Page 14 of Far

Isn’t it ironic?

“I’m busy with work.”

“You should let me set you up,” Mrs. Thompson says. “My son Thaddeus is single. I simply must arrange an introduction.”

Great. I picture Thaddeus, whom I’ve met at countless dreadful society events. Obnoxious as ever, he was bragging about his fast cars and faster conquests.

“How kind of you to think of me.”

“I’ll text him right away.” She takes out her phone and nudges the glasses on her nose upwards. “So…”

Another awkward and horrible first date.

“Ladies,” Mrs. Morgan says, “let the girl live her life. It’s not like we’re living in the 1950s anymore.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Morgan,” I murmur into my mimosa.

“Darling, I only want what’s best for you.” My mother’s eyes narrow as if daring me to argue.

I can’t win this battle here. Not now, not never.

Beside me, Ella fidgets with something.

I lean to her while the others continue their matchmaking talk. “What is that?”

“I… I got a Best Supporting Actress nomination.”

I love how my sister follows her dream. It must be nice. To know what you want and keep at it. Ella has always been that way, even as a kid.

“Congratulations.” I rub her shoulder.

“Thank you.”

“Did you tell mom?”

“I’ll tell her another time. The awards ceremony is next month.” Ella puts the paper back into her purse.

“Hey, Mom,” I say.

Ella nudges me. “Don’t.”

“What?” My mother glances between us.

“Did you know Ella got nominated?”

“That’s nice, dear. But, really, now that I look at you again... You need to take better care of your skin. It’s not as smooth as it could be. No wonder you can’t find a man. You should visit the nail salon too. All that work on the computer has made your nails look awful.”

Amazing reaction, Mom. As always. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I saw the most darling dress the other day that would look just fabulous on you.” My mother sets her teacup onto its saucer and adjusts her perfectly coiffed hair. “Such a soft pink, very feminine. You need it.”

“Of course.”

A scowl darkens her features, and I brace myself, anticipating the sharp retort I know is coming.

“Anyway,” she turns back to her circle of gossip queens, “about the upcoming charity gala. The guest list is simply extraordinary.”

That’s new.

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