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“Yeah, I’m fucking serious.” Hades started to walk away. “Give me ten minutes, then play it again.”
If he was going to do this, then he’d do it right. All for her.
Vada fucking Monroe.
Chapter Fifteen
Vada stood in the background, taking a moment for herself. It had been the first time all day. The wedding had been better than she could’ve imagined, even with all the little hiccups along the way. Saint said it best: “Perfection is an illusion.” It signified her life.
“Well, honey, your mother’s being a party pooper.”
Vada spun around and battened down her amusement. They had stayed far longer than Vada had expected. She’d periodically checked up on them but made it a point to enjoy her night. She did catch a few conversations her mother shared with various people, mostly the older folks.
Her mom squinted, almost in a playful manner. It wasn’t something Vada had seen often. But when she did, it was always with her sister, Gloria.
“It’s after ten, and we have an early flight.”
Gloria scoffed, waving her hand. “Back in the day, ten meant the night was just getting started.”
“We’re not twenty anymore, Gloria.”
“And we’re not dead either, Carolyn.” Gloria nudged her arm playfully, and Vada’s mom let a small smile slip.
This was a relationship Vada would’ve loved to have witnessed in real-time during their youth. There was an adoration between the two women. It showcased her mother in a different light. A softer one.
Vada was unprepared for the hurricane that was Allie on too much caffeine. The rule of soda on special occasions had been amplified with free refills at the bar and no parental supervision. Allie wrapped her arm around Vada’s waist.
“Motherhood, huh?” Gloria winked.
“I love it.” Vada glanced down at Allie, smiling.
“It suits you.” Her mother said.
It was a rare compliment and somehow one that meant a lot to her. There was an awkward silence as she stood around with women from her past and her future. Vada hadn’t done formal introductions with Allie. She’d thought about it but didn’t want to put Allie in an uncomfortable position with her mother. Of course, there was no getting out of it now.
Vada wrapped her arm around Allie and slid her hand over her back in a comforting motion. Without realizing it, Vada was also taking a protective stand with Allie.
“Aunt Gloria and Mom, I’d like you to meet Allie. My daughter.”
Her aunt, who was animated on a bad day, fawned over Allie. And Allie soaked it up. Some people just had a gift for making others feel at ease in delicate situations. That was Aunt Gloria. When her aunt stepped to the side, Vada could feel Allie tense under her hand. Her mother smiled at Allie and offered her hand.
“Allie, it is very nice to meet you.”
Allie was cautious but shook her hand. “Hi.”
“That’s a beautiful dress. I love how it matches your mom’s.”
Her mother could’ve easily used Vada’s name, but she didn’t. That was an effort to right a wrong that hadn’t gone unnoticed.
Allie blushed, falling deeper into Vada’s side. “I got to help pick it out.”
“Well.” Her mother glanced up at Vada and smiled, then looked back at Allie. “You have very good taste.”
She felt Allie ease under the compliment. “Thank you.”
This small interaction wouldn’t change what happened in the past or erase what had been said. But it was kind and, more importantly, a step in a positive direction.
“Well,” Gloria said but then suddenly stopped, eyeing Vada’s wrist. Her brows knitted, and she leaned closer. “Is that…”
