A Family Affair - First Born by Marilyn McPherson Page B

in five short weeks, so of course Ellen would be there. The two of them were inseparable as far as Jack could tell. The bitterness in Margaret was working its way to the surface. It was obvious what she was thinking. “Tom is not meeting us to tell us that his wedding is off.”
    Margaret smirked. “You never know. We both know they aren’t suited to each other. The girl has no life experience.”
    “I don’t know that,” insisted Jack, while hoping that his attitude would rub off on Margaret. “Tom says he loves her and that’s good enough for me.” The disdain shown by Margaret was clearly obvious to everyone, and Jack wondered why his wife would risk upsetting Tom in such a way.
    “He’s a smart boy. He’ll come to his senses in time.”
    Her attitude was infuriating if he thought about it too long. “I want you to show Ellen your friendly side tonight, dear. If you can find your friendly side, that is.”
    “Don’t talk to me like that. A mother can tell what is good for her son, and this young thing is not suitable wife material at all.”
    The rest of the car trip was mercifully silent for Jack, as Margaret didn’t say a word more. His wife liked to have the last word which suited him fine. During previous dinners, he was almost embarrassed to sit at the same table with her in Ellen’s presence. Such a sweet young woman did not deserve the passive aggression that his wife liked to serve – particularly when Tom was out of earshot. To Ellen’s credit, she usually just smiled, or pretended not to understand the not-so-subtle personal criticisms levelled at her. But the girl was smart – whenever Jack conversed with Ellen, he was impressed by her knowledge of the company. Tom was obviously keeping her well informed. Perhaps she would even have a more substantial role at Satinol after completing her commerce degree.
    To Jack’s relief, Margaret’s mood changed for the better when they arrived at the restaurant and Tom was in sight. He was clearly Margaret’s greatest joy in life, and it was nice to see how proud she was of him. Jack felt the same pride too of course, and realised it was now the only feeling they shared.
    Tom and Ellen stood up and moved around the table to greet them. Of course Ellen was there – Jack was not surprised to see her. He smiled, knowing how bitterly disappointed Margaret must be.
    “Tom, hello,” Margaret said, kissing him on the cheek. “Ellen, hello too,” Margaret said, with less enthusiasm.
    “Hello, Margaret,” Ellen said. “You look lovely tonight. Thank you for coming at such short notice.”
    “Of course. You know I love to spend time with my son.”
    Jack noted that Tom and Ellen’s drinks were already depleted. It looked as if they had been waiting here a while. He checked his watch – it was quarter to nine. “Sorry, we’re late, son.”
    Tom chuckled. He knew his mother well. “Don’t worry about it.” The two of them shook hands.
    “I see you’re wearing yellow tonight, dear,” Margaret said to Ellen.
    “Yes,” Ellen replied looking down at her dress.
    “That’s an interesting colour choice for your skin tone, dear.”
    Ellen’s face looked surprised, but she only smiled in reply.
    Margaret looked towards Tom. “You know I’ve always had an eye for colour.”
    “Yes, Mother, I do.” Tom knew his mother better than anyone else, but maintained a patience that Jack couldn’t muster any longer.
    Jack smirked. It was one of Margaret’s most ridiculous claims, which he had heard many times. It was obvious that Margaret had not found her friendly side, as Jack had requested.
    Tom shook his head and grabbed Ellen’s hand to reassure her. It was a quiet, loving gesture which indicated to Jack that everything was well in his son’s relationship. By their body language, Margaret’s antics were obviously a source of amusement for the couple, and Jack was relieved to see that.
    Jack kissed Ellen on the cheek. “Sorry, Ellen,” he