Page 63 of Meet Me on Christmas Eve

Still, why else would she be here?

“Mother, how did you know I was here?” I asked, gritting my teeth through a false smile. “Seeing as how we’d never met or spoken before.”

“Oh, I have friends in high places,” she said with a laugh that sounded more like a cackle. “They tracked you down through the foster system and then to that family that bequeathed you their fortune. Rhonda Johnson, I think was her name?”

I closed my eyes briefly. “Ah. RhondaJackson.” She’d bitterly resented me since the settlement from Lisa was announced. She couldn’t believe her mother had let me inherit even a penny, much less a sizeable fortune. I’d tried to reason with her and make amends, but she’d wanted nothing to do with me. What sweet revenge this must be for her, telling my mother my whereabouts. She knew what this would mean for me.

And what did it mean?

That was the worst part … because I didn’t know.

“I must say, I’m impressed that you’ve made something of yourself. Given your past and the reprehensible conditions your father raised you in …” She shook her head, her lips curled in distaste. “Well, it’s satisfying to know you turned out more like me after all.” She waved her arms around, pointing to the scene around us, literally a place of luxury.

I inhaled sharply. She couldn't possibly be ...

No, she was. She was blaming Dad!

I attempted to keep my voice calm as I replied,“The reprehensible conditions my father raised me in … you mean because he was sick and therefore poor?” She raised her eyebrows a hair, but I continued as my face went cold. “Don’t you dare look down on my father, who only did his best. What didyoudo?”

Her lips were thin, and her polite smile was back. Why? Was this really a time to smile? Does this woman have no heart?

“It was not ideal or timely for me—”

Yeah, she had no heart.

My laugh was brittle. “You’re serious? Having a child to support wasn’t timely? Well, guess what? You could’ve tried. Even a little.”

Her eyes widened for a brief moment and then returned to the flat globes from before. “Mariana, please, let’s be civil. I didn’t come here to argue. I want us to know each other—”

“What about what I want? Does that not matter?”

“Well, of course, darling,” she purred, “And I know every girl wants her mother.”

“I did,” I confessed. “I did want a mother. More than anything.” My voice broke. “But I don’t want you. You’re not a mother.” Her sharp intake of breath only propelled me further. “Well, maybe you’re somebody’s mother, but you’re not mine.”

“Mariana, you don’t mean that,” she said, reaching out to pat my hand. I pulled it back quickly and felt her manicured nails scrape over my skin. “I know this is a surprise, but I’m confident you’ll recover quickly. Being emotional isn’t your style, is it, darling? I could see it when I walked in. You were so cool, calm, sophisticated. You’re like me, darling.”

My jaw dropped.

“No.No. I don’t want to be like you.” I was nearly panting now, and I didn’t even care. “Anything but that.” This time I saw some emotion on her face, but it didn’t look like hurt. More like anger. “Go. I don’t want to see you. Now, or ever.”

I spun on my heel then and walked away. Just as she did 29 years ago.

Chapter 19

I’d already sunk deep into the couch beneath my favorite blanket—a curious numb feeling settling over me, or maybe shock?—when the doorbell rang. I groaned loudly.

Now what? I’d forgotten to put my Do Not Disturb sign on my door and on my phone/email message system. I stomped over to the door and threw it open, ready to get rid of whoever was bothering me.

My eyes went wide as they landed on her.

Hazel’s long hair was in a messy bun, and she was wearing faded red sweats and an old t-shirt that looked like they needed a good wash. “Mari, can I come in?”

I nodded, moving aside and then shutting the door after her.

“Peace offering?” She was standing there holding out a bakery takeout bag with a sheepish smile.

I took the bag and looked inside. Scones. Cinnamon chip, my favorite. “You didn’t need to bring anything. Come here.” Then I hugged her. Really, really hugged her.

---