Mom and the Wine

Reb's P.O.V.

We all are taught how to accept a compliment graciously, but no one ever taught us how to deal with a backhanded compliment. For those who are wondering, a backhanded compliment is actually an insult which may seem like a compliment to someone. Yes, this is exactly what a BACKHANDED COMPLIMENT is. He is such an idiot to think that I will fall prey to his double standard games. He thinks he can come and remind me of the old times and I'll be emotional and take him back. Sorry dude, I'm way too grown up for that. I knew exactly what he meant when he said 'the once foodie Reb', he was trying to remind me of my old days of being overweight and make me embarrassed. Too bad, he doesn't know I absolutely love those days except the part which had him in it.

"It's my love for food that encourages me to become an excellent cook. Similarly, your love for alcohol can make you an excellent bartender, I suppose." I didn't want to but I knew I had to laugh at the end to not make my statement look upright rude to everyone rather it should come out as a joke for them but it should serve the purpose as well. And that's exactly what I did. I laughed loudly after completing my sentence and others joined as well without suspecting a thing but Mark got the hint and had a tight-lipped smile on his face. That's how good I have become in faking not just a smile but a full-blown laugh that no one could ever suspect.

"Reb, it's good for a joke but it can't be possible. Mark has a multimillion-dollar business to run. He is the only legal heir to my business. He can't do this even if he wishes to." Uncle Rosh stated. 'I know this Uncle Rosh and that's what fuels his ego.' I wanted to do say this out loud but decided against it.

"Margaret, bring the wine please." Mom called out to Margaret but instead of responding, Margaret stood rooted at her place which draws mom's attention to her and she asks her what's wrong raising her eyebrows and Margaret's troubled face gives mom the hint and she immediately leaves with Margaret to the kitchen but not before excusing herself politely.

"What's wrong Margaret? What's with that expression, you know it could leave a bad impression on the guests." Mom wasn't too happy with Margaret right now. "I am really sorry Mrs. Thomas but a problem has arrived. We are running out of the wine you asked for. It wasn't restocked." This got mom furious, if looks could kill Margaret would have been six feet under.

"Margaret how could you be so careless? You knew we were expecting guests today and you didn't get it restocked. Why?" Mom was losing temper each passing minute. "Mam, I'm sorry but the wine wasn't on the shopping list or else I would have restocked it immediately. Mary made the shopping list."

Mom was massaging her temple by now because of the stress but still gave Mary a dreadful look and she just shook her head in horror and fear. "Stop this blame game now and tell me how much of it is left?" Mom inquired. "Only for one round." Came Margaret's reply. "Serve the first round after apologizing for the wait and ask Reb to come and meet me. But make sure it doesn't look too obvious." Mom said dismissing Margaret.

Margaret arrived with an apologetic smile on her face. "Sorry for the delay. We just needed some assistance from Mrs. Thomas. Please enjoy your drinks." Margaret apologized. "Not a problem, Margaret. Thanks for the drinks." Aunt Rachel chirped. Margaret gave her a smile and continued, "Ms. Thomas madam wishes to see you."

That got my attention. Something is definitely wrong here else mom wouldn't have called me like this. "What's wrong Margaret?" I tried to get it out of Margaret's mouth but it was no use as she replied, "Can't say, Miss." "Margaret, I understand you are all formal in front of others just so that it looks respectful but you know you've always been more than a maid to me. You've been my babysitter all this time and I look upon you as a friend and as a mother figure. So please stop with this Ms. Thomas shit. This is so annoying. These three years didn't change a thing between us and nothing ever will. Now you don't need to escort me to the kitchen." I said with finality.

"Now, you just admitted that I'm your babysitter isn't it besides I have to be present in the kitchen anyway Miss." Margaret shot back. I guess she is upset with me over something. I'm going to have to sit with her and discuss this soon, her behavior isn't sitting well with me. Upon reaching the kitchen I saw my mom messaging her temples, she looked tired. "What happened, mom?" I asked. "Reb, there is a problem. The wine wasn't restocked, what little was left has already been served. What will we serve next?" mom was worried. "You can serve the other brand mom." I was trying to comfort her. "You know we can't Reb. That's your father's and uncle Rosh's favorite brand. We can't serve any other brand to them. And if we tell them we are running out of this wine, it will make a bad impression. What to do Reb?" Mom was right.

"Darling I need a favor. Can you go to the store and get the wine please? I know it's late and I shouldn't be asking you this at this time of the night but I can't help. I could have gone but this would make it very obvious for the others. I am sorry baby I'm putting this on you." Mom was feeling helpless. "Please don't feel sorry, mom. It's okay. I can handle this. Don't worry I'll just go and get the wine and I'll be fine alone. You handle it here. I'll just be back." I said preparing to go to the store.

"Aunt Mia…."