Page 7 of The One I Love
I swear I can discipline my child. “You wouldn’t think it would be weird? If you saw me dancing, or maybe flirting, with a guy tonight?”
“Nope,” she says, walking over to the mirror to check her makeup. “You and Dad have been divorced for a while. He dates. Why can’t you?”
Well, your dad was “dating” before we even split up.
“Don’t compare me to him.”
“I’m just saying. It’s a wedding. Have fun. Luke and I are leaving early to watch the little kids so you don’t have to worry about it being weird in front of us. Have fun, Mom. You deserve it.”
Betsy claps her hands as she stands up. “There. Settled. I’m setting Amelia up tonight.”
I shake my head and try to argue, but the wedding planner enters the suite, telling us it’s time to go. We all grab our flowers and make our way toward the ceremony.
I’m not even two steps out the door when I hear the distinct sound of my mother’s voice.
“Oh, Amelia, you look beautiful.”
I turn around to see my mom, who looks equally beautiful in her mother-of-the-groom dress. “Thanks, Mom.”
We give each other a kiss on the cheek. “Isn’t today just beautiful?”
“It is. A perfect day.”
“Well, almost perfect.”
The sad tone she’s using used can mean a handful of things. The question is, do I feel like guessing, or just want her to cut to the chase. Due to time restrictions, I’m going to go with the latter.
“What’s that, Mom? Why is today not quite perfect?”
She gives me sad eyes. “Because you’re here alone.”
I could have guessed that. I figured that was the answer, even though I’d hoped she wasn’t going to point that out today.
“Mom. How many times do I have to tell you I’m fine?”
“I know,” she says with a sigh. “It’s just that weddings are so romantic. You should be here with someone.”
“Did you bring a date?”
“Oh, Amelia,” she says as she waves me off. “Why would I bring a date?”
I love my mother. I really do. But her rationale when it comes to my dating life is so hypocritical it isn’t funny. And this isn’t new. It’s been like this since the day I told her I was pregnant with Luke.
“Because if I have to, then you do as well. Or—hear me out—we could both not have dates and be just fine.”
Like me, my mom has been single for years. I don’t think she’s been in a serious relationship since our dad took off when I was in middle school. Yet that’s okay. She’s fine. She has her book club, her card club, and of course, bingo with Shane’s mom. But me being single? That’s a crime against humanity.
“That’s not how it works, Amelia.”
I just nod, knowing I’m not going to win this fight. “Okay, Mom. I’ll keep that in mind for the next wedding.”
I give her a kiss on the cheek and quickly walk to where the ceremony is being held. The setting is gorgeous. White and pink flowers are perfectly placed around the old Southern mansion turned elegant venue. People are starting to gather, all dressed their best for the Rolling Hills wedding of the year. Whitley and my brother Jake have been together for nearly five years now. Needless to say, the town, and our families, are ready for this to finally happen.
Whitley makes sure to stay back, her dad meeting us, before we go to our spot at the entrance. I can’t help but take a look at the guests in their seats. I know not everyone comes to the ceremony, but it’s hard to imagine many more people coming. Somehow, in the sea of people, I see Wes, Oliver, Shane, and Simon.
“I’ll be right back,” I whisper to Betsy as I hurry over to my crew. I pick up my dress so I don’t trip, not trusting myself in the heels I have to wear for today. I really can’t wait until I can take them off.
“Look at that, Amelia Evans in heels. I never thought I’d see the day.”
