Page 57 of Open Net

“We’re just pigging out.” Madi waved a chip in the air.

“Oh good. I’m glad you found your appetite, Emma.”

I smiled and took another bite. My desire to eat and even shower had grown the longer she was here. Her presence was enough to help me sleep at night. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust the girls, but there was something different about knowing my mom was around to help and get Jackson at night. We were both eating and sleeping better with grandma around.

I just had to hold on to the new wave of positivity. I hadn’t cried in almost six hours. It was a record. The dark thoughts of not being enough and the guilt wasn’t suffocating me. I just prayed the good feeling would last.

Chloe walked in, carrying a box. She dropped it on the island and started pulling out binders, folders, and what I was pretty sure was a photo album. Who had those anymore? Everything lived on our phones or computers.

“What’s all this?” Mom asked, staring at me and Madi for an explanation.

“This is everything we need to plan the best gala yet.” Chloe said with a smile.

I groaned but Chloe didn’t hear me over her mumbling to herself.

Madi smiled and shook her head. “Is all of this really necessary? You’ve planned this fundraiser five times already.”

Chloe narrowed her eyes. “And they’ve gotten better each year, right?”

I nodded. “You’re right. They always top the previous year.”

Mom and Madi studied me like they knew I was lying but Chloe nodded and moved on, which was all that mattered.

“You do a wonderful job but I’m sure with how organized you are this will be a breeze.” I shot Madi a look and she instantly started nodding.

“You’re so right, Emma. We’ll get this all done today.”

Chloe snorted. “Yeah right. You can’t plan the perfect event in a day.”

“Watch me.” Madi mumbled low enough for only me to hear. I covered my mouth to hide my smile.

I pulled the closest binder toward me and opened it up. It was full of images and articles of the past galas. Chloe had already gone through and added sticky notes to things she liked. I flipped through and froze on a photo of me and Olli.

We were smiling at each other, laughing. You could see the love between us. He was watching me like I was the only woman in the room, and I looked like I wouldn’t have noticed a marching band pass by. We were lost in our own beautiful world.

“That’s a great picture of you guys.”

I glanced up to see Mom smiling at me. I nodded and flipped the page over. It hurt to be reminded of what we once were. I wanted to take down the happy photos around the house, but I decided to ignore them instead. Taking them down felt too dramatic and I knew the girls would bring it up. It wasn’t worth having to talk about it.

“I’m thinking of an old Hollywood theme. What do you guys think?” Chloe turned to us with excitement.

I nodded.

Madi agreed. “That’s perfect. We can find vintage dresses and everything.”

“That sounds lovely, Chloe.” Mom said, making Chloe beam.

“Thanks. I’m glad you guys like it because I might have already started planning with that theme in mind.”

I wanted to roll my eyes, but I shouldn’t have been surprised. “So, what can we do?”

“I need you to pick out invitations and send the information to the printer.” She shared a look with Madi. “And I need you to call the caterer and set an appointment with them for next week.”

“Sounds good.”

After picking out tablecloths and a DJ, the girls left to go home to their own families. Mom started making dinner while I fed Jackson.

“You know honey, if planning this gala is too much for you, I think Chloe would understand.”