Page 138 of Waiting for Acceptance
“I don’t… What?” I’m completely lost for words, waiting for theha-hamoment where she takes it all back and tells me why she’s really here.
Her eyes glisten, but her voice remains strong. “You, my darling girl, are perfect, just the way you are. You have always been the smartest, most talented, kind, and beautiful girl I’ve ever known. I regret ever making you feel like you were anything less than that.” Tears fill my eyes and my throat is tight as she speaks.
“Then…why? Why did you? Why did you and Daddy push me so hard and never tell me that what I was doing was good?” The regret in her eyes seems genuine and I see her nostrils flare as a tear falls from her eye too.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen my mother cry.
“I couldn’t begin to tell you. But your father and I know now that we shouldn’t have projected what we may have wanted in life onto you. We should have listened and supported you. You built your own life here, Lauren, and even if it was out of spite, which I would understand, you did it all on your own. I have never been as proud of someone as I am of you. Your father is too.”
I scoff. “Then where is he? Why couldn’t he come here to tell me himself?”
“He wanted to come, I promise he did, but I told him it may be better if I came alone so you wouldn’t feel overwhelmed.”
“You’re proud of me?” My voice shakes with every word and Fitz’s grip tightens on me.
She nods, blinking away her tears as she sniffles. “I am so sorry, Lauren. I hope one day you can forgive us for the way we’ve treated you and the way we made you feel. You are more than enough and you should never feel like you have to prove yourself to us. To anyone, for that matter.” I look over at Fitz and he smiles softly at me.
“We have somewhere to be tonight, but maybe we can talk about this another time? With Daddy here too?” She nods eagerly, a smile finding her lips.
“Yes! You just tell us when and we’ll make it happen.” I nod, watching as she grabs her purse and turns to leave. My heart sinks a little that she forgot?—
She turns around to face me. “Happy birthday, baby girl. I hope you have the best night with your friends.”
“Thanks, Mom.” When she leaves, I fall into Fitz’s arms and cry, hardly able to believe that that just happened.
“I’ll let everyone know we’ll be a little late. Let it out, baby.” He strokes my hair, letting me feel it all. Just like he promised he would.
We made it to Topgolf twenty minutes late but spent the entire night drinking, golfing, and laughing until my cheeks hurt. I was so glad Luther and Reggie made it to celebrate with us, even though they had to leave right after our game and couldn’t come back to Chattahoochies with us.
“Last drink for you tonight, Trouble,” Fitz whispers in my ear, sending a chill down my spine. I like that he keeps me from overdoing it. I spent so long drinking to cure the ache of disappointing my parents, or feeling alone, and now he reminds me that I no longer have to drink to feel better—I have him for that. Plus, I think not remembering the first time we slept together really adds to his reasoning.
“To the birthday girl and future Mrs. Fitzgerald! Thirty is going to be your year, babe!” I smile at Ruby, lifting my glass to clink it with the other nine.
“Man, what a year. Taylor and TuckerandLeah and Sawyer got married, Shane got pregnant again, and Lauren got engaged. Damn… We didn’t do anything interesting this year.” Ruby frowns at Tank and he laughs.
“Woman, I already gave you a baby, what else do you want from me?”
“Well, that’s actually not all.” All eyes turn to me.
“Oh my god! You’re pregnant too?!” Shane exclaims, holding her palms together by her mouth.
“Oh, god no,” I say immediately catching a frown from Fitz. “I mean, I’m not opposed to kids…someday. But—” Now is not the time to be having a secret conversation with my future husband about whether or not I want to have kids. Shaking my head in frustration, I continue, “That’s not the point right now. No. I’m not pregnant. I got offered a new job.” I rush the words out and all the girls gasp, while the guys give me encouraging congratulations.
I swallow hard, forcing out the next words. “As COO of The Fitzgerald Firm.” The girls all gasp and squeal in excitement.
“Holy shit.” Ruby’s tone drops to one more serious and the energy begins to shift.
“But that means…” Shane starts.
“You’re… Are you—” Leah tries to get out, but her voice is already thick with emotion.
“You’re moving to New York?” Taylor’s voice cracks in disbelief and my heart starts to do the same.
I nod, confirming for her. “We’re moving to New York.”
“That’s not… I mean, you can’t move to New York. Your favorite taco truck is here.” Taylor is trying her best to lighten the mood with jokes, all while wiping her tears away angrily.
“The tacos in New York are okay too. Maybe you can come try them sometime?” I shrug, tears falling from my eyes as I look at Ruby. She’s the only one who’s managed to crack a smile, and my brows pinch in confusion.
