Page 95 of Let's Call a Truce
“Yeah, you’re the best mom, and we know you’re always there for us, even if you’re late sometimes.”
“I’m happy to hear that, girls, but I miss being there for you, too. Clara, you’ll remember more than Sophie, but I was there for everything before we lost your dad. It would be nice to be able to do that again.”
Clara looked at Sophie again, communicating in the silent way only sisters can. “It would be nice, but we’re also really happy. We just want you to be happy, too.”
I blinked away tears at my kind and understanding older daughter, who was much too mature for her age, right as the younger one screamed, “I don’t care, I’m not moving to Boston,” and ran away. Clara quickly said “I love you” and followed her.
“Mom, will you talk to them?”
“Of course, sweetie. But before I go, whatever decision you make they will be fine. They may fight you on Boston if that’s what you pick, but they’re still so young and will make friends and find people up there. If you choose to stay here, you have a whole community of people who can help take care of them on the days you can’t be there. I know some days you don’t feel like it, but you are a phenomenal mom, and your girls are supported and loved. Think about what you want out of life and make your decision from there.”
I thanked my mom, leaning back in the chair and dropping my head back. It was great advice, but whatdidI want out of life?
Chapter 30
“Stop second-guessing yourself. The dress is perfect.”
I had frantically called Asia when I slipped on the dress, terrified it was way too sexy. It was one thing when I was a guest, but now I was a potential employee and was freaking out.
I had already filled her in on the job offer, and she was unhelpfully supportive, telling me whatever decision I made would work out, when I needed her to tell me what to do.
“But it’s so tight, Asia,” I whined for the fourth or fifth time, and she obviously wanted to slap me through the phone.
“You didn’t bring a backup, so unless you want to go naked, this is what you got, boo.”
I groaned but forced my feet into my heels.
“I’m gonna be sick. This party is going to be miserable. Why won’t any of you just tell me what to do?”
“Because you are too smart to let people make big decisions for you. So don’t let that sketchy new friend of yours who wants to steal you from me convince you to move to Boston.”
“Ah, babe! I love when you get jealous.”
“She can try all she wants, but you’remybest friend. Even if you move to Boston. Which is why I support whatever decision you make, like the true best friend I am.”
“You’re no help and I hate you.”
“Love you, too, even when you’re being a bitch.” She blew me a kiss and ended the call before I could retaliate.
I straightened my dress, doing one last sweep of my appearance. I was pleasantly surprised by my hair, which I had pinned back on the sides but left to fall down my back in long curls. There was no frizz, and I figured it was because of the lack of humidity. Add good hair to the pros list for Boston. My makeup was expertly done, with dramatic liner and mascara to bring out my eyes, paired with a soft pink lipstick. I looked amazing, even though I worried about my dress.
I made my way down to the lobby, where our group would be waiting. We used the far-side exit because it was closer to the venue. Unfortunately, it included an extra staircase, and as I started the descent in my four-inch heels, I cursed the architects who thought it was a good idea to put an exit on a floor lower than the elevator. I didn’t know who they were, but I was 100 percent certain they’d never worn stilettos.
I got my footing down after a couple of steps and looked up from the stairs to find my group. Instead, my gaze homed in on Ben, looking perfect in his tailored tuxedo. He had combed his soft hair back, holding it in place by a bit of gel. His beard was neatly trimmed, and I couldn’t help but remember the way it brushed against my thighs. I swept his body, greedy to take in as much of him as possible.
My eyes lifted back to his face to see him doing the same to me, and his gaze felt like a phantom hand as it slid down my chest, over my hips, and down my long legs. I continued moving on autopilot, but my brain short-circuited from his eyes. They made it back up to my own, and I could see my hunger reflected in them. Our eyes remained locked for the last few steps. I stopped at the foot of the stairs, unable to break away.
He stepped forward, fierce intent written in every line of his tall frame. He stopped in front of me.
“You are breathtaking.” The quiet intensity of his words made my stomach clench.
“Isn’t she?”
Stephanie appeared out of nowhere, or perhaps I was too busy eye-screwing her ex-husband to realize. We jumped apart with guilty expressions. Even if we hadn’t done anything, we both wanted to.
“Breathtaking doesn’t cover it.” I jumped again when I realized James was also waiting in the lobby. He took my hand, kissing it in a gentlemanly fashion, before tucking my arm through the crook of his elbow.
Eduardo joined our little group, too, and the five of us stared awkwardly at each other.
