Page 104 of Writing On The Wall

“Em, your fiancé wanted to spoil you. Just accept it. Look at him,” I nudge her with an elbow. “He’d do anything to make you happy.”

She straightens, blushing slightly when Colton winks at her. And then she whips her head around and pouts while her eyes get all Disney-princess big. “Your man seems quite taken, too. Look at that smirk…and those love-sick puppy eyes he’s givingyou? I mean, who is that guy and what have you done with Ethan King?”

I lean forward and stick my tongue out at Ethan before turning my attention back to my friend. “Yeah, he’s a total sap. What can I say? Now, back to the plan.” I blink dramatically, trying to draw her attention away from the subject of Ethan and me. I love him, but I still get a bit squirmy when talking about our relationship in front of Ember, mostly because I feel guilty for hiding it from her. I stir my plastic cup of root beer with the tiny straw, making the ice clink. “How are we doing this? Do you have a dress?”

“I packed the white sundress I planned to change into for the reception, but I guess now it’s getting upgraded to the main event.” She wags her eyebrows over the rim of her glass.

“What are those two wearing? Wait,” I hold up a palm, rolling my lips in. “Don’t tell me. They own their own tuxes, don’t they?”

“See, you’re already fitting into this family so well.” Ember smiles in return. “You’re really happy with him,” she says matter of factly, her eyes softening as her hand squeezes mine. “Have you told your parents?”

I inhale deeply when I remember I need to update them. I’ve been avoiding a conversation with them, mostly because Ross’s name would eventually come up at some point. And even though he finally seems to be making better choices, I’m not sure I’m prepared for my defense of him to fall on deaf ears. Not to mention, I’m still a bit resentful. There are also so many questions I have about our dyslexia, like how a doctor and his wife could remain in denial of their own children’s struggles while going out of their way to help others.

It’s tough admitting that I feel let down by them, even though I have a better understanding of why they tried to set boundaries with Ross. But how could they miss such a huge deficit? Why couldn’t they tell we needed help? Just thinking about it is so upsetting that I’ve put offhaving any sort of conversation with them besides the usual surface-level texts. It’s always been easier to pretend I’m just peachy and allow them to assume my life is drama-free. But I’m learning that my needs are important, and I have the right to demand those answers from them. It’s past time I brought this up.

I blink away my thoughts, looking up at Ember. “They’re supposed to be back in Texas next week. I’ll introduce them to Ethan then.” I smirk. “What will you tellyourparents when you return home as Mrs. Ember King?”

“Wow. That sounds so nice,” she gushes. “I dunno. I’ll figure that out tomorrow. Right now, this is what we want. If I have to endure one more of my mother’s opinions on bouquets, I’m afraid I’ll throw one at her.”

“How very unladylike of you,” I tease, sticking my pinky out with another sip.

“She’d love that,” Ember says with a laugh.

“Excuse me ladies,” Ethan announces, his face sporting a sheepish grin as he nods at Ember. “My brother has informed me that he’s sick of looking at my face and would prefer to see yours, Flames.”

“Or maybe you just wanna make out with your girlfriend.” Ember smirks as she lifts herself out of her seat.

He slides into the empty space beside me, his delicious scent washing over me in an instant. “Always,” he rasps, flashing a wink and his most devilish grin.

Contrary to Ember’s accusation, we actually spend the rest of our short flight Googling things to do tomorrow. Colton and Ember will spend one more night in Vegas before flying home, but Ethan and I will have a good few hours to kill before catching our return flight tomorrow afternoon.

By the time we make it through the airport and to the hotel, it’s already seven o’clock.

“You ladies have a room to yourselves. Eth and I will getready next door.” Colton smiles after tapping a key card to our door and walking in. He does a quick survey of the room before placing a kiss on Ember’s lips. “Pick you up in forty-five minutes?”

“I’ll be waiting.” She beams, radiating the gooey kind of love that makes your eyes constantly misty from all the undiluted happiness.

Once the guys leave, I tell Ember she can have first dibs on the shower. I plop myself onto the end of the bed, staring blankly at the phone in my hands. I inhale, feeling a tightness in my chest as I navigate to my mom’s contact. My eyes pinch closed as I press call.

“Hi, sweetheart!”

“Hey, Mom. How are you and Dad? Are you on your way home?”

“We’re tired, but ready to be home. We’re in Dubai. Our flight leaves in a few hours, but… Oh, Ivy, this trip was phenomenal! I can’t wait to come back here. I could eat this food every day. So many cultures merged together. It’s the most beautifully diverse community,” she rambles.

“That sounds amazing.” I smile, happy to hear the joy in her voice.

“How’s the house coming along? The photos look stunning. I’m so impressed with what you’ve done.”

“Thanks. It’s actually all finished, thanks to some help. Ember’s soon-to-be brother-in-law, Ethan, is a contractor, and we’ve been working together…” Now I’m the one rambling as I spew out little updates while trying not to blurt out the fact that said contractor isalso my boyfriend. “He’s actually given Ross a job, too…” I add, feeling my heart drumming in my chest. This is my segue into that taboo topic that usually gets shut down within seconds.

“Oh, honey…”

My stomach dips at the sympathy coating her words. Like she pities me for falling for another one of Ross’s empty promises.

“Mom, just listen, okay. I know Ross has let you guys down…a lot. But I promise, he’s actually taking responsibility this time. He’s open to getting help…”

“Ivy…he does this?—”

---