Page 136 of Forbidden Fruit
I know. But you’re my daughter.
He says as if that’s reason enough to send me so much money.
I am grateful, but it’s too much.
Ryan
No, it’s not. You deserve the world. Now enjoy your day, but not too much. I’ll call tomorrow to hear all about it. Love you.
I stare at my phone, smiling like an idiot. It’s not the money, okay, it is a little bit the money, but it’s mostly the sentiment. He’s trying. And in his own dramatic, over-the-top way, he’s showing up.
Just as I put my phone down, another message flashes across the screen.
Abby
Happy birthday, Blair. Your birthday has always been the happiest day of my life. I understand you don’t want to talk to me right now, which is why I’m texting. I’m also hoping you’ll forgive me soon.
The guilt hits immediately, blooming in my chest like a bruise. No matter what she’s done or hid, Abigail was my best friend for most of my life. I can’t ignore her. I don’t want to ignore her.
With a sigh, I call her.
She picks up on the first ring. “Hi,” she says softly like she’s been holding her breath.
“Although I’m still mad at you,” I start, “I appreciate your text. And… I miss you.” My voice wobbles just enough to give me away.
“Oh, honey, I miss you so much,” she says. “Are you doing anything special today?”
“I’m going out later,” I say, brushing a curl off my forehead. “Just some club-hopping with Dylan.”
“That sounds fun. Are you seeing Calvin tonight?”
I pause, chewing on the inside of my cheek. “No, he’s in New York for a business thing.”
“I’m sorry. I know you probably miss him.”
I hesitate, then blurt out, “Are we at a point where I can talk to you about him without it being weird?”
“I’d love that,” she says. “I want to hear everything. I just didn’t know if you wanted me to… You know, be your person again.”
“I wasn’t sure if you were cool with it,” I admit. “The whole me-dating-your-ex-who-almost-became-your-husband thing.”
“Fake ex. And it’s only weird if we make it weird,” she says breezily. “Honestly, we only ever kissed, and even that was barely a peck on the lips.”
My face scrunches instinctively, the jealousy hitting faster than I can rationalize.
“And the whole almost-getting-married thing,” she adds, far too casually.
“Oh, right, and the part where he slept with your daughter while planning your wedding.”
“See?” she says with a grin I can hear through the phone. “Nothing weird at all.”
The absurdity of it sends us both into laughter, gasping for air. When it finally dies down, the silence that follows feels warm. My heart feels a little lighter. Like maybe, just maybe, it’s okay to breathe again.
From the living room, Dylan calls out, “Blair, I’m back.”
“I have to go,” I say.
“I’m glad we could laugh like this again,” Abigail replies.
