Page 47

Mindy

“That was intense.” I watch Maverick and Maddox stalk out.

“That’s because the two of you have been stupid.” Louisella walks up. “And you both need to learn how to protect yourselves.”

“I know how to protect myself.”

She raises an eyebrow at me.

“I really do. My mom taught me.”

“You need a little more practice. And don’t you look all shy back there, Dahlia. You can’t rely on that boy of yours to protect you all the time. Though he’s very good at it, he can’t be with you every second of the day. We’ll start your lessons soon. Now on to more important things. Emilia told me you’d be attending her Sunday dinners. That is completely unacceptable.”

What?

“You will need to alternate Sundays with my family. And if you dare get married at her house, I won’t forgive you. Dahlia showed immense reason by eloping at mine.”

Um, what? But I don’t dare ask this crazy lady anything, let alone correct her wild notions. Because if I’m not wrong, she just hinted at me getting married to Maddox.

“Ah, there’s Dyce. That’s my cue to leave.” Louisella stalks off.

“Huh?”

Dahlia leans in and whispers, “I think the two of them have some weird truce where they don’t get near one another. It’s wild, but I think Louisella might be a little afraid of Maddox’s cousin.”

Scared of Maddox’s cousin? She looks so sweet.

“Hey Dahlia.” Dyce walks up and gives her a hug. “How is marriage treating you? Do you need me to help you with a divorce yet?”

Dahlia grins. “It’s wonderful. When he isn’t driving me out of my mind.”

“That’s what guys are good for.” She turns to me. “You must be Mindy. Everyone seems to be talking about you lately.”

That definitely isn’t good.

“Except for my cousin. He seems decidedly quiet. Why is that?”

Um. How should I know? “He doesn’t like being beaten at chess.” I shrug.

“You beat Maddox at chess? Dyce bursts out laughing. “He hasn’t lost in years and years. No wonder why—"

My shiny new phone rings. Winnie gave me some wild excuse about it being shattered into a million pieces that I didn’t believe when she handed this to me. “One second. I’ve got to take this.”

“Hi, Mom.”

“Mindy, sweetheart, is that really you?”

“Yes, Mom. I had a bit of a cold.”

“I’ve been trying to reach you for weeks.”

Obviously not by calling me. Because I don’t have any missed calls from her number. And this one isn’t glitchy like the old one. “What’s going on?”

“Did you move? I went to your address on 9th.”

Only six times since I lived there. “Yes, Mom.”

“Well, why didn’t you give me your new address?”

I did every time, well, except this one, since it’s just temporary. “Sorry about that, Mom.”

“As you should be. It’s very important that a mother knows where her daughter is. Especially at moments like this.”

Uh oh. Has she had another big breakup? I don’t know if I have the energy to pull her together.

“I need you to meet me at the address I’m sending you as soon as possible.”

“Mom, now—”

“Mindy, I need you.”

“Fine, I’m leaving now.”

“Put a brush through your hair before you come. You know how it upsets me to see you looking all messy.”

“Mom—”

“Is it too much for a mother to want her daughter to look presentable at all times? People judge you on how you look, and I always want the world to see my beautiful, intelligent daughter. Not a mess.”

Who does she want me to meet? “I’ll go change.”

“Good, now hurry up. I’ll be waiting for you.”

Perish the thought she might have to wait a minute for me. It’s so tempting to ignore her and go back to talking to my friends. But she’s still my mother. I turn around and face them. “Sorry. I’ve got to go.”

“Now?” Dahlia asks?

“Yeah. It’s important. It was nice meeting you, Dyce. We’ll have to get together again soon.” I run off to change. Thankfully, Winnie stocked my closet with clothing that my mom will find acceptable. I don’t know what I would have done without them. Sometime soon, I need to get my stuff from Adonis’ place.

A shudder runs through me at the thought.

I'd better hurry as fast as my tired, achy body will let me.

***

Of course, Mom picked one of the priciest restaurants in Urbium. At least changing made sense. If I tried to enter wearing jeans and a nice blouse, they probably would have booted me out.

A man in a penguin suit opens the door as I walk up. That has to get hot in the summer. “Thank you.”

The ma?tre d’ greets me.

“My name is Mindy Peters.”

“Ah, Ms. Peters, your party is already seated. I’ll bring you to them.”

Party? Great. Mom definitely met a new guy. They must be serious. Or he could be all about family, and she wants to reel him in with me. I’m not a cute little kid anymore, but I can make her seem motherly and caring.

The man sitting next to her is fine. Though Mom always picks elegant men. He’s probably in his mid to upper fifties, possibly lower sixties. From his perfectly styled hair to his buffed nails and cufflinks, this man screams old money.

I already hate him.

Mom clearly loves him or at least thinks she does.

Which means I need to be nice to him. Thank you, Winnie, for this amazing dress that didn’t cost ten dollars at the local thrift store.

That man would know.

He’ll probably know that I’m just pretending to be comfortably off, but really, I’m homeless at the moment.

“Mindy, sweetheart, it’s so good to see you.” My mom stands up and hugs me.

Yup, it’s definitely impress the rich guy day. Oh joy.

“Mom.” I give her the perfectly crafted hug. It’s not too tight to wrinkle her dress, but close enough to look genuine and caring.

“I want you to me, my fiancé, Percival Linckester.”

Oh, that’s definitely an old-money name.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my dear. Your mother gushes about you all the time.”

The real me or the imaginary one in her mind?

We all sit down.

Mom reaches over and takes Percival’s hand in hers. “We wanted to tell you the good news in person. We’re getting married.”

Shocker.

I hope she ironed out the details of the prenup already, because this guy probably has his money locked down hard, and Mom never marries unless there’s something in it for her. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for the two of you.” And so not ready for the divorce that’s sure to happen in the next year or two. “When’s the big day?”

“Well, about that...” She blushes prettily.

“What your mother is trying to say is that our nuptials are being celebrated this weekend.”

This weekend? “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.” Keep that fake smile up.

“It seems your invitation got lost in the mail. But don’t worry, we saved your seat. Since, of course, you’ll be my maid of honor.”

Wonderful. “Oh. How will I ever get a dress made in time?” Like Mom would accept anything less than a custom dress from this man.

“Don’t you worry. I stood in for you since we are almost the same size. I’ve managed to keep my measurements the same since high school.”

That’s because you haven’t eaten a whole meal since I was little. “Well then, that will work perfectly.”

“And I don’t want you to worry about being alone during the event. Percival has a nephew who agreed to keep you company.”

What?

No. The last time you tried to fix me up at one of your weddings, he collected stamps and swivel sticks and invited me to his mother’s basement to see them. She kept every single thing from his childhood, including his first diaper. I don’t care how good a job he has. “Oh, that was so kind of you, Percival. It’s just that I already have a boyfriend.”

“What?” Mom’s eyes pinch in. “Why didn’t you tell me you were dating? I haven’t met him. Are you sure he’s a reputable man? Percival, can I prevail upon you to ensure that this boy is good enough for my Mindy?”

He pats her hand. “Of course, it would be my pleasure. Why don’t you bring this boy with you to the wedding so I can get to know him better?”

“How absolutely brilliant. That’s why I love you so much.” She touches his arm.

Gagging at the table would be so wrong.

But worse than that is the fact that I have to find a boyfriend before the weekend.