Page 73 of Glitz & Goals

There’s no time to keep questioning them, though. The director calls for an all-cast meeting, and they both scurry off, taking their secrets with them.

I spend the rest of the day distracted and dreamy. I’ve spent a huge amount of time with Grady over the last few days—I even took time off—and now that he’s cleared to go back to work, and I’m sure cleared for other things, I already miss him.

I can’t wait to see him tonight.

* * *

From the moment I get home, Mom’s all over me.

“Do you want me to help you pick out an outfit?” she asks. “And you should let me do your makeup, too.”

I evade her attempts to fluff my hair. “It’s just a date, Mom. God, you’re acting a little sus here.”

Mom pouts. “Come on, Vivian, it’s been ages since we did this. Let me help.”

I cave. I can’t resist a Mom pout. She’s too adorable, and I genuinely like being around her. Besides, it’s nice to sit downwith her and gossip about Grady now that she knows the truth. She’s got lots of questions, and it’s such a relief to be able to talk about the guy I…

Love.

Definitely love.

I should probably tell him that tonight.

Mom brushes bronzer across my cheeks. “I had a feeling that something was going on with you two that day his dog got out. I’m glad you’ve found someone you care about, who seems to care so much about you.”

I scoff, with my eyes still closed. “I don’t need to be dating someone, Mom.”

“I know.” She starts on the other cheek. “I know that you’re happy to be single. Which is why it feels like such a big deal that you’ve found someone you want to be with. I was the same way, you know. Well.” She chuckles. “I didn’t love the celibacy part of being single. And I was lonely before I met Noah, but I’d rather have been lonely and self-sufficient than have rushed into a committed relationship just for the sake of dating.”

The brush taps against the countertop as she sets it aside. Her fingers brush my chin, holding me steady.

“You’re so beautiful,” she whispers. “When did you get so grown-up?”

I open my eyes to find Mom staring back at me. Her eyes are full of tears. “I’ve been an adult for, like, thirteen years,” I tease. “I’m in my thirties, Mom.”

“I know.” Her lip wobbles.

“All this for a date?” I tease.

I’m making light of it, but in reality, I love that she cares so much about me. I love that this woman, with whom I share no blood ties, adores me so unreservedly.

“Sorry.” Her voice cracks. She releases my chin and flaps her hands in front of her face. “I’m getting all emotional, but youjust look so… so much like your mother. I wish you could have known her. I wishIcould have known her.”

I reach out and take her hands, stilling them in mine. “I may look like her, but you’re the one who made me who I am, Mom.” My voice wavers, but I push through, because she needs to hear this. “You’re the one who taught me how to stand up for myself, how to love fiercely, and how to laugh even when life feels impossible. You gave me all the good parts of who I am. You’re the reason I know what it means to be loved without conditions, without limits. You’re my mom, in every way that matters, and I’m so, so grateful for you.”

Her tears spill over, but she doesn’t let go of my hands. “Vivian…”

“I mean it,” I say, my own tears threatening to fall. “I’m the woman I am today because of you. Not her. You.”

She pulls me into a hug, holding me so tightly that for a moment, I can’t breathe. But I don’t care. I let myself sink into her embrace, letting it say everything my words never could.

I love this woman.

I hope that, someday, I’m as good a mother to my own child as she’s been to me.

Now we’re both getting emotional. It’s a relief when a voice from downstairs breaks the tension.

“Hell—ooooo! Vivian? Mom?”

---