Page 6 of Better Watch Out
Sitting up, Frannie tried to make sense of Vivian’s words. “I called you last night?”
“Yes,” Vivian said. “You were sobbing. Something about dreams, a bucket list, and a pig named Calvin. I’m taking a guess here that you aren’t talking about an actual pig, though it is New York, so … tell me what’s going on.”
Frannie dropped her forehead into her free palm and stifled a groan at having to relive last night’s events yet again but if there was anyone whom she trusted not to give her the “I told you so” speech, it was Vivian.
Dragging the comforter off the bed, Frannie pulled it to the chair by the window and curled into it as she rehashed the most embarrassing night of her life. The tears didn’t come, thankfully, but the anger resurfaced. How had she allowed herself to get so caught up in some wild fantasy?
Just like your mother.
The words still stabbed at her, eliciting the same painful ache that had her wanting to run and hide. Prove they were wrong. Shewasn’tjust like her mom.
“Frannie?”
So much for not crying. Frannie swiped at her face with the edge of the sweatshirt she’d thrown on over her pajamas to stay warm.
“Frannie?”
“I’m here.” She sniffled. “Are you going to tell me I’m a royal idiot?”
“No, because you’re not.” Vivian’s soft tone was soothing but didn’t hint at pity, which Frannie was grateful for. “Sounds to me like Calvin didn’t make it clear what his expectations were for your relationship while he was away and likely was keeping you as a plan B, the jerk face.”
Frannie rolled her shoulders back, feeling a little empowered by Vivian’s support. “He’s a total jerk face.” Her mood shifted. Man, she was glad her brother didn’t mess up with Vivian because it was nice having her as a sister. “So, what do I do now?”
“What do you want to do?”
Emerging from the comforter, Frannie got to her feet and pulled the heavy curtains back, allowing the morning light to fill her room. “I don’t know. It’s embarrassing. And I practically spent my entire savings to come here.”
Frannie recognized a small voice echoing in the background. Her brother and Vivian had adopted their daughter, Jisoo, from Korea and she was the most adorable little girl in the world. Frannie hated that they lived in Washington, D.C., but weekly FaceTime video chats made her feel closer to her niece.
“Why don’t you eat a nice breakfast and think about what you want to do? There’s nothing to be embarrassed about if you go back home.”
Vivian was wrong about that. Walton was not a big town and everyone knew everything about everyone including Frannie and Calvin’s relationship. When she decided to fly to New York, it didn’t take long for the speculation of a proposal to hit the streets faster than an army of ants on fried chicken at the church picnic.
“I’m sure I can find a bagel shop nearby. Those are supposed to be good here, right?”
Vivian’s voice was muffled, talking to Jisoo before she came back to the line. “I’ve never had one but I’m sure they’re great. I hate to rush off but I have to get Jisoo to school and she’s lost the only shoe she’s willing to wear today. I haven’t had enough coffee to deal with another tantrum while Ryan is away.”
Frannie felt guilty for laying her boyfriend troubles on Vivian while Ryan was away on assignment. “Have you been able to talk to him?”
“Yeah, he tries to call every night but the time difference isn’t helping. No, Jisoo, you cannot wear ballet slippers because it’s freezing outside. Hey, I’ve gotta run but I’ll check in with you once I drop her off at school.”
“No problem, I know you’re busy. Thanks for calling and checking on me. Do you think you can call my mom and maybe let her know I’m fine?” She really wasn’t in the mood to explain the whole ordeal one more time.
“I can do that.”
“You’re the best, Viv.”
“Love you, Frannie.”
“Love you too.”
Frannie ended the call and shivered. Maybe a hot shower and some breakfast would be good. There was a knock on the door and she was grateful to find the hotel maintenance guy there … until he showed her that the thermostat in her room had been switched to the AC, so no matter how high she raised the temperature it wouldn’t kick on. As soon as he pressed the button for heat, the vents roared to life with warm air and she could’ve hugged the man.
She didn’t. Instead, she thanked him and felt her mood lift again. By the time she was finished with an extra-long, extra-hot shower, and dressed, Frannie’s heart hurt less. Would going back home be so bad? She could give a quick explanation that she and Calvin realized they were in different places and … and it wouldn’t matter how she explained it. Some might believe her but others were sure to imagine the worst—especially when his engagement announcement was posted all over social media.
Another knock on her door halted her thoughts from taking another dark turn. She checked the peephole. A man in a hotel uniform stood there with a tray in his hand.
Leaving the chain in place, Frannie opened the door.
