Page 106 of A Whole New Play

“Your father didn’t have the same drive,” Mom rambles after seeing my reaction to her words. “He didn’t have ambition.”

That’s a lie.

Dad had plenty of drive and ambition. He just valued those he cared about more than his personal success. He put me first.

And that’s the kind of person I want to be.

“Mom…” I take a deep breath and will myself to hold strong to what I’m about to say. “I love you, but I’m going to do what I’m going to do. And while I’d appreciate your support, I don’t need it.”

Her perfectly manicured brows lift. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” I slide my chair back and stand. “I’m going to go.”

“You…” She balks. “You can’t leave. We haven’t had lunch yet.”

“I’m not hungry.” And I’m not interested in subjecting myself to her disapproval for however long the meal will last.

She sputters in disbelief. “This is incredibly rude, Valerie.”

“Sorry, Mom.” I hang my purse over my shoulder and then shrug. “But for once, I don’t care what you think.”

33

VALERIE

I walk the streets of downtown Dallas in a haze. I can’t believe I just said that to my mom.

Did that really happen?

I look down at the phone buzzing in my hand and silence her incoming call for the fourth time since I left the restaurant.

Yup… it really happened.

I expect to feel guilty.

I expect years of succumbing to Mom’s influence to keep the peace to hit me before I make it halfway down the street, but here I am, more than a block away, and I feel incredible.

My phone buzzes again as I reach the traffic light at the end of the street. I stop to wait for the signal to cross and look at the other pedestrians around me.

Many are dressed for work in suits and business skirts and blouses. Considering it’s a Monday, that’s not surprising. I look at my flowery dress and realize it’s the nicest I’ve dressed up since my birthday party.

Being a nanny means most of my days are spent running around and playing games. The clothes I used to wear Monday through Friday don’t belong in the Jones household, and I’m glad of it.

Though, I do wish I could dress up more since I’m around Carter all the time.

He makes it clear that he finds me attractive even when I’m wearing a t-shirt and shorts and sweating from chasing after Abby and Andy during a game of tag, but the seductress in me wants to know what his reaction would be if I could walk around in my low cut blouses with the top button undone just so, revealing the edge of my lace bra?—

My fantasy is interrupted by my phone vibrating in my hand. Again.

I look down, prepared to ignore yet another one of my mom’s calls when Carter’s name flashes on the screen.

With a smile, I answer, “Hello?”

“Valerie,” he huffs. “Sorry to call. I know you’re at lunch with your mom.”

“It’s okay. I just left.” The crosswalk sign turns green. I hurry across the busy road with the other pedestrians. “What’s up?” The sound of a horn honking comes through the earpiece.

“I hate to ask this,” he begins, sounding distressed, “but I need a favor.”

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