Have Your Cake by D.S. Roi Page B

to get her ideal towheaded grandchild. Asher had his fun with her pickings and tossed them back into the wild. They had all been spoiled brats, more interested in what he, or his money, could do for them and less interested in him. He squashed the desire to tell his well meaning mother to butt out of his life. Now was not the time. He needed to get off the phone with her as soon as possible and giving in to any of her baiting would result in another twenty minutes of conversation at best.
    “Mother, why are you calling?”
    “Ignoring your old mum, I see.”
    “Absolutely. I would hate to think you called because you were so concerned where my dick’s been.”
    “Asher Theodore Wilmington.” The shock in her voice made him smile. That little rattle against her perfect world was sure to cut the conversation short. “How vulgar. You would dare speak to your mother in such a manner?”
    “When she’s buggin’ me about grand children, yes. Is there a purpose to this call?”
    “Ugh. I don’t know how you came to be so unrefined, Asher. Really. The best schools and the best training.” She sucked in an exasperated breath swift enough to hear over the phone. “I have invited Judge Lee Garret to this event. You remember his niece, Sophia?”
    Asher groaned.
    “Do not do that, Asher Wilmington. Don’t.” Sally was firm. “After all the strife our family has been through, you will make good on your promise to have things restored.”
    “I’ve done enough for you, Sally.”
    “Negative. This event is set to be the largest in Weynor history. The perfect Southern wedding. A lovely lady on your arm is a must for the camera. You owe me after ruining your relationship with Rachelle. You promised to make it up to me.”
    I ruined the relationship? He gritted his teeth through her intentional moment of silence. Don’t give in to the game, Asher. Just, let it go.
    “Sophia is perfect.”
    “Fine. Set it up. Is there anything else?”
    Sally sighed over the phone. He recognized the antic and could visualize her placing a finger to her temple and shaking her head, as if she were disciplining an unruly child. His jaw started to ache. He was certain he’d grind the enamel off his molars if he waited any longer.
    “Mum.” He mimicked the title she gave herself. “You need to start talking or I’m going to fall behind on this project and your perfect wedding won’t go as planned.”
    “Well, for heaven’s sake, why didn’t you just say you were busy?”
    Because it wouldn’t have mattered. He bit back the comment. “Mother, I’m always busy. So get to the point here.”
    “Your nephew is so gracious. He has such good manners, despite his upbringing,” she said.
    The last words were meant to sting. Since his brother had believed in cocaine more than family, his nephew, Josh, was left fatherless and motherless after an attempted bank robbery landed both his parents in prison. Asher stepped in to raise the boy.
    He gripped the edge of the table, reminding himself if he remained civil the conversation would end quickly. “Go on.” He spoke absent emotion.
    His mother huffed over the phone, indicating her disappointment with his lack of desire to squabble with her. She continued, “Josh will be arriving at the Milway in three days to tour the improvements. I hope you’re on track enough we’ll still consider the place for his event.”
    Asher never failed a project and recognized the statement as another hook to bait him into a longer conversation.
    “Good, I’ll talk to you later mother,” he quipped.
    “Dear, wouldn’t you want the details...”
    “I’m perfectly capable of calling my nephew. I’ll get 'em from him. Have a good day, Mother.” He hung up before she could reply. He set the phone against the work table, rested both elbows there to lower his head and grip his hair.
    The plans were going smooth. The project could be a bit ahead of schedule, thanks to Cyana. Like a cool stream, the thought