However, I got a little lift in my spirits when Alden shared how he received an order for cupcakes, specifically askingmeto decorate them for a bachelorette party. Apparently, word has gotten out about my confections. They even tacked on a mileage fee as he has to drive them an hour away.
Oh, what I’d give to make this my very own business. But there are just too many obstacles in my way to put any real effort into that pipedream. I’ve got a perfectly good gig going here with Alden at Honey Bunz. There’s no sense striking out on my own merely to have to come crawling back, begging to return if it fails. And I have no doubt it would, given my limitations.
I carefully place the purple candy penis pointed straight up in the center of the cupcake. They’re bite-sized hard candy meant for sucking. The sight of the naughty confections on the aluminum tray before me makes me chuckle.
“Good lord, Addy. Those are ridiculous.” Alden chuffs.
I giggle. “Yeah, well I think these girls are paying for ridiculous.” Our reverie is interrupted by the sound of the bell chiming as the front door swings open. My skin grows cold, and my stomach drops as the familiar well-dressed woman approaches. Sliding the X-rated baked goods out of sight behind a large white bakery box, I look up as she bypasses Alden’s greeting without a glance and stands before me.
“Addison.”
“Hi, Mom.” I quickly come around the counter to try to act like a dutiful daughter, leaning in for an uncomfortable hug.
“I figured when you wouldn’t return my calls, I’d have to drive to Sycamore to see you in person. My time is valuable. You could’ve saved me the trouble by calling me back.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right. I’ve been so busy I forgot to get back to you.” It’s a lie, and we both know it. Our relationship has been strained for years. Try as I might, I can’t be who she wants me to be, and her repeated lectures on how I’m wasting my life had me running for the hills.Literally.
“Your brother is graduating MIT, and we’re having a big celebration.” If she’s excited about this accomplishment, you’d never know it. She perpetually looks like she’s sucking a lemon. “I need to ensure you’ll be there to congratulate him.” Looking about the small bakery with distaste, she returns her pointed stare to me. “I hope you can fit us into yourbusyschedule.”
Well, that was rude.
“Yes, of course. I’m sorry you came all this way. I’m proud of Bradley. Just getting into MIT is impressive. Much less to graduate with honors.” The engineering school is widely accepted as a prestigious academy that accepts only the brightest applicants. Clearly, a trajectory I’m not on.
“Addison, if you had applied yourself, you could be attending a similar institution.”
“Mom,” I huff before I can get control of myself. I lower my tone, so as not to upset her further, or suck Alden into my family drama. “You know that isn’t possible. You and Dad are two of the smartest people I know. I’m sure your students at Duke are lucky to have you. And Dad’s accomplishments in research there are nothing short of incredible. I’m in awe of both of you.AndBrad. It’s no fault of yours that I’m not cut out to be an academic. But I’ve accepted God has a different plan for me.”
“Addison Briggs, if you’d only tried harder, you could’ve achieved the same things. You wouldn’t even give the tutors we hired a chance. You can label yourself as the creative type all you like. But I believe it’s an excuse to be lazy.”
“Mom!” My voice reverberates about the small space. I’m suddenly too outraged to care who hears it. “Dyslexia isn’t an excuse to be lazy. I try hard every single day.” I enunciate the last three words carefully. “Even ordinary tasks like returning a text can be difficult. I’m sorry you can’t see that.” Placing my hands flat on the countertop in front of me, I attempt to take a fortifying breath before continuing. “Your tutor didn’t understand the complexities of my disorder. So her assistance wasn’t helpful. I’m making a life for myself despite my condition. Please try to be happy for me. I know it’s not what you’d choose, but I’m making the best of my circumstance.” I pause again, attempting to quell the tremor in my voice. “And I’m doing well.” Admittedly those words don’t come out as forcefully as the rest, but this woman knows how to make me second-guess everything.
“You can’t possibly make any real money doing this,” she states emphatically, looking through the glass at the assorted sweets on display. I instinctively move closer to the erotic cupcakes ensuring I block her view.
“At least you aren’t modeling any longer.”
Jeez. “Um, I actually have a big shoot coming up soon,” I volunteer nervously. There’s no sense pretending. “You might see it, as it’s with a large fashion house. They’ve offered to fly me to Paris for an upcoming show.”
“Addison. It’s so degrading. Selling your looks in that way.”
Her statement makes me feel defensive, but I can’t correct her. It makes me feel the same. But only because my heart isn’t in it. I don’t judge anyone who works in modeling. It’s a career many girls dream of. There’s no downplaying it. I’ve been blessed with the opportunities I’ve had. I do it because I’m good at it. It comes easy to me, and the generous compensation provides seed money for the future.
I’m well aware being in my upper twenties, the window of opportunity I have for modeling is quickly coming to a close. “It’s not for much longer. It’s simply a good opportunity right now.” Deciding to change the subject, I add, “Can I bring the cake to Bradley’s celebration? To help?”
“Thank you, Addison. No. I have the event planner handling all of that. Your presence is all that is required.”
I shouldn’t feel disappointed at this. That would be asking for trouble anyway. Martha Stewart could’ve baked and decorated Bradley’s cake herself, yet if Mother thought it wasmycreation it would be subpar at best. “Okay,” I reply, hoping if I’m the polite, compliant daughter, this painful, recurrent conversation will come to a much-needed end, and she’ll leave, so I can focus on something much more appetizing. Like candy cocks. I bite my lip to prevent my internal laughter from bringing another scolding.
“I’ll expect to see you early that evening to help,” she says as she turns toward the door without a hug goodbye.I thought she had an event planner. Why does she need me there early?
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Goodbye, dear.” She gives me a small noncommittal wave over her shoulder before heading out to her shiny black Mercedes. It looks even prettier parked next to my used Kia Sorrento, which is missing a door handle as of yesterday morning. The damn thing fell off right into my-
“You, okay?”
“What?”
“I tried to give you some privacy, but I couldn’t help overhearing, doll. I’m sorry.” Alden winces. “Your mom’s a witch.”
