Page 67 of Eternal Pieces
She abruptly stops. “Crap, sorry. Your boobs have gotten massive. Did you account for them growing when you sent the measurements?”
“No.” I bite back a sob.
“It’s okay! There might be a sewing kit in here somewhere. I’ve hung out in enough wardrobe departments to know how to do a simple stitch. I’ll see what I can do.”
Her hand-eye coordination is so bad that I’ve seen her stab herself with a fork when she eats. There’s no way I’m letting her near me with a needle.
“There’s no time! Shouldn’t you check in with the guys to make sure we’re good to go?”
She puts her hand on her hip and looks me over. “If you’re sure. God, Violet, you’re so pretty! They’re going to freak the fuck out when they see you. I’d bet good money that Maddox will cry.”
I wonder if he and Max are feeling as nervously excited as I am. Knowing them, they’re probably standing there like two perfect stone Adonis’ waiting for me to arrive. The swoon-worthy thought leaves me a little light-headed.
The nerves have really made themselves at home in my stomach now that I’m waiting outside the doors that lead me to my future. I keep getting nervous cramps. For a moment, I thought they were contractions, but surely I’d know if I was going into labor?
I startle from a knock on the door behind me. It must be Sarah coming to tell me they’re ready for me, but why has she used the wrong door?
Holding the train of my dress up, I shuffle to open the door and almost slam it back in my unexpected visitor’s face, but she puts her heel in the way first and pushes inside.
“You’re not welcome here.” I scowl.
The door closes with a soft click behind her.
Mom looks over every inch of me. I used to shrink down whenever she examined my appearance like this, but I stand taller and prouder than I ever have before.
Once again, she looks different. I don’t remember the last time I saw her in jeans, but it takes me back to my childhood when she wasn’t trying so hard to impress richer and richer men.
She’s clearly not here for the wedding if she didn’t bother to dress for it. She always went all out at any opportunity to put on a fancy cocktail dress.
“What do you want?”
Looking me in the eye, her harsh gaze fades, and she says two words that fill my heart with loathing. “I’m sorry.”
“I don’t want to hear it.”
“Violet, I truly am. I didn’t mean any of it. I was just bitter seeing you so happy. I’m entitled to my opinions about it all,but I’ve learned not to voice them, so can we please have a fresh start?”
Ah, I see. This is what she considers an apology.
It suddenly feels like a boulder is on my back again, weighing me down with defeat. A cold sweat comes over me, and I need to sit down, but I don’t want to look weak in front of her, so I stay on my feet.
“This is what you came here for? Whatever else you have to say, I’d prefer you leave it for another day. I’ve just had my makeup done, and I don’t want to ruin it.”
Taking my hands, she smiles softly at me. “You look beautiful. I should have started with that. My baby girl is getting married.”
I don’t thank her for the compliment. That’s all she really wants. Praise for pretending to be a good mother.
Pulling my hands away, I say, “I don’t have time for this. You’re not ruining today for me.”
For a split second, I swear I see a lifetime of regret in her eyes. Maybe I should invite her in? If this is her really reaching out to mend that bond she broke, then I should give her that chance.
Turning away from her, I face the doors to center myself. Max and Maddox are just out there. I could ask them to help me figure it out, but I know what they’d say. And they’d be right.
“It’s not normal to be jealous of your own daughter.”
“Don’t be like that, Violet, you’d feel the same if you were in my shoes. Imagine going through life sleeping with any man with a fat enough wallet to give your child a good life, then seeing that child get it all so easily. I know what those boys are worth. I was their mother once.”
“Do you not hear yourself?” As I turn on my heel, a sharp stitch forms in my side. I press my hand to it and ignore it so I can get this over with. “I’m not with them for the money. It wasnever about that for me. Max and Maddox are my everything. I’d live on the streets with them if that were the only way to be with them. You’ve made it more than clear what you think, so I’d like you to leave now. For good this time.”
