Page 58 of Emerald Moon
Jo laughed.“Running away is hardly brave.You’re the one that stayed to deal with everything.”
“Yeah, but starting over takes a lot more bravery than staying put and putting up with mom’s bullshit.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you swear before,” Jo said with amazement.
June grinned.“Sure you have.I used to call you a ‘wench’ when you bothered me.”
“I’d forgotten about that.That’s not a swear, June.”
“Was to me.It was a step up from ‘buttface.’”
“So, you swear now.Cool.”Jo gave an appreciative nod.
“Had to have some release to get through med school and mom.”
“I’m sure having Dan around helps.”
“Oh my god, yes.I’d have lost my mind without him, honestly.Do you know what it’s like to share all the crazy stuff mom does and have someone agree that, yes, that is totally insane?It’s such a relief to know you’re not the crazy one.”She caught Jo’s gaze in the mirror.“Though I’m sure Cass does the same for you.”
“We haven’t talked about family much,” Jo said because it was the truth.“She knew about you, but —“
“You left out all the parts where I never called anymore?All the messy details about stuff with mom?I get it.”
“It’s not that.It’s just that we haven’t been dating that long yet and —“
“I promise it feels good once you let it all out.Just watching someone’s face contort in horror as you recount some of the conversations you’ve had with your mom is, like, so validating.And then you get a hug.Don’t wait too long.Cass seems like a good one.I’m sure she’ll take it all in stride.”
“She’s a good listener.I just don’t — when I’m there, I don’t talk about here.”
“Why would you?You got out.Started your own thing.I’m telling you — you’re the brave one.”
Jo wanted to deflect, but they saw the look in June’s eyes.“Thanks, but so are you.”
“In our own ways.”
“We always did do things differently.”
June was silent for a moment, then turned in her chair to face Jo directly.“I never meant to leave you out of my life, too.When I buried myself in work and studying, I never meant to forget about you.I mean, I didn’t forget about you!Not really.But you know what I mean.”
“I know.I didn’t mean to do it either.I didn’t mean to leave you when I left, but I got wrapped up in my own life and months had passed between texts and it felt too weird to say anything because it meant admitting —“
“That we’d let so long pass by.”
Jo glanced at the makeup artist who kept sneaking looks at the two of them to see if they were done.They cleared their throat and smiled at the woman, letting her know it was okay to interrupt.
“Well, we’re good today.That’s what matters,” Jo said.
A knock at the door startled them both.“The hairdresser is here!”Their mother’s voice rang out from the other side a second before the door flung open.
The two of them shared a knowing look in the mirror as she approached.Even the makeup artist grinned at the two of them.Their mother smiled, a bit too wide to be natural, as she ran her fingers through June’s hair.“Time to tame this tangly mess!Make it beautiful like the rest of your look for today.It’s too bad we can’t do much with your hair, Jolene.It always was so hard to do anything with.”
Jo opened their mouth, but it was June who spoke first.“I like Jo’s hair.It’s fun.”
“Yeah, and June’s isn’t a mess.She’d look great even if we left it just how it is.”
”Well, of course it looks fine!We just want everything to look perfect.Don’t we, sweetie?”Their mother asked, eyeing June.“Where are your bridesmaids?They’ll need to get started soon if we want to stay on schedule.”
“They’re out grabbing coffee,” June explained.
