Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55171 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55171 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
“Knock-knock, Stormy, Stormy,” Aunt Cat, short for Dorothy, says on the other side of the wall, not even bothering to knock. I scramble up from my place on the floor and head to unlock the door before she uses her key. You know, the one that’s supposed to be used for emergencies only. They’ve both done that before. One time I was in the shower, I didn’t answer when they stopped by, and I nearly had a heart attack. There is nothing quite like stepping out of the shower and coming face to face with what you think is an intruder only for it to be your mom. The screaming commenced, and with Aunt Cat rounding the corner, it happened all over again.
“Coming, Aunt Cat!” Luckily, this apartment is small, so in a few short steps, I’m at the door, unlatching the deadbolt and flinging the door open. There, standing beside my aunt, is my mother. Aunt Cat has a smile plastered on her face, arms full of paperwork, and I’m dreading it. They left yesterday with the promise to return today. The timing couldn’t be worse, and yet it couldn’t be better.
“Hey, honey,” Mom says as I open the door further, allowing them access. Aunt Cat kisses my cheek, and Mom brings me in for a hug. “Hey, Momma, did you by chance bring my phone back? I think I found a place, but calling would be easier than emailing.”
“I did. Aunt Cat blocked a slew of people, so you should be good from those who shall not be named. I figured a week without a phone would be plenty of time.” We pull away from one another, and I nod. It’s time to get with the program and start getting out and about again. The rumors are going to circulate no matter what. I’m tired of hiding from the whispers.
“Thank God. Do I want to know what all that paperwork is?” I ask, a different kind of nerves taking over. There’s so much left unfinished. Though I did make calls to see what would happen money wise earlier this week, a lot of the vendors had to get back with me. Deposits would for sure be lost; it’s the getting socked with the full amount of the reception that would cripple me. Zach’s mom wanted the venue at the country club. So, the least she can do is pay for the reception; the deposit is on Mom. So, I’ll pay that back and deal with the ceremony another day. I’ll be paying that for the next forty years. Sadly, Mom is stuck with the cost of my dress and shoes unless I repay her, which I will if my bank account allows it. That’s an inconvenience but nothing compared to the embarrassment. When Zach and Melissa come back, it’ll kick back up again, so wonderful of them, too.
“You’ll want to know about it. My sister, your aunt, has a way of finagling companies. She’s getting you a lot of the money back in exchange for not having to deal with Zach’s mother.” My mother, Evy, short for Evelyn, does a disgusted roll of her shoulders at the mention of Zach’s mother, Laura. The feeling is entirely mutual. Another red flag I woefully ignored.
“Okay, let me make this call, and then we’ll get to it. I’d love to be able to get some of your money back, and if I can’t, you know I’ll repay you,” I tell my mom as she hands me the phone. I don’t bother looking at my screen in case there are more harassing texts and calls.
“That’s enough. You will not pay me back because you dodged a bullet. The proudest moment of my life.” I arch an eyebrow, cross my arms overs my chest, and really look at her. “Okay, fine. Besides you being born and going through all the milestones. The last thing you need is a man like that. Honey, there are way better men out there.”
“And she’s found zero of them, but from what I hear, you and Griff are burning the town down with the smolders he’s throwing your way,” Aunt Cat interjects, setting down the stack of papers on the counter before pulling out a barstool and waving us over.
“As if you have much room to talk, Cat.” This is their normal way of talking to one another; it’s been like this since I moved out of my mom’s house and Aunt Cat moved in. I love that they have one another, but sometimes the antics can be too much, especially if I had to live with them twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
“Alright, I’m going to make a phone call. So, you two, pipe down.” I give them both a pointed look, and they have the nerve to give me an innocent face. I’m on a mission and head toward the small covered patio, hopeful for some good news.