Page 134 of Wicked & Wildflower

Now, they move around the dance floor to ‘Teenage Dream’ by Katy Perry, an alarmingly fitting anthem for the two of them. My sister looks fuller of life than I’ve ever seen her. Lou spins in circles with Carlos while Monica chats with August on the edge of the dance floor, smiling at her husband and my daughter.

Elena didn’t stay long after dinner, claiming she was tired, though she did give Darby and Leo a surprisingly thoughtful wedding gift before she left.

I realize Everett and Ryan are chatting quietly next to me when Ryan pats him on the back and steps off the porch, heading toward the cake table. “Oh, and Dahlia,” he turns around, “is there any chance your mother could be involved in all of this?”

“I doubt it. He didn’t think highly enough of women to let them be involved, though that’s probably to my mother’s benefit now.”

Ryan nods. “You might want to give her a heads up, then. They’ll probably look into her anyway, and it might help if she’s prepared.”

“Okay, thanks.” I force a smile as he walks away.

“He’s probably right.” Everett wraps his arm around me, tugging me against his chest. “You could have Darby call her, though, if you don’t feel up to it.”

A sense of dread washes through me at the thought of talking to my mother. It’s not the same kind of fear that comes with my dad, but the pain associated with her is still its own hurt. She was the first one to make me feel like I wasn’t enough. Not pretty or thin enough. Not smart or accomplished enough. Not kind or poised or popular enough. She’s the one who cared all too much what others thought, and other people always thought I stuck out like her sore thumb. Her black sheep. Her lost cause.

“No. She doesn’t need that kind of pressure on her honeymoon.” I step out of his arms, raising onto my toes to press a kiss to his cheek. “You go have fun. I’ll be back in a minute.”

“You’re going to call her right now?” he asks.

“Might as well.” I shrug. “I’ve still got some champagne in my system. Liquid courage and shit.”

Everett lets out a laugh, shaking his head. “I can come with you.”

“It’s okay. You go,” I urge. “I’ll be right out. I promise.”

“I love you, Dahlia.” He takes my hand, brushing his lips across my knuckles. “No matter what your mother says to you inthere, when you come back out, I’ll be waiting, and I’ll still love you. I’ll still think you’re the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

My mind and heart and soul scream at me to say the words back to him, knowing I’ve never meant anything more. But they get lodged inside my throat, and all I’m capable of is offering him a smile, turning to head inside the house.

The music lowers to a dull roar as I shut the door behind me, running up to my bedroom and grabbing my phone off its charger. Scrolling through my contacts, I select my mother’s name and press call. It’s late here, even later in Kansas, which might be the reason why I pulled the trigger so soon, secretly hoping she won’t answer but being able to say I tried to warn her.

She does pick up, though, on the third ring.

Her groggy voice echoes in my ear. “Dahlia?”

“Hey,” I say lamely, unsure how to address her.

“Oh my goodness,” she gasps. I hear rustling on the other side of the line. “You’re actually calling me. Is everything okay?”

“Not really,” I mutter. “Um. Is Dad near you at all?”

“No. I–I’m, uh… Well, no. He’s not here.”

“Are you lying to me?” I find myself asking.

“No, Dahlia. I promise I’m not lying to you.” For some reason, I believe her. I think I mostly believe her, because if my father had been in bed beside her when I called, he'd have already taken her phone to speak with me himself.

“Look, Darby and I thought it’d be best if we—”

“Today was the wedding,” she interrupts.

“Yeah.” I swallow. “She’s still enjoying herself, which is why I’m the one calling.”

“How was the ceremony?” my mom asks.

“Beautiful.” I sigh, deciding to throw her a bone. “It was lovely. She looks stunning.”

“I don’t doubt it.” It’s almost as if I can hear her smile. “I’m sure you look stunning too.”

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