I practically ran to grab the receiver. “Hey, Mom!”
“Emily seems nice. I’m so relieved,” my mom said.
“She is,” I said with a smile. “Super nice.”
“I have to admit, Paige, I feel so much better knowing that you’re in one place rather than driving across the damn country all alone. I had to talk your father off the ledge more than a few times.”
“What do you mean? Is Dad okay?”
“He is now, but he wanted to get in the car and drive until he found you. He’s been really concerned.”
I closed my eyes. “I’m sorry, Mom. Tell Dad I’m sorry too. And tell him not to worry. I promise I’m okay. Actually, I’m more than okay. I sort of love it here.”
“We’re your parents, Paige. We’ll always worry. It’s our job. But I’ll tell him, and he’ll be as relieved as I am. Talking to Emily was a huge help.”
“I’m glad,” I admitted, hating that my family was feeling stressed with my absence. My fame caused them enough issues without my adding more.
“So, how are you doing? Are things okay? What’s going on with your work and stuff?”
“Honestly…I don’t know. I haven’t answered any e-mails except for yours and Quinn’s, and I haven’t turned my phone on since I left. Has anyone tried to call you?”
“Jayson’s called here once, but I convinced him that I didn’t know where you were or how to reach you.”
“Did he believe you?”
“I doubt it. But who cares. It’s not like he can get anything out of me that I don’t want him to,” she said with a laugh.
“Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re welcome. By the way, Stacey accepted the offer from NYU. You might want to congratulate her when you have a chance.”
My stomach clenched. I was happy for my sister, of course, but there it was, that old jealous feeling rearing its ugly head again. “Is she there?” I asked, knowing that my feelings had nothing to do with my little sister and everything to do with my own personal issues.
“No, she’s at work.”
“Okay. Well, tell her I said congratulations and I’m super excited for her. I’ll call her when I can.”
“I will. And Paige?”
“Yeah?”
“Try and relax a little while you’re there, okay? Enjoy this time away. Lord knows when you’ll get it again.”
I sighed. “I will. I love you. ’Bye, Mom.”
“Love you too, honey. ’Bye.”
When I hung up, Mrs. Montgomery looked up from where she was sitting at the table, sipping some tea and working on a crossword puzzle. “Your mama sure seems like a nice woman.” She smiled, her accent once again noticeable in comparison to my mom’s voice.
“She is. She’s been really great since my career started.”
“I didn’t know you had a sister. What were you congratulating her for, if you don’t mind me asking.”
“Oh, she finally picked a college,” I said, “NYU. I’m really proud of her, actually.”
Mrs. Montgomery slapped the table with her hand. “Well! If that isn’t just the greatest news. How wonderful for her!”
“It is. She’s worked really hard to get in.” I was truly proud of my sister. She deserved this, and she deserved my support.