My whole body seized.
Crap. Double crap.
Not only was I lying to my grieving mother—whose single wish in life was to see her daughter married—I’d also forgotten Dad’s birthday.
And the award for Worst Daughter in the Universe goes to: me.
I let out a breath. Defeated.
“Of course I remembered. I didn’t lie, Mom. John is here. He just went to get some fresh air.” I closed my eyes and slid down the wall. “I just didn’t want to sound happy because, you know... today.”
Mom’s voice lifted, an octave too high. “So you’re with your boyfriend, Nora?”
“Yes. Everything is fine. I’m sorry I didn’t call.” The words tasted wrong.
“Oh,papperlapapp. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”
I felt it coming. The silence. That pause before something shifted.
“It’s been a little lonely today.”
Of course it had. We usually spent the day together, like we had for the past six years. She’d make Dad’s favorite dinner, and we’d watchStar Wars. Not because she particularly liked the movies, but because it made her feel like he was still there, sitting beside her.
“I’dsolove to see a picture of the two of you. My daughter and a famous author. Who would’ve thought? With all those tattoos, you know.”
My head fell into my hands.
How could this possibly get any worse?
“Then I can rub it in Carol’s face,” she added smugly. “She didn’t believe me.”
There it was.That’show.
“Okay, Mom, I gotta go... we, uh...” My eyes landed on a pair of rubber boots by the door. They looked about John’s size. “We’re going on a hike now.”
Mom shrieked. “A hike? It’s like I’m talking to a new woman! I always said the right man could get you out of the house more. I’m so glad—and I can’t wait to see you both when you’re back.”
“Bye, Mom,” I said quickly, holding the phone away from my ear, making it clear I had to go hike with my gorgeous boyfriend.
I placed the phone on the hallway dresser.
No more interruptions. I was ready to become the poster child for perfect writing students when?—
The group stood up as one.
The question round was over.
I’d missed another vital part of the retreat.
Well, fuck me sideways.
Chapter Nine
I’m very photogenic.
Absolutely no man-candy around here.
I have zero Photoshop skills.
