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“I know it sucks. I know neither one of us really want to do this, but if we truly want to move on with our lives, we need to face what’s caused us the most pain,” I explain.
“How do you plan to get them into the same room?” he asks.
I don’t remember the last time the two of them were together. They always manage to be in the same place at different times. It’s an art they’ve perfected.
“We’ll have to take a page from their book and lie.” I shrug.
“You call Dad and I’ll call Mom. If we say something about money, it’s bound to get them in the same place at the same time.”
“Should we make it a public setting?” Mitch asks.
I think about that for a moment. If we’re out in public, they won’t be able to cause a scene. They wouldn’t dare storm out or raise their voices. It’s honestly the perfect idea.
“Absolutely.”
“How about we arrange for a dinner at Rare tomorrow evening?” Mitch suggests.
“Can you call and make the reservation?” I ask.
Mitch’s friend owns the restaurant. It’s one of the most popular in town. There’s no way we’d be able to get in this late without his help.
“Sure,” he says, before getting up from the couch.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m going to call Seth and run to Dad’s office. I don’t want him to try and avoid my calls.”
“I didn’t even think about that.” I frown.
“Call Alice, she won’t let her dodge your call,” Mitch says, before grabbing his keys and walking out the door.
Alice is our mother’s secretary. She has been our whole lives. I grab my phone, dialing my mother’s office, and almost immediately Alice’s voice rings through the phone.
“Hello. This is Claire Arlington’s office, Alice speaking. How may I assist you today?”
“Hi, Alice, it’s me, Marley.”
“Oh, Marley, hun, how are you doing these days?” Her professional voice all but disappears when she finds out it’s me on the other end.
“I’m doing great, Alice. I’m calling because I have a small favor to ask.” I bite down on my bottom lip, hoping like hell she’s willing to help me out.
“Of course, dear. What can I help with?”
“I’m trying to have dinner with Claire tomorrow night, but you know how she is. She likes to dodge my calls and not make any time for me. Is there any way you can clear her schedule and pencil me in?”
A text comes through from Mitch, letting me know that we have reservations at seven.
“Absolutely. Let me know what time and where and I’ll make sure she’s there.”
“You’re the best, Alice. The reservations are at seven at Rare.”
“I’m going to put down she has a dinner meeting. You know your mother, she won’t leave when she sees you, because appearances are everything. Can I help with anything else?”
“No, you’ve done enough. I truly appreciate it,” I tell her.
“Anything for you, dear. I’m glad to hear you’re doing okay,” she says, her voice softening a bit.
“Thanks, Alice.”
