Becoming Mrs. Grahamsteen novel Chapter 1

"You fail to understand me, Michael. There is no way in hell I am going to let you throw your future down the drain." Genevieve Grahamsteen says to her son as they sit by the pool of her penthouse, basking under the golden sun.

"How does this guarantee my future, mother? What you are asking me to do is impossible." Michael scoffs at her as he takes another sip of his cool cocktail, he hated the weather.

"You have only ten months left Michael, you haven't got much time remaining . Do you know what that means? Either you grow a pair and get yourself a child asap or you can kiss your inheritance goodbye and we both know I would rather die than see that happen." She pauses to adjust her posture so that she is now facing him then she continues.

"Look at your sister, Denise. She is happily married with a house filled with babies. Your brother, Jonathan, he's on his way to marrying the woman of his dreams. All I ask of you Michael is that you start a family of your own. I am already half way into my grave, the least you can do is allow me to see you settled first."

His mother threw her hands in the air frantically. Genevieve was always such a drama queen, she would fake cancer if it meant Michael agreeing to give her a grandchild.

"Mother, you know very well that to have a child is my dream but to settle down in a family with a woman has never been part of that plan." He snaps, only if she could understand.

Genevieve sighs in anguish. "Or is it that you are gay?"

Michael raises an eyebrow at his mother. "No, I'm not."

"How about impotent?" She cries.

"No."

"Did you have a vasectomy?"

He doesn't answer her this time, she continues to press on.

"Have you become a priest without my knowing?" She says with a seriousness that surprises him. The things his mother conjured up in her mind baffled him.

"None of those things are true." He says looking at her impossibly.

"So why won't you have a child the right way, through marriage ? You know adoption is not an option." She stands up to give him a perplexed look and Michael runs his hand through his hair nervously.

"Look at me." She reaches for his chin and drags his face to meet hers.

"Your father was a two-timing slimy bastard who died and left me nothing but the privilege of discovering his mistress and out-of -wedlock children but there is one thing he did right in his miserable life. He made sure that you guys had everything that you needed and left alone to me, that's good enough . But if you think that you will waste those resources that your father has toiled for, then you have clearly underestimated my capabilities. You will make me a grandmother and you will get your inheritance. I do not care if you want to beg for, borrow or steal a baby but come December, you had better be a father." She lets go of his chin and begins to walk away but stops to continue.

" None of your businesses being in court and having the peace of mind to sit down in one of the most expensive restaurants in town while drinking a two thousand dollar bottle of wine isn't a luxury most business men enjoy. Remember that the next time you're wondering what it is I am good for besides asking for a raise." She eyes him over the lid of her glass as she drinks her water.

"Touché" Michael smiles at her. always so damn opinionated, he thinks to himself.

The waiter is now staring at both of them awkwardly and Michael apologizes for Naomi's hissy fit.

"She gets high on drama." He says while swirling his index finger to his head and she scowls at him.

"I am not hungry. Can I just have a glass of soda water, please?" She smiles at the waiter who is now scribbling on his pad.

"Nothing for me. I'm fine with my wine."  Michael says and the waiter gladly walks away.

In no time at all, Naomi's soda water is delivered and after taking a few sips she decides that her throat is moist enough to venture into a conversation.

"So, how is Genevieve? I've missed her so much since she left to Milan." Naomi asks.