Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 56295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
“Thanks, Nix.” I have no other words, not in front of everyone at least. A girl needs to keep a few things private, like how she’s so completely in love with the man she was always meant to be with, even if it took years down the road, how she wants to thank him in the best way possible, away from prying ears and eyes, namely Rory’s and Emmy’s, and how she cleared half the closet and dresser for his things, including half the drawers in the bathroom.
“My sweet baby girl, give me a hug, then go to my Ophelia before she complains non-stop that we’re hoarding all of your attention. Plus, I think Sherry wouldn’t mind having a word with you.” Ya-Ya kisses my cheek. I do the same, hugging her close to my body.
“I love you, Ya-Ya. Thank you for giving me more than I ever hoped and dreamed for.” I breathe her in. Nothing has changed, the jasmine and orange blossom scent, her perfume that she’s never without.
“I love you, Rosaleigh. Happy Birthday.” Then she’s off, ready to tell everyone what to cook, when to cook, and how to cook it. Then she’ll make sure the kitchen is cleaner than when everyone arrived.
“Happy Birthday, Leigh.” Sherry is hesitant. We haven’t had a moment to clear the air, the fact that I’ve got the paperwork rolling. I love my Emmy girl, but she did not think when she blurted out that her mom was filing for a much-needed divorce. Those were her exact words, or what Rory told me one afternoon after I came home from work, when Conrad and Sherry were helping out like the grandparents they are.
“Thank you. I know we probably shouldn’t be talking about this right now, but there’s no way I’m going to let this cloud hang over us. Rory told me that Emmy gave you the news. I would have preferred it came from me. The girl and her lack of filter will one day get her into loads of trouble,” I try to make a joke to lighten the mood.
“I know. You should have seen her face when Emmy realized what she said. I don’t fault you. You’ve given your life to David even when he turned his back on you. That isn’t how you’re wired. Instead of collapsing in defeat, you rose above it, busted your ass for your girls. Nix and the Drakos rallied for you, not that you needed it, and I’d like to say we picked up where we could even when we were unsure of our boundaries. I just want to say that I’m proud of you. I haven’t said it enough, but you’re doing an amazing job.” It’s me who goes to her this time, hugging her to me, unsure if I need it or she does, or maybe it’s the both of us. It has to be hard knowing the son you raised turned out to be everything you never expected, to attempt to hold your head up when it seems like the world is throwing stones at you. I mean, sure, I had the same judgment cast, but unconditional love was not expected of me for David after doing what he did. If it came to my girls, and they did something like this, I’d still love them. I’d also visit them behind bars.
“Thank you. I’m divorcing David; I’m not divorcing his parents or his family. You and Conrad will always be welcome. It doesn’t matter what happens—Nix moving in, a marriage, or a birth. You are always welcome. I think you know that judging by the fact that this is an impromptu party and he’s wheeled and dealed the grandpas to work in the kitchen.” She laughs at that last part, then a sigh of relief hits her. Sherry and Conrad have been in our lives forever. I don’t see that changing, ever.
“My David never deserved you. I’m glad Phoenix stepped up. He’s the best man for you and my granddaughters. Thank you for this talk. It’s your birthday; you didn’t have to do that. I appreciate it all the same. Now, I hear Ophelia has become quite the bartender, and we do have a standing obligation to try whatever she makes.” Sherry loops her arm through mine and walks me toward the fray. I’ve still got two men in my life to say hello to along with a needy best friend. One I’d like to know how she’s so bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
“About time you get your ass over here. Now, mimosa or Bloody Mary, birthday girl?” I swear if I hadn’t birthed Emmy myself, I’d have thought she came from Ophelia.
“Mimosa. You know how I feel about tomato juice. It is not the same as a tomato.” You can’t convince me that it doesn’t taste like tomato soup mixed with some weird concoction. Plus the smell. Total buzz kill for me.