Page 112 of The Bad Girl List

“Just go back to the room!” Annika says.

With one last frown at my family, I return to the bedroom.

This is not what I expected when I got up this morning. I expected hushed, strained conversation and looks of disappointment. Now they’re acting weird, like they have a surprise for me. But that doesn't make any sense. It’s not my birthday, and I’ve done nothing to deserve a surprise.

“You can come out now,” Annika hollers.

I pad back into the kitchen. On the table is a large cookie sheet covered in pancakes.

As I get closer, I see pink frosting on the pancakes. There are messages written on them.

We never liked Oliver, one pancake says.

Oliver was a douche very selfish person, says another pancake.

Congrats on your new job!

We are so happy to see you are free of that soul-sucking drawing again.

Uncle Fred will help you build a website for your new business.

Tears flood my eyes. I stand in front of the table, my lips quivering, emotions tumbling around inside me like clothes in a dryer.

“Well?” Annika demands. “What do you think?”

I burst out crying.

Mom is the first one to grab me in a hug.

“I thought you loved Oliver,” I wail into her shoulder.

“Well, honey, we didn’t dislike Oliver, but we didn’t think he made you a priority,” Mom says, patting my back. “We never said anything because you seemed happy.”

“I always worried about something going on with his tennis partner,” Auntie Helen says. “Didn’t I say that, Dee?”

“You did,” Auntie Dee confirmed.

“Is Uncle Fred really going to help me build a website?” I ask.

“We called him last night,” Mom says. “As soon as you come up with a domain name, he’ll get to work.”

“I already sent out an email blast about your new business,” Auntie Helen says. “The whole family knows. Several cousins have already written back with some jobs for you. Nothing as big as the Moretti account, but one of them needs business cards and another one needs a wedding invitation.”

“You guys!” I cry, so overwhelmed that tears start flowing again. “I can’t believe you did all this for me.”

“We’re your family, Dom.” Mom gives me another hug. “We’ll always support you, no matter what.”

“Even if we’re worried about how you’re going to fund a retirement account,” Auntie Helen says.

“And even if we don’t think you’re dating a very nice guy,” Auntie Dee says.

“Will you guys please tell me the next time you think I’m dating a douchebag?” I say.

“I told you that was the right word to use,” Annika says, pointing to the offending pancake.

I wipe the back of my eyes and look at my family. My high-achieving, wonderful, sweet family. I would be lost without them.

“I love you guys,” I say.

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