Page 48 of The Wedding Favor

“Audrina,” she whispered.

Of course. Like stepmother, like stepdaughter.

In the house, I got Hallie set up with a snack and an episode of some anime show that was on Abe’s pre-approved watch list. After, I sent out a few texts to people who knew every person in this town. It took all of ten minutes to track down Megan Tillman’s phone number.

ME: Hi, Megan. This is Iris Sampson. I was wondering about the details for Audrina’s birthday party. It looks like Hallie’s invite got lost.

MEGAN: Oh, it’s not a birthday party, it’s a meet-and-greet. It’s for all the girls in the pageant.

ME: What pageant?

MEGAN: The Miss Two Harts Pageant. They’re bringing it back this year and I’m the organizer for the Little Miss division. All the girls who got invites have expressed interest. I didn’t think Hallie was interested.

ME: Well, maybe she is. Send me the details of this meeting. We’ll be there.

I threw my phone down and found Hallie in the living room, curled up on the couch. “You are going to that party.”

“I am?”

“Yep. You are absolutely going. It was a mistake. Of course you’re invited. It’s in a couple of weeks.” I sat down next to her and paused the movie she was watching.

She sat up, the look in her eyes hopeful. “That’s really what happened?”

“The truth?” I sighed. “It’s not a birthday party.”

Her brow creased in confusion. “It’s not?”

“It’s for the girls who are interested in the Little Miss Two Harts pageant.”

“Oh.” Her nose scrunched. “A pageant?”

“Yeah. I know, right. Who wants to do a pageant?” I bumped her shoulder with mine. “But, where people gather in Two Harts, there’s always good food. We’ll go, eat all their snacks, and leave. How’s that?”

Besides, I wanted a chance to meet the Mean Girls of Day Camp. Maybe put a little fear into them. But subtly, without anyone noticing.

“So, you’re coming with me?” she asked.

I threaded my fingers together and cracked my knuckles. “Oh, yeah, I’m coming.”

EIGHTEEN

“Of course I missed home. I missed my parents.

I missed my sister. Oh, how I missed Warren.”

—excerpt from the unpublished memoir,

Darling, I Must Say by Gloria Hayes

Aidan: Abe Ramos is your plus one? That guy with all the tattoos and the ear gauges?

ME: Hi. Yes, shopping was a lot of fun with Missy. Thanks for asking.

Aidan: He’s got to be at least ten years older than you.

ME: I’m not sure what outfit she picked for me. I don’t get to find out until the big day. That’s fun, right?

Aidan: Stop avoiding the question.