Page 34 of The Fun Part
“Did I really agree to this shaky scheme? Who’s going to believe it?”
“Everyone. And it’s not shaky. I’m the ultimate planner.”
“Maybe you should’ve gone into wedding planning with your mom.”
She frowns, her light instantly dimming. “She wanted me to at one point, but I wanted to try my own business, and now it’s too late because she brought Rowan in as partner.”
“And you wish it were you?”
“I don’t know.” She sighs. “Rowan’s great. It’s just Mom never asked me about making Rowan partner. She assumed that door was closed forever for me, and now I guess it is.”
“I’m sure she’d make room for you if you really wanted it. Like if your Mom retires, then she could have you and Rowan be partners.”
She bites her nail.
“Or not.”
I pull onto the highway. Mackenzie’s quiet. I’m about to turn on some music when she says in a rush, “Truth is, when Mom first asked me about joining her in the business after college, I didn’t think I could live up to her expectations. She’s brilliant with people and business. Now Rowan will be the success in Mom’s eyes. Forget it. Who cares, right? I’ve got my thing. I don’t know why I unloaded on you.”
“But you like your business, right?”
“I do.” She lets out a mirthless laugh. “Guess I have some Mom issues. Who doesn’t?”
The usual pang of loss hits whenever I think of Mom. “Uh…”
“Shit! I’m sorry. It must be hard to be reminded of your mom. And here I am complaining about mine. Sorry.”
“Not my favorite subject.”
She reaches over and gives my arm a squeeze. I glance at her, and she gives me a gentle smile. My throat tightens. Her comfort means more than a thousand platitudes about Mom being in a better place. It’s been years, but the loss sticks with you.
She turns on the radio. I appreciate her not pushing for the details on Mom’s death. A lot of people ask out of their own curiosity, and it’s not easy for me to talk about.
“I appreciate you, Mackenzie.”
“Why?”
“For being you.”
She smiles. “I appreciate you, too, Cal.”
I change the subject to a neutral one, movies. Soon we’re in a heated debate over whetherBull Durhamis in fact a baseball movie. Hint: it’s not. It’s a relationship movie set in the world of baseball. She’s a lot of fun to debate with.
Mackenzie has the code for Ludbury House, so she lets us in. I glance around the mansion while she sets a doorstop in place by the wooden front door. It’s an impressive space with a two-story foyer, a crystal chandelier, and a grand staircase. Antique furniture fits right in with the historic mansion. “This is the first time I’ve been inside here. So this is where all the weddings happen?”
“Yup, except Mom and Dad’s wedding. They got married at a castle on the island of Villroy at the invitation of the prince.”
“What!”
“Long story. You can ask Mom about it next time you see her.”
“You have a very interesting family.”
She offers her hand to shake. “Thank you in advance.”
I take her hand and hold it. “For what?”
“For the performance to come. Let’s get the stuff.”
