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I’ve avoided visits with her for so long, I nearly forgot what she looked like. But there she was, striding through the airport like she owned the place.
“Olivia,” she says now, “it never hurts to be late to things. Stars are late all the time. That’s how to make a good entrance, you know. If you’re going into the television business, you should learn these things. I remember when I was onJosie’s Glory, your father and I got asked out to parties in Hollywood all the time, and we always made a point of getting there two hours late at least. Three, sometimes, or four. The later the better. Onlyaveragepeople get to events on time. You don’t want to be considered average, do you?”
“What I want is to be there when my brother marries the love of his life,” I say through gritted teeth.
The car in front of me is going five below the speed limit, so I check my rear-view mirror and put my blinker on. When I spot a big enough gap in the traffic to my left, I merge that way and sail past the slower car.
All the while, my passenger goes on, waving her unlit cigarette like it’s a prop.
“No, no. We can be late. Your father will notice. Who’s he with these days, anyway? That floozy from Laguna Beach?”
This isn’t about you and Dad,I think, as I press my foot to the gas.
It’s about Trent—his big day.
Being there for him. Can’t she see that? No.
In my mother’s world, she’s always front and center. I wonder if that’s the kind of life I’m heading for….
Iamdue to go into show business, like her. I’ve been speaking with the producer ofDream Vacation, and I’m supposed to send in my one-year contract today.
It’s on my phone, all ready to go. All I have to do is attach it to an email and hit send.
I’ve been putting that off, though…
My mother braces her hand against the dash. “Olivia! Must you drive like you’re maneuvering a taxi through New York City? I’m sick as it is, thanks to that flight.”
I read the signs as they pass, looking for I-70, and do my best to ignore her complaints.
She sighs and goes on. “Well, even if he’s still with that tart, I’m sure it won’t last. Your father has a wandering eye. Always has.Men…”
She sighs. “What about you? You haven’t married without telling me, have you? No ring, so if you have, it ended quickly…”
“No, I haven’t married.”
“Seeing anyone?”
“No.” I think of Cole as I merge left again, onto the I-70 ramp.
I’ve missed him since getting back to Silver Creek. The wedding business has kept me busy though, and so has getting ready for my new job.
Busy… and distracted. So, I can’t keep turning over my grandmother’s words.
Does Cole want to go on more adventures with me?
“I’m sure you’re beside yourself with jealousy then,” she says. “Seeing your brother tie the knot while you stand by like some old spinster. But don’t fret, honey. Show business will fix all that. You’ll have everything you need: approval, adoration, admiration. All from your fans. What a high! Youmustarrange for me to come to the set.”
I clench my jaw, then reach for the radio dial and crank it up.
“I love this song.”
I don’t even know this song. Music fills the car, and I feel my heartbeat hammering, thanks to my frustration. Then, in a flash,I hear Skye’s voice in my mind:‘Let’s lay down our defenses.’I reach for the dial and turn it back down.
“Beryl, I’m sorry, but I have to say something. Something honest, for once, to you. I love you. You’re my mother. But how you treated me and Cole wasn’t fair. You never made time for us because your work came first. And I don’t want to live like that.”
She draws in a sharp breath. Her hand that’s holding the cigarette freezes. She stiffens.
I can feel her sharp eyes pinned on me. “Olivia!” she says, with one big whooshing sound. “That’s… that’s what you think?”
