Abandoned. Again.
She was an idiot for divulging every last vulnerability.
But this time felt different. She didn’t need him to make her happy, just as he didn’t need her to make him whole.
Sure, she could wallow and seal herself off for another half year. Or, she could choose not to. Phoenix’s rejectionwassad, especially since a part of her intuited that it wasn’t a reflection on her. Beyond the sadness, though, was strength, and the knowledge that she’d survive—even thrive. Her well was deep. She could love again.
For now, she had to go face him and his family.
Orchid tore off her yoga outfit and pulled a dress over her head. She could do this, take part in one last meal. She’d take the high road.
The streams of silver and vanilla-hued fabric fit her perfectly. For Easter, the season of rebirth, she’d chosen an outfit that wasn’t black, a feat considering her wardrobe. She slipped her feet into silver heels and strode over to the mirror to re-apply makeup over puffy eyes.
A knock at the door. She calmed herself with a lungful of air, then tore it open to find Lucy and Harry.
“Wow, I love your dress,” Lucy said.
“Yours, too,” Orchid said, glancing at the spring green floating chiffon. It wasn’t one she’d ever wear, but the color and style suited Lucy.
“Ready?” Harry asked, offering each of them an arm.
“Sure. I’ll be your shield for any stupid comments, right?” Orchid said dryly to Lucy.
“That’s right!”
Downstairs, the table was set more ornately than a Martha StewartLivingshoot. Pale lavender linens complemented cream china and robin’s egg blue walls to create the feeling of being inside a Fabergé egg.
“Betsy, you’ve outdone yourself,” Orchid said, touching cheeks with the hostess.
“Oh, thank you,” she said, beaming. “Did you sleep well?”
“Not bad,” she said, stretching a back made sore by the awkward angle of the armchair.
Caleb strode over. “I bought you guys time this morning,” he said with gruff pride. “You were asleep in Phoenix’s room and I figured you’d want to talk, so I had the rest of the crew leave for Easter Mass without you.”
“Thanks.” Orchid stretched upwards to throw her arms around his neck when he stepped back, one hand up.
“I also straightened everyone out that we never dated, so you don’t want to start rumors, do you?”
“You’re the best, thanks,” she said, backing up to allow proper distance between them.
Orchid hesitated and then walked over to Veronica. “Good morning, Mrs. Walker. How are you?”
“I’m well. I understand you spent the night in Phoenix’s room?”
Orchid blushed. “Um, not like that . . . I was—”
“I know. I didn’t mean anything. Just, actually, thank you for helping him.”
She exhaled. “You’re welcome.”
“Was he better by the morning?”
She nodded, throat tight remembering his calm sleep and then the finality of his rejection. “Once he fell asleep, he seemed okay. I wanted to stay just in case he needed anything.”
Veronica relaxed. Orchid could see the caring mother behind her tough exterior.
Betsy came to take her sister by the arm. “Brunch is served!”
