We forgot to ask

After the rehearsal there was another dinner party and Chloe found herself with Magnus’s mother. All was going swimmingly until she asked “Did Sean say if he could make it to the wedding?”

Anna, who was sitting just across from them, suddenly chimed in “Oh yes, what did he say?”

Chloe looked in a panic at Magnus but he just shrugged “We forgot to ask him” said Chloe guiltily.

Magnus’s mother called him by his full name “Call him right now. If my ungrateful son can’t do the right thing, I will.”

Magnus did as he was told. Sean answered “Hi Magnus what’s up? Is everything okay?”

“Hi, Sean, yea, it’s been a long time” said Magnus unconvincingly “I know it’s a bit weird but my mother wants a word.”

Sean just said “What?” but nobody heard as Magnus mother was beckoning for the phone and Magnus passed it over.

“Sean” said Magnus’s mother sweetly “how are you?” She proceeded to tell Sean all about the wedding and made sure to throw in several disparaging words about her son’s moral character. “I know things are tight but we would love to see you again so you don’t need to bring a gift and we can put you up here so you’ll come won’t you?”

“Yes, of course. I’d love to” said a thoroughly bemused Sean.

“Such a nice boy. We are all looking forward to seeing you” said Magnus’s mother before passing her son his phone back.

“Hi Sean, it’s me again” said Magnus. “Yea I’ll call you soon and we can catch up properly. Bye.” He hung up the call and put his phone away. Chloe was blushing as much as Magnus was and she looked around. She caught Ingrid's eye and she winked at her. Chloe could guess what she was thinking but as she looked at the people at the table she couldn’t work out why Anna was smiling so much.