Chapter Thirty-Seven
It’s Saturday afternoon, and Christian and I have survived the week. It’s raining hard outside, and we’re snuggled under cozy blankets, next to a warm wood stove fire. Bowls of popcorn on our laps and candy nearby, we’re all ready to watchInside Out, one of my favorite animated movies. It’s all about emotions, and it’s the perfect choice for us right now. I want Christian to know it’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to cry.
As the movie comes to a close, we find ourselves engrossed in the saddest scene in the history of movies. We’re both balling our eyes out, and it really is therapeutic. I always feel lighter after a good cry, and I know Christian does too.
The sound of a car driving up startles me. I’m not in any shape to receive visitors. I’m wearing sweats, and my face is all red and splotchy from all the crying.
Fuck. Who could it be?
I put on my slippers and run outside. There are actually two cars parked along my drive. One is Cassie’s little red coupe, and the other is Colton’s Escalade, parked right behind her.
Crap.
Cassie wobbles out of her car, wearing a red jacket and her wedged booties, always the fashionista. She smiles and waves, and then walks to the Escalade. A window opens, and I assume she’s speaking to Colton.
But it’s not Colton who steps out of the SUV, it’s Robert. He’s carrying two boxes.
Oh, not this again.
He follows Cassie up my steps, and I welcome them both in.
“This is an intervention,” Cassie declares. “We’re all in on it. Me… Robert… Colton.”
“What?” I ask, confused.
Christian looks equally perplexed.
“You’re going to the party,” she tells me. “You need this right now.”
“I need to be here for Christian,” I argue. “You’ll have fun without me.”
“I won’t,” she snaps. She means business now. “Open the boxes,” she scoffs, and when I don’t move fast enough, she barks at me. “Now.”
“Okay… okay… chill.”
Robert is stifling a smile, and Christian is curious as a cat.
As suspected, it’s Dior again. Slick black boots, and a gorgeous soft pink cocktail dress with a tulle skirt and a gem laced neckline. It’s fun and playful.
There’s a note attached to the dress. My heart is heavy as I open the small card.
Hey beautiful,
I thought pink might be fun, and would look absolutely gorgeous on you.
Please come.
Love,
Colton
“God, these boots,” Cassie is saying, practically salivating over them. “And the dress is stunning too.”
“Yes,” I agree, “But, I just don’t know—”
“I’ve already called Miriam,” she tells me. “She’s coming over any second. C’mon, babe. We’ll have a good time… the two of us.”
“You should go, Mommy,” Christian tells me. This boy… my everything, only wants my happiness. I know this if nothing else. “The party is at Colton’s house, right?”
