And that’s when I run across Charlie’s texts with Leo. Sitting up in my bed, I overanalyze Leo’s message for ten minutes.
Heard you were here
Is it likeHeard you were here and I’m so sorry I missed you!or more likeI heard you were here—haven’t you done enough already?
I can’t even be mad at Charlie’s text. I knew Leo would be at the crawfish boil tonight unless he decided to go home straight after the tournament, since the party is for the Evil Joes, too.
I hope he’s there.
Sophie comes out wrapped in a towel and I slip into the bathroom. By the time we’re dressed and ready and heading to the car, I still don’t have a grasp of what tonight will be like. Or what it will be like to see Leo.
Pulling up in front of Nonna and Papa’s shop, Sophie and I are both speechless. By rearranging the plants and trees in stock, they’ve created a wonderland. There are crape myrtle trees strung with lights lining the front walk and pots spilling over with flowers on each step.
“This is gorgeous!” Sophie sighs at last.
I couldn’t agree more.
We follow the lighted path through the shop and out the back door. It’s really an old house that’s been converted into a business, and the big backyard is a perfect place for all the plants.
Normally a maze of pots and shelving, the plants have been grouped around the edges so the entire center is open. There is a cooking trailer in the very back where the crawfish are being boiled, and tables set up with red-and-white-checkered tablecloths. The party is for family and friends and doesn’t officially start until seven, but Nonna and Papa wanted all the family here early so it could be just us for a bit.
Except for the Evil Joes, Sophie and I are among the last to arrive. The entire area is full; I don’t know how the other guests are going to fit in here.
“Here we go,” Sophie mumbles as we make our way over to greet each and every family member.
Aunt Patrice and Uncle Ronnie are the first we come to. She hugs us both at the same time while Uncle Ronnie pats us on the head.
Aunt Patrice pulls back from the hug and zeroes in on me. “We are so proud of you, Olivia! Salutatorian!” She turns to Sophie. “We’re proud of you, too, sweetie.” Then they walk off.
“She’s still not over it that I bailed on that living Nativity,” Sophie says, and I can’t help but giggle.
Moving farther into the party, we find Aunt Kelsey and Uncle Will. They have four daughters and you never see either one of them without at least one kid hanging off them.
“Girls! Happy graduation!” Aunt Kelsey says, pulling each of us in for a one-armed hug since she’s got Frannie on one hip and Mary hanging on to her leg.
“We’re so proud of you both,” Uncle Will says. Birdie is sitting on his shoulder and Gracie clinging to the front of him. “Do you give a speech, since you’re salutatorian?”
“Uh, yeah, the welcome speech,” I answer, feeling about one inch tall.
“Can’t wait to hear it!”
Sophie’s parents and my parents descend on us next. Mom has her phone out and she’s taking pictures as they reminisce about when we were babies and how they’re going to be empty nesters now and just go ahead and shoot me.
Aunt Eileen pulls me in close and whispers, “We couldn’t be prouder of you, Olivia!”
And that’s it. I can’t take it. I’m a fake. A fraud. I’m not salutatorian. I’m not even a graduate.
Sophie must see it on my face because she whispers, “No, no, no, not yet.”
But it’s too late for that. At least telling them now will be like ripping the bandage off.
Walking to the nearest chair, I pull it to an open area and stand up on it. “Can I have everyone’s attention, please?” I yell.
Nonna claps. “Aw! Are we getting a preview of your speech?”
Ugh.
“No, Nonna, but I do have something I need to tell everyone, and since everyone is here, this seems like the right time.”
