“I just want what you and Isla have.” Her shoulders slumped as she bit her lip. “I know that’s an unattainable goal, but I look up to you two so much. You two are just so madly in love and have an amazing family and know how to communicate and, ugh,” she sighed. “I want that so bad. And I want that withMelso bad.”
Vera’s eyes glistened with tears as she put a hand to her chest. “You think Isla and I are couple goals?”
“Well, yeah.”
“Aww, Cam, you’re gonna make me cry.”
“Please don’t make this about you.”
“You started it,” Vera chuckled. “But seriously, Cam, honey. It’s all going to be okay. Twenty-three years ago Isla and I were the farthest thing from couple goals. But we’ve worked hard to get where we are now. We meet each other at our lowest points and stand by each other when we’re on the mountaintops. Nothing about relationships is easy, but as long as you love the person you’re with and they love you back, nothing else really matters.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“IknowI’m right,” Vera corrected with a smirk. “Now let’s get you ready before your woman gets here.”
Thankfully, the butterflies in Cameron’s stomach calmed down enough for her to apply her makeup with a steady hand. Vera had done an amazing job on her hair, curling it perfectly for the occasion. Cameron had chosen her favorite perfume for the night, soaking in the sweet scent as she walked into the bedroom. She found Vera packing an overnight bag.
“Um, what are you doing?”
“Packing you a bag in case dinner goes well. Do you have an extra toothbrush, or do you want me to grab the one you normally use?”
Walking over to the duffle bag, Cameron examined its contents as Vera brushed past her and into the bathroom. There were pajamas and a change of clothes along with underwear and a bra.
“Did you go through my underwear drawer?”
“Yes, and honey,” Vera emerged from the bathroom with Cameron’s toothbrush pointed at her, “you need to go shopping for new ones if you’re going to have Melanie see them.”
Cameron rolled her eyes. “Thank you for making me more nervous than I already am.”
“Don’t worry. I’m sure the last thing Mel will care about tonight is how long you’ve had your underwear. She’ll only care about getting them off your body.”
Resisting the urge to roll her eyes again, Cameron changed out of her fluffy robe and into a form-fitting red dress. It was one of her favorites; one that always made her feel sexy and confident. Melanie had seen her in it before, but Cameron didn’t care. The dress was her power outfit for a reason. With its low neckline and the way it hit her mid-thigh, Cameron knew how good she looked in it.
And, hell, Melanie had even told her as much every time she saw her wear it. So Cameron knew the dress would be a major success.
“What is Melanie wearing?” Cameron asked as Vera zipped the back of her dress.
“I’m not telling you, but you’re gonna love it.”
“You’re mean.”
“And you’re ready.” Vera playfully patted Cameron’s behind as she looked over her shoulder in the mirror. “You look beautiful, Cam.”
Cameron blushed. “Thanks, Vera.”
“Mom?” Dylan’s voice echoed down the hallway through the cracked bedroom door. Her eyes were on her phone as she entered the room. “Is it okay if I go home with Aunt Vera and spend the night with Ellie tonight?”
“As long as it’s okay with Aunt Vera if you stay over.”
“It’s okay with me.”
“Thanks!” Dylan typed out a message on her phone, undoubtedly to Ellie, before ever looking up at Cameron. When she did, she looked star-struck. “Mom, you look amazing.”
“Isn’t she beautiful?” Vera fluffed Cameron’s hair slightly.
“So beautiful.” Dylan crossed the room and gave Cameron a tight hug. “I hope you have the best night ever, Mom.”
“Thanks, baby.”
