[Daphne, it’s my birthday today. Come home. I wasn’t going to ask, but Betty begged me to let you come. Be sure to thank her.]
Oh, I remembered her birthday, all right. But I wasn’t that daughter anymore–the one who’d be bending over backward a week
in advance, picking out gifts and making her day perfect.
Nope. Not happening. That house wasn’t my home anymore, and honestly, she wasn’t my mom anymore either.
Around noon, mid–bite of my peaceful lunch, another text rolled in:
[Why aren’t you here yet? Henry’s already here. What kind of daughter shows up late to her mother’s birthday party?]
[And I’m not even mad you didn’t plan anything this year. Are you still mad about that slap?]
[Why can’t you be more like Betty–kind and forgiving?]
I actually laughed out loud. Bitterly. Like, really? Who says that to their kid?
My appetite was officially wrecked, so I blocked her number without a second thought.
But, of course, peace didn’t last long–Henry called next.
“Where are you? Stop sulking and come over. People are starting to wonder what your mom and Betty did to make you skip your
mother’s birthday.”
Hearing his voice, I realized I’d only deleted him off social media, not blocked him. Rookie mistake.
I didn’t even dignify his nonsense with a response–just hung up and blocked him too.
Finally: blessed silence.
After I finished eating, my best friend Suzie Arden texted me. Her big project was finally done, and she wanted to celebrate with drinks. Obviously, I was in. A night out sounded perfect.
When I got to the bar, Suzie was already there, deep in convo with a ridiculously good–looking bartender. The second she saw me,
she waved me over like I’d been missing for a year.
1/2
Chapter 6
+15 BONUS
“It’s been forever! Come here. Why do you look so skinny?” She frowned, all serious. “Don’t tell me Henry’s been messing with you again.”
I gave her a small smile. “I’m not marrying Henry.‘
She pulled me into a tight hug, saying everything without a single word.
As the drinks kept coming, so did the confessions. Everything I’d been holding in just poured out, raw and messy.
Suzie listened, her face getting stormier with every word. “That jerk doesn’t deserve you! You should’ve kicked him to the curb ages ago!”
Before I could respond, a sloppy, drunken guy stumbled over. “Hey, ladies! Drinking alone’s boring. How about I take you both home for some fun?”
He reached out, his hand landing on my shoulder, and the slimy look in his eyes made his intentions crystal clear.
Feeling grossed out, I tried to shove his hand off. But the guy didn’t take the hint. He was stronger than I expected and way too persistent.
I fought to get free, but he wouldn’t let go. Suzie jumped in to help, only to get shoved to the floor.
The worst part? Everyone else just watched. Not one person stepped up to help.
