Page 57 of Counting the Stars

“Don’t screw this up,” my mother whisper-hisses as soon as the door closes. “That woman is perfect for you. She issophisticated and successful. I wasn’t exaggerating when I said she’ll take over my job one day. She’s going to be a star.”

I narrow my eyes at my mother. “Is she perfect for me or perfect for you because I don’t know if you noticed, but we have two very distinct tastes. To bring someone here when you knew I was bringing Gabby is insulting to me, to Gabby, and to your colleague.”

“Alex.” Here comes my father’s two cents. “The Abby girl—”

“Her name is Gabby,” I cut him off. “Gabriella, to be exact, and you haven’t even met her.”

“I know she’s a nurse in that silly beach town you call home.” My father’s face hardens. “The fact of the matter is your date isn’t compatible with our lifestyle. Octavia fits in seamlessly with the family. You can move back here and work on getting a different job…”

“How could you both stoop so low?” My hands shake with anger. “I know you don’t like the choices I’ve made, and I’m sorry I couldn’t make you proud. Gabby is one of my best friends and we’re working toward something more. I’m not going to screw that up because my parents want me to move back home and date their protégé. I wasn’t happy in Elmwood Grove. I stayed longer than I should have, trying to appease everyone.”

My parents both stare at me, stunned. I’ve never stood up for myself like this before.

I back up a step and continue. “I love you both and I wish you the best. Why can’t you do the same for me? I’ve made my choices. I’m happy with who I’ve become and with the people who support me back in Starboard Beach. You need to accept that and until you do, I don’t think there’s any more we can say to each other.”

“You and that damn town,” my mother seethes. The disgust in her voice is palpable. “It’s so embarrassing to think that my son doesn’t even own his own home but lives in some condo with a roommate. You’re going to be thirty years old, Alejandro. Yet you hang out with your condo friends like you’re still a kid in a college dorm.”

“I choose to live in a condo because I’m not home a lot. Taking on a roommate helps keep my bills low because I never want to ask for a handout. And those friends? They’re genuine. They like me for who I am, not who I’m related to.”

“You wouldn’t have to worry about bills if you had a better job.” My father puffs out his chest like he’s ready to fight. His choice to argue over money rather than having genuine friends is no surprise.

“I love being a firefighter. Yeah, the salary isn’t as glamorous as yours, but the pride I get from helping others is worth more than a large paycheck.” With adrenaline soaring through my veins, I begin pacing the room. “You know, it’s funny that you say Gabby doesn’t ‘fit in’ because I never felt like I fit into this family either.”

“Maybe you didn’t try hard enough.” My father’s face reddens. “For years, I tried to convince myself that you were in some sort of rebellious phase in your life. Yet you’ve never grown out of it. Think about your future, son. Moving back home will give you everything you need for the rest of your life. Some people would kill for an opportunity like this…to be a member of this family.”

“Maybe it’s time for you to accept me for who I am.” With that, my parents go silent. I’ve tried to react passively when it comes to my family, but I can’t take it anymore. “I think it would be in everyone’s best interest if Gabby and I leave. Congratulations on your forty-five years of marriage. I canonly hope that one day, I too will celebrate several decades surrounded by people who love me.”

“Alex, we love you.” My mother’s voice quivers and I actually think it’s legit this time. “We just—”

“Want what’s best for me,” I finish the sentence I’ve heard so many times before. I know deep down they love me. They just have a funny way of showing it. With that, I open the door to a flustered-looking Octavia who I’m sure was trying to eavesdrop.

“Oh. Hi!” She pretends to smooth out her dress. “Is everything okay?”

“I apologize for my parents bringing you here under false pretenses. I already have someone special in my life and I need to go find her.”

“Are you sure?” Octavia bats her eyelashes.

Even if I had never met Gabby, I wouldn’t be attracted to a woman like her.Even more proof that my parents don’t know me at all.

“I’m very sure.” Now more than ever. I turn and race down the hallway. I can only hope Gabby found Lilli and that she’s faring better than me.

As I make my getaway, I hear my mother’s voice in the background. “Octavia, dear, I’m so sorry about that. I should’ve realized my youngest isn’t ready to grow up. But that’s neither here nor there. Have I told you about my son Luis?”

29

Gabby

Ican do this;I repeat the mantra in my head. I just need to find Lilli and everything will be fine. I’ll tell her how I met most of the family, we’ll laugh about my stupid ladybug comment to Luis, and we’ll stick together for the rest of the cocktail hour.

“Champagne?” A waiter practically shoves the flute in my face.

“Sure.” I’m not a fan of the bubbly stuff, but maybe this will help me look like I fit in better.

As I walk around on a mission to find Lilli, I pick up tidbits of conversations here and there. One couple just came back from a cruise, another is putting an addition onto their house, and someone’s grandkid just got into an Ivy League University. Everyone’s conversations seem phony. Their tone of voice and body language does not resemble a causal exchange amongst friends or even acquaintances. It’s like everyone is bragging or trying to outdo one another. All of which is making me feel extremely uncomfortable.

Continuing to meander through the crowd of pretentious guests, I spot Victoria up ahead. While she’s not the Jones I was looking for, I can at least ask her if she’s seen Lilli. I pick up my pace to catch up with her. I almost make it when a tall, redheaded man looking at his phone knocks into me. My heel turns as I try to maintain balance. I manage to hold on to the champagne flute, but the liquid inside goes flying right onto…

“My dress!” Victoria shrieks at a decibel I didn’t know was humanly possible. “You ruined it!” If looks could kill, I’d be dead five times over.

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