Page 34 of The Forbidden Note

Cynthia does not return her greeting. Her eyes narrow in distaste. “Yes?”

“It’s me.” Mom seems a little taken aback. She taps her chest. “Jarod Cross’s wife.”

My eyes shift to my mother, sharpening. I’ve noticed that she never introduces herself by name anymore. Every time we’re out, she calls herself ‘Mrs. Cross’ or ‘Jarod Cross’s wife’.

“Oh, yes.” Cynthia’s voice is dry. She doesnotlook impressed.

Mom waits expectantly. Whatever she was waiting for doesn’t happen because Cynthia walks away without another word.

“Are you shopping?” Mom follows them. Her voice borders on desperate. “You should have told me. I would have joined you.” Breezy laughter escapes her lips. “It’s more fun to shop together. Maybe we can come here together next time.”

Cynthia stops in her tracks and sends a frigid look over her shoulder. “Thank you for the offer, but I’m afraid ourtastes,” her eyes drip over mom, “don’t align.”

My eyebrows furrow as Cynthia and her minions strut away.

Hurt crystals over mom’s face, but she shakes it away with a smile. “Gracie, why don’t we get some ice cream before going home?”

“Mom.”

“I’m feeling parched. I think that tea was too hot,” mom says, walking ahead of me.

“Mom.”

“Let’s go all out today. A chocolate sundae with sprinkles.”

I grab her arm. “Mom.”

She veers to a stop.

“Why did you let her talk to you that way?”

“Oh, that’s just how Cynthia is.”

Irritation burns in my heart. I don’t always agree with mom’s decisions—this sudden marriage to Jarod Cross being a great example—but she doesn’t deserve to be treated like dirt.

Having people look down on her was an expected part of her waitressing job, but I think she wasmorerespected back then.

At the very least, it seemed she respected herself more.

“You should have told her off,” I hiss.

“They’re Jarod’s friends.”

I frown. “You’re doing all this for Jarod?”

“No, I just…” She squeezes the band of her purse. “Gracie, let’s not talk about this anymore.”

I stay where I am, staring into mom’s back.

She stops and glances over her shoulder. “Coming?”

“Mom, are you happy?”

She blinks in shock. “Of course I’m happy—”

“Are you happy with him?”

She snaps her mouth shut.

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