Page 97 of The Do-Over

“Oh, good. I need to put his outfit on him. Did you know they make tuxedos for dogs?” She surveyed the kitchen. “Is there anything I can do?”

Stop ruining my life? I snorted and gulped the rest of my wine, gripping the glass until my fingers hurt. “Nope, we have it under control.”

“Are you sure? I’m ready to serve.”

Oh, right. Serve your own evil plans! I laughed out loud. My mother shot me a curious look, and I slapped a hand over my mouth.

“I’m fine. We’re fine. Everything is fine.”

“Will you be wearing this”—she waved a hand in my direction—“outfit to the party?”

I yanked on my neon-yellow tank top and almost lost my balance. Hmm. Probably should lay off the wine. “No, Mother. I brought a change of clothes.”

“Good.” She came closer and pressed a kiss to my cheek. Her Mom Scent surrounded me and for one stolen moment, I wanted to curve into her, to let her hug me tight until this weird pressure in my chest disappeared. Didn’t matter how old a person was, mothers meant comfort. “I want everything to look perfect.”

And then I remembered the part about her ruining my life. And me ruining hers.

I straightened. “It will.”

Mom pressed a hand to her stomach. “Then, I’ll go make myself scarce. See you at five, dear.”

She disappeared into the hallway and my eyes followed her. That was the last time I saw Mom before the party started. The calm before the storm, or something like that.

THIRTY-NINE

“Never trust a man if his teeth are too white,

or he’s got two first names,

or he says, ‘Trust me.’”

—MIMI

I’d brought two dresses with me—one a sensible, black dress in deference to my mother. But I decided not to wear it. Instead, I changed into a pale green boho dress and white sandals, pulled my hair up at the sides, and stuck in dangling gold earrings.

It made me a little sad Nate wasn’t here, but he hadn’t been able to find a sitter for Lilah. Mathias had decided not to come for… reasons (namely, Phee). I’d even toyed with the idea of inviting Bria, who I knew would laugh outright at attending, but at least I’d have an ally. Except since our last conversation, my calls and texts to her went unanswered, her silence clearly communicating we were not allies, not even a little, at the moment. I was on my own.

Mom greeted guests, giving out hugs and air-kisses and making sure to point out the anniversary necklace my father had purchased for her. “It has thirty diamonds, one for every year we’ve been married.”

I grimaced each time she said it and it was getting harder and harder to not stand on the nearest chair and shout, Lies! You’ve not been married thirty years!

An hour into the party, and my parents’ home was cozily packed with one hundred of their closest friends. The group spilled into the backyard and settled around the many small tables strategically placed throughout. Even the weather had cooperated today, with highs only in the eighties and a tolerable amount of humidity.

In the front room of the house, the flat-screen television was playing the slide show on a loop. I searched my mother’s face in the photographs for any indication she’d resented me as a baby. Had I disappointed her even then?

The fourth glass of wine slid right past the lump in my throat.

But I held myself together, thank you very much. I smiled and nodded. I directed guests to the bathroom like a boss. I help the servers in the kitchen. I shooed Phee out of the way to go mingle. I was an efficient, organized machine, damn it.

Outside, I surveyed the festivities to look for any weaknesses, but all the guests seemed happy.

“Perci!” Mimi shouted across the yard where she’d settled in at a table next to the open bar. “Get over here.”

Mom’s head shot up at the sound, a pasted-on smile frozen on her face. Her eyes met mine and told me in one look to take care of the old lady and do it now.

I trotted over to Mimi. “What’s up?”

“Come sit down and have a drink.” Mimi waved a hand at one of the servers. “Bring my girl an old-fashioned.”