work."

"Yeah, I am. I, ah, needed to tell you something. Um…are you sitting down?"

I immediately realize I am not going to like this. Not just because of the question but also because Amy has the same tone in her voice she used when she told me she was getting a divorce. "Amy, what is it?"

"Um, I'm just checking. Are you feeling okay? No, um, chest troubles or anything like that?"

I set the paper down, knowing this won't be a pleasant conversation. "Amy, I'm trying to enjoy my morning off so please don't beat around the bush. What is going on?"

"Okay, Mom, please promise you won't get mad…"

"Words that are usually followed by me having a nervous breakdown."

"It's about Vincent."

"Oh, Lord, now what? Has he done something stupid like get married again?"

There's a very long silence and I feel a chill in my stomach. "Amy…Amy, please speak. Please say that…He didn't…"

"He just called me up from Atlantic City, he saw Carol last night…"

"He married Carol again?"

"No, no, he just saw her, went and got drunk and woke up this morning with some girl he met."

"Oh for God's sake!" I yell as I throw the paper aside. "Who…how old a girl?"

"Um, we didn't quite get to that part. I was sort of yelling at him. I'm assuming she's legal age."

"Oh, God, let's hope so. With your brother, I wouldn't be surprised at him marrying a goat." I rub my temples hard. "How could he do this?"

"They were drunk, Ma."

"Don't use that excuse with me, Amy. And don't try to defend him, not this time."

"I'm not! I just needed to call and tell you."

"He told you to do that, didn't he?"

"Well, he suggested…"

"Oh, God, I cannot believe this."

"I know, Ma, I know. Um…look, I'm sorry, I need to go to court now but I'll call later, okay?"

"Don't bother, I'm going to be using the phone quite a bit today. I'll be giving your brother a serious lashing."

"Tongue-lashing?"

"I'll start there and work my way up." I hang up and rub my face. Oh, I don't believe this. Five weddings in one family and only two of them have been good and proper.

I am getting far, far too old for this.