Chapter 4
Vivian
A week later
As I step into the house holding Riley’s hand, the smell of sizzling bacon catches my attention, instantly awakening my appetites on Saturday morning. I set my keys and bag down on the end table by our front door, and notice my dad has cleaned up while we were out.
I can tell because it smells like lemon, the wooden floors are shining with the light coming through the clear windows, and the clothes that had been left in the laundry basket have been folded neatly into piles—mine and Riley’s.
Riley’s little hand slips from mine, and with a burst of energy she sprints toward the kitchen, her long thick chestnut hair with her white bow attached, swaying with each step.
I follow behind, struggling with the heavy shopping bags that threaten to cut off circulation in my arms. Just in time, Dad comes to my rescue, relieving me of the heavy load with a warm smile.
“Are you hungry?” he asks as he sets the bags down in the kitchen.
I nod eagerly, my stomach growling in anticipation. “Starving. Thanks for cleaning the house. It looks great, Dad.”
He responds by giving me a kiss on the top of my head. “Anytime, sweetheart.”
Once we step into the kitchen, I spot a mountain of pancakes stacked high on the table, surrounded by crispy strips of bacon, buttery scrambled eggs, warm maple syrup, and of course, freshly squeezed orange juice.
All waiting to be devoured.
The rich, comforting smell of breakfast fills the air, and my stomach rumbles again in response.
“This all look delicious, thank you,” I say.
He waves me off, a smile tugging at his mouth. “Stop thanking me, I’m your dad, for god’s sake.”
I smile but the sound of the front door opening catches my attention, and my dad and I both look at each other with confusion.
“Knock, knock, guess who?” Mindy’s familiar voice rings out, signaling her arrival for lunch.
Riley’s face lights up at her voice. “Auntie!” she shouts before bouncing off her stool and running toward the door.
“Come here, you little cutie,” Mindy coos, her voice tinged with affection as Riley throws herself into her arms, giving her a tight hug.
This place is like Mindy’s second home; she adores it even more than the bustling town center. Nestled in the heart of nature, my house sits in the fields, offering a peaceful retreat, which is why she loves it so much.
My favorite view is from my bedroom window. I get this gorgeous view of the countryside, complete with horses galloping in the nearby ranches.
“Mommy, look what Auntie Minnie bought me!” She shoves a pink, sparkly plastic microphone into my face.
“Wow! That’s so cool, Riley.”
She’s all giddy and shows my dad her new toy.
I squint my eyes and give Mindy the I’m going to kill you look.
She covers her cheeky grin with her hand.
Mindy walks toward me with her arms wide open. “Come on,” she starts, shaking her head and pouting her lips, “you know you love me.”
She’s right, I really do. I roll my eyes and accept her hug.
We’ve been best friends since our early twenties, almost seven years of friendship, but it feels like a lifetime.
We met at a college frat party, she had too much to drink that night and was about to strip on the table until I stopped her from embarrassing herself as her so-called “friends” were too busy recording her.
She didn’t like that at first, but when she sobered up, she realized how fake her friends were and claimed I’d be her new best friend. Little did I know she meant it.
“As if I don’t have enough with the drunken customers doing karaoke at work, now you’ve brought it home to me.
” I laugh because I find it hilarious and adorable when I glance up at Riley singing one of her favorite song in the whole world, “Dancing Queen” by ABBA with my dad, who claimed to hate that song when my mom would turn it on when I was little.
It’s one of my favorite songs, the memories it holds are so precious to me, and now, witnessing it as a mom, makes it even more precious.
Mindy says hello to my dad then turns to me. “So, are you working tonight? Please tell me you’re free.” She gives me the puppy eyes and pouts. “I need quality time with my best friend,” she adds.
“What do you have in mind?” I give her a curious look.
Her Saturday nights consist of men, drinks, and Honky-Tonks, which is the home of live music, line dancing, and reckless mistakes ready to happen. Last time I was there, Trevor was too. We would go often with Mindy and some of his friends—it was always such a good night.
Usually ended with Mindy drunk out of her mind on the electronic bull, which had our stomachs in knots from all the laughing.
One time, she wore a dress which resulted in her showing her whole ass with her pink thong to the crowd, not like it bothered her, instead she lifted one arm in the air while the rest of the audience and us were all cheering and whistling until she eventually fell onto the air mattress, giggling.
Mindy gives me a playful grin. “Honky-Tonks,” she sing-songs.
I know that’s what she has in mind. I’m sure it would be good for me to enjoy a night out like I used to, but it feels wrong and weird.
