Of being hyperaware that I was an outsider in this family.
I fucking hated that she had the power to make me feel this way. No matter how confident and self-assured I was, there was still this little girl inside me who remembered that pain too well.
She shook her head, as if my argument made no sense. “We got a room for the girls and a room for the boys. They were much younger than you. You were an adult and responsible to book your own room. Luckily they had one available, or you would have messed up the whole trip.”
Yes. The pricey hotel room had maxed out my credit card.
“That’s what happened?” Velveteen said. “She’s only a year older than me, Mom. I never knew that was the issue. I thought she hadn’t told you she was coming.”
Plot twist. Your mother is a real biatch, Velveteen.
“I was always coming. But it was a long time ago, and we’ve all moved on.” I met Missy’s gaze, and she quickly looked away. “You’rewelcome to call the hotel and double-check your accommodations for yourself.”
“I think we’re good to go, Violet,” my sister said, her gaze softer now. “I appreciate you handling all of this so I can focus on the honeymoon.”
“She’s getting paid to handle all of this. It’s actually her job,” Missy said without taking so much as a breath before insulting me. “It’s how she makes a living.”
“Thank you, Velveteen. I’m happy to plan your wedding. And yes, Missy, this is my job. My business, that I’ve built with my partner from the ground up. And we also charge for weddings, which I’ve obviously waived the fee for your wedding, as Velveteen is family. So, just to be clear, I’m not getting paid to plan this wedding.”
My stepmother looked startled that I’d called her out. I wasn’t someone who held back normally, but my discomfort with my father and his wife had always left me more withdrawn than I’d usually be.
And I was over it.
I was an adult.
A successful adult who was living her best life.
“It’s what family does for one another,” she said, her voice quieter now, as her daughter gaped at her.
“I couldn’t agree more. Sort of like booking a hotel room forall of your children. Leaving one to fend for themselves would be cruel, right?”
Her eyes widened, but she didn’t speak.
“Yeah. That’s what I thought.” I turned my attention back to my sister. “Everything is covered. I’ll let the florist know about your decision for both arrangements.”
“Thank you, Violet,” Velveteen said. “And did you hear from Ralph’s family finally?”
“I did. They weren’t able to get a room at the same hotel that you’re staying in because it’s all booked up, but I found them a place nearby, and I made sure they secured the rooms.” I forced a smile, because trying to manage Ralph’s family was like trying to manage a pack of wild coyotes.They were unresponsive, and when I finally did reach them, they’d always say they’d get back to me with a decision soon.
And weeks would pass.
Maybe they weren’t happy about the wedding.
Maybe they were just attentionally challenged, like their attentionally challenged son.
“Thank you for making sure they were covered,” she said.
Missy had gone completely silent.Maybe I should put her in her place more often.
“Not a problem. I’m sure we’ll be talking a lot over the next two weeks, so just keep me posted if anything comes up, and I’ll do the same,” I said. I looked up to see Charlie standing in my doorway.
I tried hard to keep from smiling so big I’d give my excitement away.
“Bye, Violet.” Velveteen waved and Missy forced a smile, and I said a quick goodbye and ended the Zoom.
“What’s going on here?” I said, arching a brow. “Did I violate a parking rule at the house? Set off a fire alarm? Step on a flower bed?”
He chuckled. A sexy-as-hell grin spread across his handsome face. His jaw was peppered in day-old scruff, and his blue eyes were darker than normal. “Nah. I thought I’d take you on a lunch date. Just you and me.”
