Page 91 of One More Made Up Love Song
“About what?” I ask.
She scoffs like I’ve asked the stupidest question, then motions between me and Freddie. “About the two of you. They think you’re together for real, right? Are you going to tell them differently, or are we all pretending?”
I’ve been so focused on how and when I’m going to tell Freddie the truth, I honestly haven’t even thought about what my parents think. But Carina’s question is a valid one.
I look over at Freddie. “What do you think?”
“I think…I’m happy to let your parents think we’re together,” he says slowly. Evencarefully.Like his words were chosen intentionally.
It’s an interesting way to respond. He doesn’t say we should keep faking or that he’s happy to pretend. He says he’shappyfor them to think we’re together.
Because he wants us to be together for real?
“I vote you don’t say anything,” Carina says. “Daddy would hate the lying.”
It’s the same thought I had when I decided not to tell my parents the truth, so it’s validating to hear Carina echo my concerns. Butcontinuingto lie feels just as bad astellinghim we’vebeenlying. I don’t really want to do either one.
“If he hates lies, then we shouldn’t tell any,” Freddie says, eyeing me.
“Right. Good,” I say, though I have no idea what he’s suggesting. “So that means we just…”
“Be ourselves,” Freddie says, filling in the blank. “No more lies.”
I don’t have time to ask exactly what that means because my mother is already on the front porch with a wide smile on her face.
Butno more liescan really only mean one thing, right? It means however we act around each other will be truthful. A reflection of how wereallyfeel.
I can’t decide if I’m more excited or terrified to see what that looks like.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Ivy
Mom is wearingjeans and a faded t-shirt, just like always, her short hair swept off her face in a way I’ve always loved. My mother has always been effortlessly cool. Comfortable in her own skin, and so beautiful, with an unassuming confidence that makes her easy to be around.
Freddie steps up beside me as she descends the stairs. “I’m nervous. Should I be nervous?” he asks.
“Absolutely not. Just be yourself. They’re going to love you.”
Mom finally reaches the car and pulls me into a hug first.
“Hi, Mom,” I say, sinking into the embrace. It’s been too long since I came home, and being here, feeling the certainty of her love, soothes the frayed edges of my heart. There are a lot of things Idon’tknow right now.
But for a split second, with the weight of Mom’s arms around me, none of that really matters. Because no matter what happens, even if my heart gets broken and myprofessional life falls apart, I’ll still have this. I’ll have a home where I’m welcome and loved and seen. And that’s no small thing.
Mom leans back and cups my face with her palms. “Look at you,” she says. “Beautiful as ever.”
“I’ve missed you,” I say, and her eyes turn a little misty.
She kisses my forehead. “You have no idea.”
She approaches Carina next, their prolonged eye contact suggesting they’ll have a conversation later, but then she pulls her youngest daughter into a hug, the relief on her face so obvious, it makes my chest ache.
Finally, she turns to Freddie. She props her hands on her hips and looks him up and down. “Well, if it isn’t the famous Freddie Ridgefield.”
Freddie extends his hand, looking adorably sheepish. “Nice to finally meet you in person.”
She waves away the handshake and pulls him into a hug. “Likewise. I hope you’re taking care of my girl.”
