Page 46 of Never Stop
“It’s bad? You have…” She frowned.
I finally smiled as it was setting in. “No.” I shook my head. “I don’t carry the gene.”
Her eyes widened as she clapped excitedly. “Oh my God, that’s the best news I’ve heard in like forever!”
“I know,” I agreed, still not believing there was no underlying cause as to why I got the tumor to begin with, but doctors don’t really know why themselves since the tumors are rare. “I need to call Easton,” I said again.
As I was about to hit the call button, my phone started ringing. “What the fuck does she want?” I asked, reading the name on the screen.
“Who?” Nicole questioned.
“My mother.”
“She has like ESP or something.”
“Hardly. She doesn’t give a fuck about my condition. She only wants grandchildren.” I decided to take the call. If I didn’t, I knew she’d keep calling until I did. “Hello?”
“Brookie!” my mother said in a sing-song voice.
“Mom.”
“I heard you’re getting married.”
“Who… Fucking Bailee. You talked to her?”
“I did. I called her right before I called you.”
“Why?” I rolled my eyes.
“Because I love you girls and wanted to see what was going on. Luckily I did, or I wouldn’t know your big news.”
“All right. You called, and I confirmed I’m getting married. Anything else?” I clipped.
“Well, when is it?”
“Why? You’re not invited.”
“Why?” she cried.
“Because you didn’t care about me when I was growing up, or since for that matter, and I know you’re only reaching out now because you want me to pop out kids for you so you can compete with your boyfriend.”
“Oh, this again?” She chuckled. “You need to let it go—”
“No, I will not. You don’t get to come back into my life when it’s convenient for you,” I spat. “It doesn’t work that way.”
“What do I need to do to show you I’ve changed?”
I stared at Nicole, trying to think of an answer. She raised her eyebrows in response.
“I don’t know, Mom. Jane has been a better mother than you in the few months I’ve known her—”
“Who’s Jane?”
“Easton’s mom.”
She was silent on the other end of the phone for long moments. As I was wondering if she’d hung up, she finally said, “Please, Brookie, I’m trying. Stanley has a good relationship with his children, and I want that with you and your sister.”
I took a deep breath. “Even though you’re once again showing you only want what Stanley has, I’ll give you a chance. If you don’t come to my wedding, we’re done—forever.”
