She nods in understanding. “That makes sense.”
I pull my phone out of my belt bag and gasp when I see the missed notification at the top.
“What is it?” Mallory asks, immediately sensing the change in my demeanor.
“I have a missed call from my mom.”
The collective intake of breath in the car is audible. They all know how rare it is for her to call me.
“What doesshewant?” Mallory wrinkles her nose.
“I don’t know. She didn’t leave a voicemail.”
“Maybe it was just a butt dial.” Shayna sounds hesitant, though still the most optimistic of us.
“Yeah.” My mind trails off, though I try to keep it from straying too deep into my childhood memories. If I let myself sit in those for too long, the sadness can feel overwhelming.
I’m quiet for the rest of the drive, only chiming in when necessary so my friends don’t worry about me. But when Shayna parks in front of our house, my stomach drops. I can hardly believe my eyes. I close them shut before slowly blinking them open, feeling like they’re playing a trick on me.
“Is that—” Alyssa gestures to our porch.
I nod, my mouth dry. “Yep, that’s my mom.”
“How does she even know where we live?” Mallory’s tone is bitter. “She hasn’t bothered to visit the past two years. So, why is she showing up now?”
“I’m about to go find out.” I take a steadying breath and get out of the car, walking slowly to the porch.
My mother stands when she sees me, holding her arms out wide. “Sweetheart, it’s so good to see you.”
“What are you doing here, Mom?” I ask, keeping my distance.
“Now, where’s the Southern hospitality I taught you?” She laughs. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
I cross my arms, trying to hold myself together. “Are you going to tell me why you’re at my house?”
“Can’t a mother just want to see her only daughter’s home?”
“At seven on a random Friday night without calling me first?”
“I did call. You didn’t answer.”
“I was at an event.” I internally chide myself. I don’t need to justify why I didn’t answer her call. Thankfully, I’m given a moment to breathe when my friends exit the car and join us.
“Hi, Mrs. Anderson.” Shayna’s smile is bright, but I know her well enough to tell it’s forced.
“Hello, girls. It’s been a while.” My mother runs a hand through her box-dyed hair. “And it’s Ms. McGrath now.” Apparently, she’s reverted to using her maiden name since we last spoke.
“It sure has.” Mallory glares at her.
My mother doesn’t seem affected in the slightest, obviously lacking the wherewithal to know she isn’t welcome. “Well, can I see your house?”
“I’ll show you the living room.” I step past my friends and unlock the door, ushering my mom in. All my friends follow with pitying glances that almost do me in. They move to the kitchen, where I’m sure they’ll be eavesdropping while I show my mom the living room.
“Wow, this is nice.” My mother looks around. “Very Victorian, and I like your decorating style.”
“Alyssa’s a pro at that.” I pick at the threads on the knit blanket lying across the back of the couch. “Did you need something, Mom?”
She smooths her hands along her jacket. “I only need a place to stay for a little while. My boyfriend broke up with me, so I don’t have anywhere to go.”
