Page 72 of The Sound Of Silence

Willow

Idoubtdinnercouldbe any more awkward than it is right now. I don’t want to be here. Jesse doesn’t want to be here, and I love Pippa, but she’s being her usual oblivious self.

Even my parents are more quiet than usual.But what do they think is going on?

“Oh Willow!” Mom says suddenly, breaking another period of silence. “I saw three people carrying around one of your bags today. I always love seeing that. I’m so proud of you.”

My skin flushes, and I have no doubt that a pink color is now coating my cheeks. Mom smiles in anticipation of my response, but all I can manage is a half grin in return.

“Thanks, Mom,” I say instead. “It was a busy day. I almost sold out of my Fresh New Love oil. You and Jesse wouldn’t know anything about that, right, Pippa?”

I turn to Pippa to see her bite back a smirk while Jesse’s eyes bounce between the two of us, clearly confused.

“I know nothing,” she lies. “And Jesse certainly has no idea.”

My lips rise in a smirk. “No, I guess he wouldn’t.”

“What did you do, Pip?” Mom asks, never one to let things slide.

“I just helped with a little online presence,” she says with a proud grin. “Or I suppose, we did,” she adds, pulling Jesse into a side hug as she winks at me.

Jesse flinches and his brows furrow, but when my mom and dad look his way, he covers with a smile. “Always happy to help where I can.”

“We’d never ask you to use your fame to help our little girl,” Dad says, deciding to contribute to our conversation and embarrass me. “But thank you for whatever you did.”

Funny that I’ve been making a living all on my own without their social media influence. But sure, it’s all Pippa and Jesse.Ugh. God, what am I? Twelve?

Twelve. What I wouldn’t give to be twelve again, to start it all over. Maybe the second time around would be different. Maybe I’d remember.Or maybe it would never have happened.

My head aches as I try to recall the strange feeling I got with Jesse last night. I can’t for the life of me figure out what triggered it no matter how hard I try, but a little part of me wants to believe it’s progress.

I know I have all this information stored away somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind, but when I want to locate it, I’m met with complete silence. Like that part of my brain has a system malfunction, or worse, it’s no longer accessible.

For the past twelve years I assumed I wasn’t fixable, despite doctors telling me it was possible, and now, I might actually believe them.

“Speaking of fresh new love,” Mom segues, and I internally cringe as her words pull me back to the present, replacing one of my life’s problems with another. “It’s so lovely to actually get to spend time with you again, Jesse. Pippa speaks highly of you.”

Jesse smiles but he’s clearly uncomfortable.Maybe it’s awkward because it’s fake,Jesse.

“Thank you,” he says quietly, which makes him sound humble and genuine. He’s a pro at this. “It’s been great finally getting to know Pippa’s family. She never shuts up about you all.”

Dad raises an eyebrow as his eyes flash to Pippa’s. “All good things, I bet.”

“Of course, Daddy.” She beams and I have to bite my cheek to stop myself from laughing. I can guarantee there’s been nothing nice said about Ashley.

“Either way. We’re happy to see Pippa’s found someone decent. She’s made some questionable choices in the past—”

“Like Ashley’s fiancé?” I ask because I can’t stop myself. They love Jonah, so it seems fitting to point out that he’s one of those choices.

“Let’s not talk about them when they’re not here, Willow,” Dad subtly scolds, while Mom frowns beside him. Pippa by comparison gives me a subtle smile in thanks.

“While on the topic, when are you going to find someone?” Mom asks, changing the subject, making me almost choke on my food.Way to get back at me, Mom.I should have known she wouldn’t let it slide after the other night. I’m about to throw them my usual spiel when an idea comes to mind.

“I actually have a date this weekend,” I lie, pretty damn convincingly.

With my eyes purposely locked on Mom’s, I still notice Jesse stiffening in my peripheral vision, and it brings me more joy than it should.

“Ooh, that’s exciting,” Mom says while Pippa’s gaze flashes to mine so quickly I’m surprised she doesn’t get whiplash.

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