“I only want what’s best for you,mija.” Her voice softened, turning smooth as butter.
“I know,Mamá.”
“You would be happy here with your family.”
I wouldn’t. I didn’t belong in a place where I couldn’t chase my dream. A place where I couldn’t be on stage.
“I’m happy here,” I grumbled.
“Oh, yes. You sound very happy,” she said, sarcasm coloring her tone.
I pulled out my sunglasses, hoping it would deaden the ache in my head.
“Iam,” I gritted out.
“You always were so stubborn.”
The cab pulled over to let me out.
“Mamá, I have to go.”
She sighed, probably realizing I was a lost cause. I was the daughter she had. Not the daughter she wanted.
“I’ll talk to you soon,mija. Don’t forget about your poor old mother just because you live in the city.”
I hung up and grabbed Olivia’s dress, tossing some cash at the cabbie.
I might as well get that phone call with Ben out of the way, since my good day was already ruined. It couldn’t get much worse.
It's A Miracle I Haven't Been Fired
Ben
Mycellphonelitup as it buzzed across my desk.
Thank fuck.
I needed a break from the status reports I was working on. I’d been balls deep in statistics and graphs all morning. A distraction would prevent my brain from frying, which it would if I looked at this damn computer screen a second longer.
I grabbed my cell and did a double take when I saw who was calling. I couldn’t help but smile as my fingers slid over the answer icon on the screen.
“Well, well, well... look who finally deigned to use the number I gave her.”
“Ugh. Believe me, it was excruciating having to dial it,” Eve grumbled. I could picture her nose wrinkled in disgust, as if calling me was the worst possible thing she could do.
“So, to what do I owe the pleasure, princess?” I asked, leaning back in my chair.
“You wanted to help me with Jack and Olivia’s bachelor and bachelorette party. We’re weeks behind. Can you meet me somewhere so we can nail down the details?”
“Now?” I looked at my watch. It was a little after ten. Didn’t she realize most people were working right now?
“It doesn’t have to be right this minute, but I need to be done with planning before 4. My shift starts at 5.”
My inbox was flooded with emails to respond to, reports to finish, and ads to sign off on before my week off. Taking lunch wasn’t an option with everything I had on my plate. I was swamped.
“I can’t make it work today.”
“Why not?” she whined. “Are you trying to get back at me for embarrassing you in front of that waitress the other day?”
