Elana’s shoulders slumped a little. “I guess I just wanted so much to please my parents that I didn’t argue with them.”
Grandma Cecilia said, “You need to learn to stand up for yourself more, honey. I know being the oldest you have a lot to live up to….”
Elana snorted. “Not exactly.”
Her grandmother whipped her head around in her direction. “What do you mean?”
Elana shrugged. “I mean, I know that Mother and Father had Brianna and Elizabeth to make up for how I turned out.”
Her grandmother’s eyes bugged out of her head. “What in the world gave you that ridiculous idea?”
Elana glanced out the driver’s side window and went quiet.
“Elana, answer me.”
She took a deep breath and let the words tumble out. “I overheard my parents tell one of their friends they were thankful that Brianna and Elizabeth turned out well, since I didn’t live up to their expectations. They were in the kitchen, and I had popped over to bring some paperwork that Father had asked me to bring over. I was too embarrassed to let them know I was there, so I ended up leaving the paperwork on the foyer table and sneaking out before they could see me.”
Thick silence filled the interior of the vintage van.
“It’s no big deal. I got over it,” Elana stated.
“It is a big deal. I should have been more involved in what was going on. Instead, I was running the business. I say that family is everything, but I certainly haven’t acted like it. For that I’m sorry, Elana.” Her grandmother reached over and squeezed her leg.
The kind words made Elana look away. She wasn’t used to so much affection.
“Let’s turn the audiobook back on. I want to see what happens to the man that left his wife.” Her grandmother gave a forced smile.
Elana nodded. As the audiobook played, Elana let her mind wander. She couldn’t help but wonder how different her life could have turned out with a just a few different decisions.
CHAPTER26
“We are getting close,” Elana announced when she spotted the state sign welcoming them.
Jack let out a bark, but her grandmother grew silent.
She looked over at her. “Everything okay? I thought you would be excited.”
Her grandmother glanced down at her flannel shirt and jeans. “Elana, look at me. I can’t see Ronald looking like a lumberjack. We need to find a store so I can pick up something nice.” She picked up her phone and begin googling boutiques.
“Are you serious? Surely he doesn’t expect you to be in an evening gown and heels.”
Her grandmother pursed her lips and glared. Elana knew from the daggers her grandmother was shooting at her not to argue.
Giving up trying to reason with her, Elana stared straight ahead. “Give me the address.”
An hour later, they were pulling off the interstate to a city. Following directions, she quickly found the upscale boutique. She parked and grabbed Jack’s leash.
“I’m going to walk Jack across the street at that park while you shop.”
Grandma Cecilia grabbed her purse. “I won’t be long. Keep your phone with you in case I need help deciding on an outfit.”
Elana nodded and climbed out of the van with Jack in tow. She waited until her grandmother disappeared into the boutique before continuing her way to the grassy area with the canine.
She watched as Jack walked around, taking his time to sniff different areas before settling on a place to do his business.
“That’s a pretty dog you have.” A man with dark hair and wearing a hoodie slowly approached her.
Elana glanced at Jack and then back at the man. “Thank you.”