Blended TML Ch 8

This is a big deal. Piper’s mother already travels frequently, which is has been a source of tension at home for some time. This allows Penny to bring in just as much money as Mary, but it leaves Mary running the house. Sure, Piper, Riley, Kayla, and Bella are all adults who can help out with chores and with trying to raise Patty, but it’s a lot of house, a lot of drama, and a lot of havoc wreaked by one adolescent girl. Piper has recently discovered that Patty has been stealing Riley’s underwear for reasons that, while not uncommon, are not going to make life at home more comfortable. Piper has thus far kept this to herself, but for every problem sitting out in the open, there are ten more getting ready to break the door down. Mary will be the one to deal with them, not her wife.

To make matters worse, Mary’s best friend is Jessica Tiffin, who is married to Stephanie Gibson. Stef and Penny have a lot in common: a little butchness, a dick, a high libido, and a job that invites temptation and mischief. Mary knows damn well how much Jess and Stef cheat on each other, and the fact that they seem to get off on it does not make her feel better about her own marriage.

Piper says nothing as she drives Mary back to the house. It just doesn’t seem fair that Mary should have to survive such a challenging divorce, then decide to take a chance on someone new, only to find herself saddled with this. Mary is a catch, and it frustrates Piper that it often feels like her mother isn’t treating Mary like one.

They pull into the driveway.

Piper puts her hand on Mary’s shoulder. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Withhold judgment about a temporary increase in wine intake?” Mary replies, her voice smoky with burnout.

“You should invite Jess over and guzzle that shit.”

Mary smiles. “They’re on a cruise.”

Fuck. Piper takes a deep breath. “How about I make you something to eat?”

“Piper, it hurts my pride to lean on you. You’re sweet. But that would just make it worse. I’ll eat cereal. Time-honored Jameson coping tradition.”

“OK, I’ll give you space. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

“You do plenty,” Mary says, and climbs out. Piper follows her up to the porch, where Mary sniffs the air. “Something smells good,” she murmurs as she unlocks the door. One of the reasons Piper is so diligent about bathing and fragrances is that Mary has a nose like a wolf. She picks up things that no one else does, and Piper doesn’t want her smelling sex that isn’t so easily explained. She’s already a little suspicious.

They head inside and turn straight into the kitchen.

Riley is at the stove, wearing nothing but a pink apron. Her flawless, goddess-like ass is equal parts perky and majestic, out for everyone to see.

Mary’s purse hits the ground. Riley frowns and looks over her shoulder, and the rather mischievous look on her face vanishes so fast that Piper almost misses it.

“Mom?” she squawks.

“Riley!”

“Uh—” Riley’s voice shakes along with her hand; the spoon in her hand jerks and sauce flies, hitting her shoulder. “Ack! Ah!” The spoon goes flying, and a saucepan is upset. Sauce sizzles and smoke rises.