She pain
ted a smile back on her lips and walked over to where Tanner was still held captive by Johnny and Nora. “Chrissie couldn’t be here,” Nora said, all sweet smiles for him. “But maybe you can give her a tour sometime. She did love this place growing up. Said she has a lot of happy memories here.”
Van reached for Tanner’s arm, her fingers closing around his wool-covered bicep. “I’m so sorry, but I’m going to have to steal him away. We’ll be starting the speeches and movie in a few minutes,” she said, forcing the smile to stay on her lips as she looked at the Fairfaxes.
“Of course. We can talk later, Tanner.” Johnny said, leaning in. “I have a couple of business opportunities I’d like to discuss with you.”
“I’ll be too busy tonight,” Tanner told him. “But maybe another time.”
Johnny beamed. “I’ll call you next week.”
Van blew out a mouthful of air, feeling relieved as they turned to walk away. But then she heard a voice. One she recognized. And it sent a shiver right down her spine.
“Darling! I’m so sorry I’m late.”
She turned to see her mom walking toward them, wearing a skimpy white top and tight jeans. Her feet were bare, her soles dark from the earth as she walked toward them. Van swallowed hard, shooting Tanner a look as he stared at her with wide eyes.
“Mom? You were supposed to wait for me at the car.” Van reached for her, but Kim somehow managed to dodge her grasp.
“And miss the party? Oh no.” Kim was slurring. She looked over at Johnny and his wife. “Nora, how lovely to see you. You look beautiful as always.”
Nora said nothing, staring at Van’s mom with disgust curling her lips.
“Aren’t you going to say I look nice, Nora?”
“Come on now,” Johnny said, his voice full of false humor. “We were just off to get some champagne.”
“That’s lovely,” Kim said. “Remember when you used to buy me champagne?” she asked, her eyes looking hazy as she stared at him. “We’d drink it naked, remember? You’d pour it over my tits and –”
“We’re leaving,” Johnny said, grabbing Nora’s arm. “Come on now.”
“What’s up, Johnny? You embarrassed of me?” Kim called out. “I don’t remember you being embarrassed when you were in my bed.”
Van squeezed her eyes shut. Please let her shut up. When she opened them again, Logan was hurrying toward them. Or at least she thought it was Logan.
“When I got back to the car she was gone,” he said, breathless. “I’ve been looking all over for her.”
“You hear that?” her mom said. “Young guys are still hunting for me.” She gave a little chuckle. “I’ve still got it.”
“You never had it.” Nora said, her voice harsh. “You’re just a dirty slut.”
Kim stepped forward, her smile dissolving as she lurched to one side. At the last minute she reached out, steadying herself on Nora’s shoulder. “That’s what your husband used to say,” she whispered. “Before he dragged me to bed.”
“Mom! You need to go. Now!” Van reached for her. Kim whipped her head around, her expression full of anger as she slapped Van’s hand away.
“What’s the matter?” she asked. “You don’t want me talking bad about your daddy?”
Van froze. It felt like the whole world did. Her mom’s words seemed to drip into her ear, letter by letter.
Your daddy.
Her chest tightened as she looked from her mom, to Johnny then back again, waiting for them to start laughing.
Then her eyes met Nora’s. She looked as shocked as Van. Beside her, she heard Tanner murmur something to Logan, but the sound of blood rushing through her ears was too loud to make it out.
“What?” Kim said. “Why’s everybody looking at me.”
“We should go,” Johnny mumbled, grabbing Nora’s arm. “Now.” He shot Kim a look. “Some people should learn to handle their drink.”