Page 13 of Forever Writing You

Subject: Re: RSVP

Dahlia,

What part of “I don’t want to see you at my wedding” was unclear for you?

Don’t embarrass yourself by trying to show up. I will personally ensure that security won’t let you through the doors.

Feel free to get your chicken from the closest KFC.

Subject: Fwd: Re: RSVP

Fuck you, Everett.

I’m trying to be cordial, since my mom’s garden IS handling all the arrangements for this ill-fated event.

Speaking of which, I know you’re wealthy and all these days, but spending half a million on flowers is overkill…

P.S. Did you invite any of Carmen’s secret lovers to the wedding? Do they get special seats?

Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: RSVP

I don’t remember you being the jealous type when we were together.

How unfortunate.

Nonetheless, how I spend half a million dollars is none of your business. But since I spent that on a new car last week, I think I’ll be fine.

P.S. Carmen doesn’t have any “secret lovers” because she would never cheat on me.

She isn’t you.

SEVEN

Dahlia

“She isn’t you…”

I logged out of my email, letting his last three words hit my chest.

“Hosta plants need shade to survive, Dahlia!” Aunt Gertrude stormed into my kitchen, completely uninvited. “You left them out in the sun yesterday and you know better!”

“It wasn’t on purpose,” I said. “I just left the garden early.”

“Yeah, I noticed that.” She glared at me. “Right after staring at your phone for hours, looking as lost as you seem right now. Your mother would never do such a thing. She’d be highly disappointed in you.”

I stood up from the table and walked outside.

“Don’t walk away from me, girl.” She followed me. “I’m talking to you. You didn’t soak the magnolias and you left baby cypress trees in the sun. Don’t you remember these basics?”

“No.” I turned around to face her. “No, I do not.”

I noticed tears falling down her face, too.

“I’m sorry.” She pulled me into a hug. “I’m so sorry… I will help you remember later. Take the rest of the week off, okay?”

“I can’t.” I shrugged. “I don’t have anything else to do but sit around and cry.”

“Have you read the final letter your mother left for you?”

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