“Well, at least you have lots of friends here in River Valley. Anyway, you know Julianna and I love you and are looking forward to seeing you this evening.”
I eyed my to-do list that was sitting on the kitchen counter. “I have a few errands to run, and then I’ll be heading your way for your awesome party. I think that’s so cool you two got pregnant at the same time.” I cleared my throat, “Although, it doesn’t make it easy on my credit card. I mean…”
“I told you, girl, not to buy us presents. You’re helping Julianna and me with the party means more to us than anything.”
“Stop it. I’ll see you in a few hours,” I told her, before ending the call.
My eyes stared at the pile of bills on the coffee table. Annie had to know there was no way I would show up at their party empty-handed. Annie was practically like a sister to me, and I had become close with Julianna over the years, too. But they were now Truman’s, and I was sure their baby registry had the most expensive version of everything a baby could ever need.
I closed my eyes and rubbed them with my fingers. I would find out shortly because, as usual, I waited until the last minute to get their gifts.
After I had hung up the phone, I hopped in the shower, put on a pink skirt and casual white blouse, grabbed my to-do list, and headed out the door. As I walked past the yoga studio, I peeked inside and waved at the receptionist. I considered her and all of the other employees to be my extended family.
The first stop on my to-do list was Babyocity, a luxury, high-end boutique for expectant parents. I had hoped that Annie and Julianna registered at a store that was a bit more affordable, such as Target, but that wasn’t the case.
My eyes bugged out when the store clerk handed me the registries. “So, this is all that’s left on the list?”
“Yes, I’m afraid that's all that's left.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat before handing her my credit card. “I’ll take the baby monitor and infant car seat.”
They better be wrapped in gold paper.
After spending an excessive amount of money on gifts, I made my way to Sideline Liquor. Annie and Julianna insisted on having alcohol for the guests to enjoy, and I knew I’d be drinking after racking up so much debt on two gifts.
I grabbed several bottles of champagne, and two each of red and white wine, and put it onto the checkout counter. After she rang up a tab of over five-hundred dollars, I was glad Annie and Julianna had given me the cash to purchase what was needed for the party. Otherwise, they would have been stuck drinking soda.
The last stop was Tulip Bakery, where I needed to pick up the two gender-reveal cakes.
I recognized the baker as soon as I walked inside. “Hi, Dahlia. I’m here to pick up the cakes for the Truman party today.”
Dahlia walked out to me and gave me a long, intense hug. “I am so sorry to hear about your mother, darling. I cannot imagine what you’re going through right now.”
She was a sweet, much older woman who treated everyone as though they were her children. As much as I appreciated her gesture, I was in no mood to discuss the loss of my mother.
“Thank you.”
“She must have been going through so much pain, and that’s why she didn’t tell you about it sooner, dear.”
I politely broke free from her arms, not wanting to offend her but also not wanting to discuss my mother’s death. “To be honest, Dahlia, it’s too soon to talk about her passing away. I’m sorry. I know that you mean well, but I’m still processing everything.”
Dahlia put her hands up and nodded, and I breathed a sigh of relief. She was a kind woman whose feelings I’d never want to hurt.
After I loaded the two cakes into my car, I put my sunglasses on and then proceeded to back out of the parking space. Everything was right on schedule… until I heard screeching tires and felt my car jerk forward.
When I whipped my head around, I saw some guy with a beard, sitting in his black BMW, peeking over his sunglasses at my fender. I took a deep breath and flung my car door open — eager to rip him a new asshole.
“Just what the hell do you think you’re doing? You had to be speeding!”
When he got out, I couldn’t help but notice how tall and buff he was, and he appeared to be about my age. But the guy just stood there against his car, peering over his sunglasses at me without saying a word.
I pointed up and down the street. “I looked both ways before I backed up too, so don’t even think you’ll get out of this one! Plus, I’m sure there are cameras all over this parking lot."
That’s when the guy started to smirk at me. I could feel my blood pressure rising, and I balled my fists. “Do you think this is funny?”
The guy reached into his wallet and pulled out a card, finally saying something. “No, I don’t think this is funny. Could you do me a favor, though, and not call the cops?”
My hands tightened against my thighs. “Why wouldn’t I call the cops, because your precious BMW doesn’t even have a scratch on it? Let me guess.” Now, I was on a roll as I continued to hiss at him. “Your daddy bought you that car, didn’t he? Well, not all of us are that lucky. Some of us have to work to pay our bills, and you bet your ass that your car insurance will be paying for my repairs! I should make you pay my deductible, too.”
