Me:Yes, that’s fucking weird.
Me:Why are you watching one of the worst moments of my life on repeat?
Mom:It’s not this part that was bad. It was the conversation between you two that came after.
Mom:The video is fabulous. You defended your man’s honor, and it’s so sweet.
Me:He’s not my man.
Mom:We’ll see about that.
Me:Whatever it is you’re planning, stop it immediately.
Me:Seriously.
Me:Stop it.
Mom:I’m not planning anything. Really, who has the time for that?
Mom:I just think the two of you will find your way back to each other. You’re meant to be.
Me:I need a drink.
Mom:It’s 10 a.m.
Me:Your point?
Mom:Eat something first at least.
Mom:And stay hydrated!
Chapter Twenty-Three
The limo ride on the way to the premiere is silent. Liz sits on one side of me and my mom on the other, like they’re afraid I might jump out of this moving vehicle just so I can avoid the events of the next few hours. Which I definitely might do if given the chance.
When we pull up to the curb at the mouth of the red carpet, Liz steps out first. I give her a minute to take a quick sweep of the carpet and make sure Grayson’s not there. I only agreed to show up on the conditions that our entrances were to be at separate times and there was to be zero interaction between the two of us. Exactly what everyone wants to see at the premiere of a romantic comedy: two stars who can’t be within ten feet of each other.
It’s only been a couple of weeks since the press junket, and just a couple of days since the video of me defending Grayson has started to fade into obscurity, and I’m just not ready to see him.
Not talking to him after the premiere party hurt. I missed him desperately. Not talking to him after findingout the truth has been a million times worse. I could fill a bottomless mimosa glass with my regrets, but the one that looms the largest is how much I hurt him. He didn’t deserve that.
And so, my very mature and totally plausible plan for the evening is to avoid him at all possible costs. Which I’m sure is going to work out great.
“You look beautiful, sweetie.” My mom reaches over and pats my hand, giving me a forced smile.
“It’s hard to do these without him.” I’m not talking about Grayson, and based on the tinge of sadness in her eyes, she already knows that.
“I know, baby.” She wipes a nonexistent smudge from my cheek. “But you can get through this. I know you can. It’ll all work out.”
“Your relentless positivity is irritating.” I soften my harsh words with a small smile.
“My goal in life is to irritate you as much as possible.”
I lean my shoulder into hers. “Thank you for being here with me.”
“I wouldn’t dream of missing it.”
The car door opens, and Liz pops her head into the backseat. “We’re all clear, but we should get a move on.”
