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“To the class of 2019, we salute you.”
We all rise, tossing our hats and throwing our hands in the air. My heart’s in it just enough to celebrate the moment as camera flashes go off like sparkling diamonds across the stadium. We march out in rows, and it takes me a small eternity to find my mother. And when I do, she’s not happy.
“You can’t just come here.”
“I have a right.”
“You have no right.”
“Mom?” I ask as the man she’s arguing with turns to face me.
My mom smiles and pulls me to her. “Oh baby, I’m so proud of you. Let me see this diploma.” She takes the pleather folder from my hand and opens it as I study the man next to her.
“It’s fake. They’re going to mail the real one.”
“Oh,” she says, taking a step forward and blocking my view.
“Hello,” I address the man behind her.
“Hi Laney,” the man smiles, and it’s familiar.
“Jim, right?”
His smile widens. “You remember me?”
“Not really, no.” I’d looked him up a couple of years ago, but I’m not about to admit it. He has a pretty wife and a young son that looks just like him.
“I told you she wouldn’t remember you.”
“Please, Deidra, don’t make a scene.”
“Then take your ass on back to Houston,” she snaps over her shoulder, carefully tugging on my hair and fussing over my gown. “You look so beautiful.”
I step around her, curious.
“What are you doing here?”
“I came to see you graduate. You know this is my alma mater.”
I nod. “I’m aware.”
“I just wanted to be here for you, to
congratulate you.”
“Why?”
“Well, I was told you were graduating soon at a Christmas party.”
“By who?” I look at my mother, who looks just as clueless.
“The son of one of my golfing buddies. Theo. He’s not a fan of mine, and had some choice words for me and—”
“My Theo?”
“Yes, he didn’t tell you we met?”
“No, he didn’t,” I say, tears springing to my eyes.
