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Pushing nagging thoughts aside, I thought about my party and nice things, like Drake and me walking up the cliffs, holding hands, and staring at the ocean.
Iwassogladthat Billy and Sapphire, who were now dating, made it to my party. At least they were genuine friends. Unlike the other guests, who turned up at all the Merivale parties.
Still, it would have been a sad outcome had I relied on my non-existent network.
My mother hadn’t been invited, of course, but she called me. Any normal parent would have wished me a happy birthday, but she only called for an invitation and to ask about the money I’d inherited.
“You’re an adult today,” she said.
“Yep, Beth, that’s right.” I’d started using her name. Referring to her as mother felt fake.
She never even flinched at my calling her by her name. She hated being a mother—a fact that came up whenever she was blowing up over something like me refusing to shoplift a new shade of lipstick for her or hook up with some rich, ugly fuckwit.
“They’re throwing a big party, I hear,” she said.
“Yep. Nice of Grandmother, isn’t it?”
I felt like rubbing it in. I knew my mother well enough. She would have loved to dress up and flirt with the rich and mighty.
“How did you hear?” I asked.
“Reynard told me.”
“He’s in contact with you?” I squirmed at the reminder of that terrifying marriage proposal.
“He felt the need to get my blessing for your upcoming nuptials.”
“I don’t want to talk about that.”
“But there’s the nice, big wedding to arrange.”
“Not now. Bye.” I hung up before I choked on my words.
Like with all the Merivale parties, people talked loudly, got drunk on excellent champagne, and munched on finger food that continuously came out on silver trays.
Drake looked sharp and yummy in a tux with silk lapels, especially in a white shirt that showed off his tan. I couldn’t take my eyes off him, but then, neither could all the females and the odd male, it seemed.
I wore a hot-pink knee-length Dolce and Gabbana with a low-cut back. My grandmother had paid off my maxed-out credit card as another birthday gift, and I went on a shopping spree with Sapphire, where I ended up buying her a pretty Stella McCartney silk dress that she nearly stained with tears. She’d brought out the softy in me. I’d never felt so compelled to help anyone before, and the joy that radiated from her smile was priceless and beat any antidepressant I’d ever tried.
I went over to Drake, who’d been chatting with Carson.
When he put his arm around me, my heart sighed. That was all that mattered, us. All the guests just faded away.
“A bit of public display?” I giggled.
“I can’t have all those randy, older rich guys eying you up.”
“You’re claiming me?” I cocked my head with a smirk.
Sapphire and Billy came over and joined us.
“This room is like an art gallery. I feel like I’m in an episode of Antique Roadshow.” She giggled.
“You’re not kidding,” I said. “One has to be careful not to swing a bag or arm just in case you knock over some priceless vase or statue. There are so many stunning objects. I’m always watching my step.”
Billy looked around as though he were worried about something.
“Are you okay?” I asked him.
