“Tess? Tess, are you there?” His voice makes me respond automatically.
“Don’t worry about my birthday…”
“Well, that is why I’m calling. I’m sorry, but I’m involved in a big case, and with your mother being difficult”—he sighs—“it’s complicated.”
“I said it was fine. I need to go. We’re getting ready,” I snip.
Silence. “Who is coming tonight?”
“Just some friends. You’re not missing anything.” I can’t help the disappointment from seeping out of me. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
“So, Reed?” His disapproval carries through the phone. “Tess, I’m exhausted and the last thing I want to do is fight with you on your birthday.”
“Why are you so against Reed? Yes, he is going to be here tonight. He’s my boyfriend! He also wants to be around me especially on my birthday. He thinks I’m worth it.” I know I’m behaving like a child. I mean if he was home, it would be difficult for Reed to stay over. I should be happy instead of upset. Again, I’m greeted with silence, and I almost hang up.
“Happy Birthday, Tess.”
The line goes dead. No wonder he has gotten filthy rich as a lawyer. He’s a master liar.
Blinking back my stupid tears, which are making my vision blurry, I try to even out my breathing. Why do I let him bother me? It’s not like he does anything when he is home. But that kind of a lie? I miss him. He’s strict, but at least he tries to stay invested in my life. More so than my mother. When I enter my room, I look at her. She’s been drinking Cristal since she woke up. I should persuade her to eat a scone or drink some coffee. I can’t see the full glory of her dress because she is sitting.
“Okay, Momma Bear,” Brance coos at her, removing the champagne from her hand. “Sit here and let your makeup set. Drink some coffee. I have to get Tess ready.”
My mom looks at him. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.” She sways slightly.
“Perfect. I’ll send Maria in with a fresh pot. And my feelings are going to be hurt if you don’t try one of these pastries.” He raises his dark eyebrows at her.
She hiccups. “Brance, you know I don’t eat carbs, but for you I’ll make an exception.”
I have to look away. She’s so worthless. I never realized how lost she truly is. She’s only twenty-two years older than me, not yet forty but so broken.
Straightening my shoulders, I make up my mind. I will never let myself become her. She shouldn’t have been a mother. She’s far too self- absorbed.
Even on my birthday, we have spent hours getting her ready. I feel like a footnote.
“Sit down, Pretty Girl.” Brance and I stare at each other in the mirror.
We don’t talk; his eyes tell me everything—he knows how I feel. Brance gets me. Gets my sadness and the painful truth that my mother and father never truly wanted me. He starts to blow out my hair as Tilly accesses my face for makeup.
The warm heat from the hairdryer gives me a false sense of calm. The conversation with my dad has made me remember that I was completely unwanted by them. My mom got pregnant to trap my dad. Even with all my beauty on the outside, they still don’t want me, not really. My dad married my mom, stating it was his duty, and they have both been miserable since.
Today, on my birthday, I’m seeing firsthand how tragic she is. I guess when all you do all day is live in extravagant regret, you start to lose what little sense you have of yourself.
“I don’t think I will ever have children, Brance. Do you think Reed will be upset?” I say it loud enough for him to hear but not my mom.
Closing my eyes, I don’t need to wait for his answer. Of course he will be upset.
Turning off the blow dryer, he taps me on the shoulder and I open my eyes. He frowns as he squats down, unplugging the hair dryer and plugging in the styling iron. Crossing his arms, he looks at me through the mirror, his dark eyes filled with understanding. “I think… you’re getting too deep on your birthday.”
“No, I disagree. This is the perfect time to embrace the truths about myself.” Crossing my legs, I continue. “I won’t end up like her.” I motion at my mother with my eyes. “I don’t want children. I’m going to stop the insanity with me. As long as I have Reed, Jax, and you, I will be fine.”
Brance looks at Tilly. “Can you give us a moment?”
She looks relieved. “I think I might get myself a glass of Cristal.”
We watch her walk over to my mother, who is drinking coffee and champagne—nice! Although, she does seem to be nibbling on a couple strawberries. Tilly sits next to her and my mother happily pours her a glass.