Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 88456 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 442(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88456 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 442(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
“Um,” I say softly, “you?”
“You got that right.” She unfolds her arms. “It was me.” She points at herself. “Me, your mother, who had to find out you got married when your brother called and almost had a coronary on the phone. You decided to send him a picture of your wedding at four o’clock in the morning.” I really have to take the time and go through my fucking texts and see who else I sent it to.
“If I can just cut in here for a second. She also posted it on Instagram, so it’s not like she was trying to hide it,” Zara defends. “Should we not take this time to congratulate her on becoming a bride?”
“Stay out of this,” both her mother and my mother snap her way.
“Hey, don’t take it out on me. I have a man who asked for my hand in marriage, and we are getting married next year.” She holds up her hand.
“He never asked for your hand in marriage.” Her mother glares at her. “And why is that?”
“Okay, I think we’re getting off topic here.” She looks at me. “It’s Zoey’s day.”
“Thanks.” I look over at her.
“Just helping you out,” Zara says, as if she actually helped the situation instead of infusing it even more.
“Why don’t we just take a second,” Allison suggests, “and one, ask her if she’s okay.” She looks at me. “Are you okay?”
I shrug. “I guess so,” I answer, not sure what to say.
“She guesses so.” My mother pffts. “Seriously, Zoey, what the hell were you thinking?”
“She was caught up in the moment,” Allison declares. “You are there with the love of your life, and you just want to be together forever.”
“Um…” Zara holds up her finger. “I don’t think we are at the love stage in their relationship.”
“Seriously.” I practically stomp my foot. “Shut up,” I hiss at her.
“What?” She holds up both hands. “I’m helping.”
“Help by shutting up,” her mother says, “and minding your business.”
“Fine,” she pouts, taking a sip of the drink she took out of my hand. “I’ll just be here for moral support.”
“Listen.” I hold up my hand. “I’m so sorry you found out the way you found out. It was not cool.”
“It was totally not cool,” my mother agrees, her voice going soft. “You’re my only child.”
“Um…” Zara holds up a finger. “What about Stone?”
My mother rolls her eyes. “I mean only girl. You are my only girl, and I’ve waited for this day my whole life. To get to go with you and argue over dresses.” Her voice cracks. “And then I’ll just let you choose whatever you want because it’ll be perfect no matter what.” She blinks.
I’m about to hug her when my cousin Zara mumbles, “Incoming.”
We all look over to see my Uncle Max and Uncle Matthew walking my way with my father beside them. All of them are wearing swim trunks and a button-down linen shirt. “They look like that Michael Douglas movie with all his old friends that go to Vegas for their last hoorah,” Zara whispers to me, “but then they probably think they are on the runway for GQ.”
“You”—my aunt looks at her—“don’t you say a word.”
“I’m drinking and enjoying myself. Jesus, Mom,” she retorts, taking the straw in her hand.
“Just say sorry and maybe shed a tear. That might help,” Allison suggests. “Definitely cry. It works every single time.”
“Not every time,” my mother states. “When we put Nair in Matthew’s shampoo, he was not having us crying.” She stands up straight and walks in front of me. “Let me handle this.”
“There she is,” my father says, making his way in front of the other two. “We’ve been waiting for you.”
“That sounds creepy AF,” Zara mumbles, and my aunt nudges her.
“Okay.” My mother holds up her hand. “She just got here.” She looks at Max and Matthew. “So you’ll have to save the interrogation for another time. Like, maybe when they leave.”
“I don’t think I can say anything,” Max admits, holding up his hand. “I eloped with Allison, so I was just coming to congratulate my niece.”
“You mean, stole my sister.” Matthew glares at him.
“It’s been over thirty years,” Max says. “It’s safe to say it was a good idea.”
“Thank you for your congratulations.” I walk up to my Uncle Max and give him a hug, and he kisses my head. “I’m sure we will have to have a meeting and a huddle.” I walk over to Matthew. “I’ll even promise not to interrupt you.” I smile up at him, and he shakes his head.
“He got a hug, and I got nothing.” He grabs me and brings me in. “I blame your father anyway,” he says before kissing my forehead.
“Don’t care,” my father counters. “Leave my daughter alone.” I walk to him and hug his waist. “Go unpack and meet us on the beach. Your grandfather is looking for you.”