Page 295 of The First Time
It's kind of sad.
I've never pitied rich people before. Not even for a second. Being broke sucks.
But it makes you appreciate what you have.
I have a best friend. Someone I love unconditionally, who is always going to be on my side.
I wouldn't trade my relationship with Lizzy for all of Blake and Fiona's money.
Fiona plays with her food. She looks to Blake and adopts her best sisterly voice. "Three and a half weeks is awfully fast."
Something passes between Meryl and Blake. Damn. This whole family has some kind of crazy telepathic power.
"We don't want to wait," Blake says.
Meryl looks at me as if to confirm. "Is that right?"
"It was my idea," I say. "I'm insistent about marrying under the cherry trees, and I don't want to wait another year."
Her expression softens. "I see."
"I'm very sentimental about them. It's always been a family tradition. Well, I don't want to bore you."
"And your family approves?" she asks.
"It's just me and my sister. My parents were in an accident a few years ago. They passed on." I press my lips together. I don't like thinking about it. It gets too many feelings whirring in my chest, and I don't have time to stop and feel them.
Or I didn't.
I guess I do now.
"Oh, I'm sorry, sweetheart," Meryl says.
"Thank you." I nod.
"You'll need help with the wedding," Meryl says. Her voice is packed with understanding. "How about I handle the reception? Just pick a color."
It's a sweet offer. "Pink."
Meryl smiles. "A girl after my own heart."
The kitchen timer rings. Meryl presses her hands into the table, but she struggles to stand.
Blake rushes to help her. She shakes her head like she can't stand the fuss.
"I'll get it," Blake says.
He motions to Fiona, another sibling secret. Whatever it is, it works. Fiona excuses herself and they put together dinner in the kitchen.
"Let them fuss," Meryl says. "Tell me, what do you like to do for fun?"
"Typical stuff. Movies, TV, hanging out with my sister."
"What about the stuff that isn't typical?"
I play with the hem of my dress. "I ran cross-country in high school, but I haven't kept up with it very well."
She looks at her glass wistfully. "Never cared much for running myself."
