Page 113 of Totally Shipped
Hmm, I think he might be richer than I knew.
“That’s neither here nor there,” I answer. “Look, I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted. I vote to turn in for the night, and revisit this all in the morning. Maybe we’ll get clarity then.”
“Are you staying here?” asks Mom.
“No, the guys have sorted us out a hotel.” I look around the table and give a nod. As a unit we rise.
“Ready for dessert, Brooke?” my Mom says.
I roll my eyes. Rex picks up Thea in her car seat, and Gray grabs the diaper bag.
“Let’s roll,” he grunts under his breath, “Fucking Stepford is freaking me out.”
I do feel bad for my mom, but nothing I say or do will ever change her. I’ve learned that, so instead I give her a brief kiss on the cheek, and hug Brooke. On the way out I give dad a little wave.
“We’ll figure this out tomorrow.”
Famous last words.
JUNE
DAISY
Ifidget nervously with the hem of my floral sundress, standing outside the Martha’s Vineyard beach house where Harvey Bannister's parents—Cookie and Ralph, as I’ve been instructed to call them—are summering. The salty sea breeze ruffles my hair. It’s the first time I’ve smelled the ocean in weeks.
"Are you ready?" Gray asks, his hand squeezing mine.
"As I’ll ever be, which isn’t saying much," I admit with a sigh.
"You got this," Killian says, squeezing my other hand.
Leander and Rex are back at the hotel with the other members of our party—Brooke and Thea.
The baby in my arms squirms. “Hey there, sweetie. Are you getting restless, Amelia?” I plop her over my shoulder and start to jiggle. The endless mom-jiggle dance. “Alright, here we go.”
A housekeeper opens the door and shows us in. Mr. and Mrs. Bannister both rise from their seated positions as I enter.
"Brooke! Oh, sweetheart, come here."
Tears well up in her eyes as she pulls me into a tight embrace, the baby squashed between us. I hug her back, trying to convey comfort despite the guilt churning inside me.
"It's so good to finally meet you," I say, my voice trembling slightly.
But they are not looking at me, the Bannisters are gazing down at Amelia.
"She looks just like him," Mr. Bannister, Ralph, whispers, his voice filled with sorrow and a glimmer of hope.
“May I?” Cookie asks, putting out tentative arms.
“Of course.” I gently place my niece in her grandmother’s arms. "I am so sorry for your loss,” I say. “I can't imagine the pain you must be going through."
Ralph nods. "It's been a difficult year, but knowing about Amelia-"
“-eases the sadness, she’s perfect,” Mrs. Bannister says.
I came in alone. Gray and Killian are waiting. I know it was the right move, but I really wish I had them standing beside me right now, so I didn’t feel so alone in this situation. The charade is worth it, though. For Amelia, and Brooke, and the Bannisters themselves.
“Shall we sit?” Ralph says. His wife is oblivious to anything but Amelia.
