Chapter 43
Summer
After showering and changing at Richard’s under the guise of helping my mother get ready, Nick picks me up.
“You look nice,” he says, gesturing to my sundress. It’s blue—the color that Jessica helped me realize suits my skin tone. It brings out my tan and the blue in my eyes. Nick leans across the truck cab and kisses me gently on the lips.
“You look good, too.” He’s dressed up a little in jeans and a button-down. He’s wearing a jacket despite the heat. “Nervous?”
“A little. I’ve never shown my photography before.”
“People love them—the reviewers and critics all said so.”
“I know.” He backs out of the driveway, arm slung over the back of the seat. “I guess it’s different hearing what people say to your face.”
Although I want to break down and tell him everything about the postcards and the flowers at my house, I don’t. He’d tell the others and Justin would freak out and tell Richard and the whole thing would spiral. Tomorrow. I’ll tell them everything tomorrow. After the party.
Anita is waiting for us inside the shop, looking tired but excited. Nick goes to arrange the last few of his photographs. She tells me that the caterer unloaded the food and drinks into the kitchen.
“What’s wrong?” Anita says when she sees me. I plaster a smile on my face.
“Just excited, I guess. Do you think we have everything?”
“Definitely.” She holds up her master list. Each word is crossed out. “We’ll put the food on those extra tables Bobby set up this morning. I have tablecloths and the florist should be delivering flowers any time now.”
“Great.” I look her over and there’s no mistaking the faint dark shadows under her eyes and the way she’s holding her belly. “Are you okay? Did you sleep in?”
“I tried to, but this little monster kept me up all night kicking before getting the hiccups.” She sighs. “I’m fine, though. Bobby got up with Sibley and I did get a little extra sleep.”
“Don’t feel like you have to push it. I’m going to set Mom up at that table where she can sign books and I want you to sit with her. Stay off your feet.”
“No arguments there.”
We’d ordered extra of my mom’s books and set up a small table for her to greet readers. I had Nick move two comfortable chairs behind it for Anita and my mom. She’s only signing for about an hour. After that it will just be a little reception.
There’s a knock at the front door and I see several bouquets of flowers. Nick answers the door and the florist walks in carrying several arrangements of pink and purple tulips—my mother’s favorite. “Where would you like these?” she asks me.
“I’ll take them,” Anita says, despite her promise to take it easy. A moment later my mother walks in, followed by Richard. She stops and assesses the room.
“Girls, it looks amazing!”
Anita smiles and I give my mom and then Richard a hug. “There’s food and drinks—do you want some wine?” I ask. My mother nods and Richard goes to get her a glass. I show her the table and her books. “Are you ready for this?”
“I’ve been doing this for weeks now, one more night isn’t going to kill me!”
Just before the night begins, the boys come in together—all looking handsome as usual. Pete turns up the music and I can’t help but watch him…wondering, but I know in my heart there’s no way, so I get focused on the night ahead and the success my mother has earned.