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“Well, that’s a shame. I thought it would look fantastic on you. What did you bring that would be acceptable for brunch tomorrow?”
“I didn’t realize I was invited. Why don’t you go without me and I’ll make sure to say hello to the Hanson’s at the party? That way, if Lola gets here early, I’ll be waiting.”
“She’s with Carmen, dear. That won’t be necessary. Plus, I know Josh would love to see you and catch up. You know, he’s starting medical school this fall.”
Josh Hanson.
My ex-boyfriend.
The one who left me in the dark parking lot. The guy who let a skank into his truck that night all because I wouldn’t open my legs for him. I guess I should say thank you. If he hadn’t been such a jackass, I never would have met Wyatt.
“I think I’ll pass.”
“I don’t think your mother was asking, Chloe.” My father’s voice echoes through the room, the deep boom of his voice catching me off guard.
“Josh was asking about you last time he was home,” my mother continues. “He’s going to be in Denver for school. I was thinking you two might be able to see each other every now and then.”
Nodding like a good child would when they have nothing nice to say, I shove a bite of food in my mouth while my mother rambles on about how amazing my ex is. He’s successful. He’s handsome. He’s smart and funny.
Does she also know he’s a chauvinistic pig? That he treated me like shit for most of our relationship? That I would never let him touch me again?
No, she knows nothing about any of that and even if I told her, I have a feeling she wouldn’t believe a word I said. As I listen to her tell me about how perfect he is, her true intentions come to light.
Me being allowed to come home after all these years.
The fact that she wanted Lola to come but not with me, later. Tomorrow.
Josh being in town and conveniently living in Denver now.
“Is this a setup?” I ask, interrupting my mother’s raving.
“No, dear. Of course not. It’s not like you two don’t know each other.”
“Mom, tell me the truth. Did you plan the brunch just to get me in the same room as Josh?”
My mother looks to my father and when he nods, she turns her smile up a notch before meeting my eyes.
“We just thought that a little nudge in the right direction would help.”
“Help? Help what?”
“You know, you aren’t dating anyone. I don’t think you have since you started college so—”
“I was pregnant!” I scream. “What was I supposed to do? Leave Lola with Carmen and go out and party like a normal twenty-one-year-old? Join a sorority and ignore my responsibilities as a mother? That’s not who I am. You should know that,” I say, my eyes never leaving hers as I stand and toss my napkin on my plate. This will be the first time I’ve ever left the dinner table without permission. At the moment, I don’t care. “You raised me better.”
“Chloe Grace,” my father calls after me, but I’m done talking.
Taking the stairs two at a time, I snag my purse off the dresser and lift my window. I’m not as limber as I use to be. What used to be a small jump off the roof to the ground feels like a million feet below.
Before I can change my mind, I grip my purse and take the leap.
“Ouch,” I grumble as I push myself to my feet.
Yep, not as limber. Definitely not as young.
Next time, I use the front door. I’m sure slamming the door on my parents would feel much better than the pain in my shoulder right now. I need a drink.
