Much like my father she can be stubborn too. If she needs she will eventually ask. But she has to want it, I can’t force anything on her.
“Well, I guess I’ll head into the store.” I give her a gentle squeeze. “You need anything at all, you or Dad, you’ll call?”
“I will,” she assures me and I ignore the glossy look in her eyes.
As I step outside and walk toward my SUV I pull my phone from my back pocket and dial the one person I know won’t stand for my mother’s isolation.
“Finn,” Anita’s voice rings in my ear and I pause, leaning back against the side of my Tahoe. “How are you doing?”
“I was hoping that I could ask you a favor?” I hate feeling so raw, like my emotions have been drug over hot coals and a cheese grater.
“Whatever you need.” She doesn’t even hesitate. Bennett’s mom has always been like a second mother to me. She’s that way with all the guys, it’s why we all call her momma O’Shay, the woman has the biggest heart. “You name it, and it’s done.”
“Talking to Dad this morning and he says Ma needs a ladies’ night. She needs laughter, dinner, crafts, something fun. She needs to find her joy and I couldn’t think of any other person that could spearhead a task like that better than you.”
“You just know that I won’t let her say no.”
“True.” I smile. “But I also know that you have the ability to wrangle everyone and make it happen. I can take care of Dad, but I may need you to kidnap her.”
“Did you have a day in mind?”
“Saturday,” I suggest. “I know she won’t leave Dad for at least the next few days. He has treatments on Mondays and is done for two to three days after that. But by Saturday he should be moving around, and she’ll feel less hesitant to take some time away.”
“Saturday it is,” she assures me without pause. “I will start the phone tree and us ladies will plan a day of it. I’ll even pull in the younger group to add some extra fun. I’ll put Lexi and Sutton in charge of that task.”
At the mention of Lexi and Sutton I am instantly reminded of my plans for Friday night. Sophie and the surprised look in her eyes lingers in my mind.
“Thank you,” I say.
“Don’t thank me,” she adds. “Any time, you know that.”
And I did, but I guess I’m just like my parents are, I hate to ask.
CHAPTER FOUR
Sophie
“This is ridiculous,”I complain as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. “Is this necessary?” I look back at Jillian and roll my eyes.
It’s just her and I sharing our apartment now, since Adley moved in with Rory. We’ve all made our way to Hudson, finding the quiet is something that we like outside of Montgomery. But it only means that we are closer to those that have crossed over and Sutton, Lexi, and Adley all can be here to hassle us at a moment’s notice. Kendall is the only person that still hadn’t made the move to Hudson. I’m surprised really due to the ongoing drama she has with her nosy neighbor. Truthfully I can’t believe she hasn’t murdered the lady yet.
“It is completely necessary,” Adley says in a singsong voice as she adjusts my skirt. “The idea is to put on a show.”
“I don’t want to be the center of attention.” Again with the toddler fit, minus the foot stomping.
“Babe in this dress, how can you not be?” Sutton says with a big smile.
“She can sing like an angel after a few drinks, and she has killer legs too. Who knew?” Lexi adds from her spot on my bed. Sitting on the edge she is looking me over from head to toe.
“Let’s not forget how amazing her boobs look right now.” Kendall reaches around and pushes up on my chest. “They are front and center.”
“Do you mind?” I swat at her hand.
“Her ass looks pretty good too,” Jillian adds and I gawk at her. I thought if anyone would be on my side, it would be her. But no, they’ve all lost their damn minds.
“I’m not going,” I say as I start to remove the dress straps off my shoulders. “This is a crazy idea anyway. Honestly it’s going to backfire and once again poor little Sophie is going to be the brunt of the joke. So what, I can’t get my own date now I have to fake date?”
Adley places her hand over mine to stop me.
