I feel like I’m sixteen again, having just been handed my first paycheck.
Just before we head our separate ways, Mallorie pulls me in for a tight hug.
“Will you promise me something?”
I nod in her arms. “I will check in twice a day and carry pepper spray with me at all times.”
She straightens her arms and shoots me a sincere look.
“In addition to those things, there’s something else.”
My chest steels, anxiously. “What is it?”
“You’ve been someone else’s vision of a housewife for twenty years. You’ve been the center of your daughter’s life since she was born. You don’t need to worry about her, okay? Your mom might be a battle axe to you, but she dotes on Paige, and I’ll check in on them both—you don’t need to worry about a thing. I want you to treat this retreat as a break, some time for yourself. You talked about being a support act before. This isn’t that moment, alright? Be the lead female for once. You deserve it.”
I can feel a tear swell behind my eyes. I’ve been playing this role for so long I’m not sure how to live life any other way.
“I have a good feeling about this August King person, and not just because he’s bought you a seventeen-thousand dollar closet. He’s come to your defense, he had your blouse dry-cleaned, and he helped you at the storage unit. Take what he offers you, Erin. If only for a week. Enjoy yourself.”
Her earnest expression morphs into something mischievous. “And then come home and tell me every tiny detail so I can live vicariously through you.”
I grin and nod. “Okay.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
Then I walk away feeling lighter that I have in a long time.
Erin
My wedding band burns a hole in my pocket as I stare at the case by the door.
I’ve told Mom and Paige I’ve secured a gig waitressing at a resort for the week. As far as they know, a car will collect me and take me to the station, but I have no idea what kind of car is going to show up.
August told me he’d collect me at nine—that’s all I know.
“Are you sure this is okay?” I ask Mom for the millionth time. I make a mental note to request those words be etched onto my gravestone when I depart this Earth.
“Yes,” she sighs.
I see through it, though. She loves having Paige all to herself. She also loves any opportunity to make me feel bad about it.
Her smile sweetens. “I’m just pleased someone finally recognizes your talent.”
I spin to face her. “As—a waitress?”
“Well, yes, honey. It’s a step up from barmaid, isn’t it?”
I bite back a retort. If only she knew I’d stepped all the way up to high class escort. She’d probably have a stroke.
One thing to be grateful for is the fact that knowing I’m about to leave for a week has prompted my daughter to say a few words more than usual to me. I even get hugs.
“Promise to bring back snacks?” she asks after blowing the bangs from her face.
“Yes.” I wrap my arms around her. “All the snacks.”
“Vegan ones?”
