Bethani Lancaster
1037 La Rue du Soleil
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Dear Dani,
I can’t believe I have to write you again. The wedding is two weeks away, and I still haven’t received your RSVP. At this point, you’re just being rude and inconsiderate. Are you trying to mess up my big day? Do you think this is funny?
I have been so patient with you, but honestly, it’s time for you to grow up and act mature. You’re making this a thing when it really doesn’t have to be. It’s not my fault that Matt chose me. That’s just how things worked out. Matt and I belong together.
And honestly, Dani? He’s so much better now.
He’s working so hard to build a future for us. Harder than he ever did with you. He spends so many late nights at work because he’s taking his job so seriously now. He’s even gone on a few weekend trips. He’s so dedicated that he frequently brings his work home with him. But whenever there’s a late-night phone call, he’s so considerate. He always steps into the other room to take his calls so he doesn’t disturb me. He even whispers so I can sleep peacefully.
He’s matured so much. He’s responsible now. Thoughtful. A real man. The man he never would have been if he had stayed with you.
I helped him grow up, Dani. And you should, too. You should grow up.
But you know what? I’ll be the bigger person. I’ll go ahead and RSVP for you. There’s still space at the kids’ table. No need to worry about a plus one. I wouldn’t want to assume you’d find a date in time.
See you in a couple of weeks.
Bebe
Lorraine Starbourne
3417 Marmion Way
Highland Park, CA 90065
My Darling Dani,
I have always thought I was a good mother to you. I really did. I taught you right from wrong. I gave you independence. I didn’t hover like some helicopter parent (unlike Barbara, who practically bubble-wrapped Bethani and never let that girl experience a single obstacle in her life).
But Dani, I think you need to buck up and face this one.
I know you don’t want to go to Bethani and Matt’s wedding, but you need to go. Not for them—for you. You need to show them that nothing is wrong. That their little drama didn’t break you, that you are graceful, composed, and completely unbothered. You will walk in. You will smile. You will dazzle everyone. And you will let them see that you don’t care right in front of my sister and her spoiled daughter.
I just want what’s best for you, sweetheart. I want you to have a great love. The kind of love I have with your father. I swear to you, that man is not of this Earth.
Remember the story of how we met? I was at the observatory that night. Funny, right? I was actually on a date with—oh, what was his name? Oh well, not important. What is important is that your father literally swept me off my feet. He looked me in the eyes and said I was his soul mate. Just like that.
Instant. No doubts. No hesitation. And he was right.
I’ve always wanted something like that for you.
And I know Matt isn’t the one. I knew it before you did. I know that your soul mate is out there. But I doubt he’s up at that observatory. You can’t just hide up there forever, staring at the stars. You need to come back to the city, come back to real life, and get back on the horse.
Start with the wedding. We can show Babs, Bebe, and the whole damn family that everything is fine.
I love you.
Call me.
Mom
Stardust,