“I don’t know, Min, I’m not feeling up for it yet,” I murmur. “Besides, I can’t leave my dad with Riley again,” I add, in hopes he backs me up, so I don’t have to go to Honky-Tonks.
My dad raises his arms in surrender. “Hey, I’m ready for karaoke and cookies tonight with my little bean.”
Riley cheers and shouts into the mic, causing Mindy to cover her ears. Dad walks toward me and places his hand on my shoulder.
“You deserve it, you can’t just live through your twenties working and staying stuck at home.”
There’s a few seconds of silence between the three of us as Riley leaves the room singing “Let It Go” into her mic.
I look up at him as he continues speaking. “Darlin’, you do so much for Riley, why don’t you do something for yourself tonight and try to have some fun?”
He’s right. Since the accident, I haven’t had a social life, it’s been the same routine repeatedly—work and Riley. I can’t complain about my little girl, she’s the reason I held myself together the best I could. I had to be strong for her.
I stare at Mindy, who’s nodding her head in agreement with a small smile on her face.
As I fidget with my necklace, I close my eyes for a second. Baby steps, right? Even though going to a rowdy, loud bar is far from baby steps…but Mindy will be with me.
I take a deep breath. “Okay, I’ll go.”
Mindy squeals in excitement, throwing her arms around me for a hug, which forces a smile onto my face.
“Oh my god. I’m so happy! Let’s find you something to wear.” She glances over at the lunch my dad’s set out on the table. “But first, let’s eat.” She grabs a piece of crispy bacon and takes a bite as she sits down. “Riley!” she shouts.
We hear tiny footsteps hurrying down the stairs. “I was busy!” she says as she crosses her arms.
Mindy raises an eyebrow. “Okay, fine, no bacon for you.” And takes another dramatic bite.
Riley huffs and plops down in her chair. “Okay, I’m hungry.”
We all chuckle; she’s so dramatic.
After we stuff ourselves, Mindy and I clean up the dishes while Riley keeps us company with random stories, her little voice full of energy.
Once I’m in the bathroom, I take my time with the shower, letting the hot water wash away the stress. I shave, finally—it’s been way too long—and do my skin care routine, taking the extra time to pamper myself.
* * *
Feeling refreshed and actually a little excited, I’m seated on my bed, my soft smoky eye makeup perfectly done, my dark brunette hair cascading in loose curls over my shoulders.
Across the room, Min is effortlessly piecing together outfits while she talks herself through the options as if I’m not even there. After a brief debate between a pair of jeans and a skirt, she finally settles on her choice.
“Okay, put these on.” She hands me the low-waisted jeans I haven’t worn since before I was pregnant with Riley.
I stare at the jeans then at Mindy. “You’re kidding, right?” I point at them. “I can’t wear those. I didn’t even know I still had them!” I throw them onto the bed.
Min gives me a puzzled look and grabs the jeans again.
“Try them on, you may not be as skinny as you used to be, but you still have an amazing body.” She peeks behind me. “With a bigger ass too.” She winks.
I laugh because it’s true, I’m a little curvier than I used to be—which isn’t a bad thing.
Luckily, working at a bar has its perks, like constantly being on my feet walking about, which burns calories, so I’ve got a pretty fit figure.
My body changed after my pregnancy—it isn’t something I’m ashamed or embarrassed about, but trying clothes on from before pregnancy is a different story.
I’m not going to fight her on this. I squeeze into the jeans, and they actually fit me better than last time I wore them. My hips pop out more than before making me have an hour-glass figure.
I wait for Min’s approval.
“Give me a turn.” She motions her finger around.
I do as she says while she analyzes me.
Mindy nods approvingly, her eyes scanning me up and down with a smile. “You look amazing, Viv. I love it,” she says, handing me a light brown corset with a matching belt.
I raise an eyebrow at her, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.
Okay, now she’s really pushing it.
“Mindy.”
“Try it,” she insists.
I hesitate, but there’s a mischievous twinkle in her eye, and I can’t help but roll my eyes and give in.
“Fine, fine.”
To my surprise, as I slip into the outfit, I feel…sexy.
Lately, it’s been all about sweatpants, hoodies, mom jeans, and T-shirts. But tonight, I look different. I feel a little confident.
I smile at Min. Her mouth is slightly open, her eyes all glassy and dramatic, like she’s seconds from happy-crying all over my outfit.
“Thank you,” I say, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her in tight. “Feels like forever since I’ve looked this good.”