Winnie laughs. “If it was the dress you wore the first time you put out, would you want a repeat?”
Yes.
“No.”
Her hand rests on my forearm. “I know you’re nervous, but he shouldn’t be here. Grayson avoids his mother as much as possible.”
“Because she’s a horrible person, and she’s going to make me feel stupid.”
“Jessica, she can’t make you feel stupid. You’re not the same person anymore. Listen, tonight will be fun. We’ll go in, eat fancy food, dance, drink—well, you can’t have alcohol but I will—and have a good time on their dime. Okay?”
When did my little sister, who used to steal my clothes and rat me out for sneaking Grayson into the house, become this wise woman?
“Okay.”
“That’s my girl. Also, who cares what she thinks? She’s miserable and inconsequential in our lives.”
Winnie is right. There’s nothing that Eveline can say or do at this point that would really matter. I’m not a young girl, wishing her boyfriend’s mother would like me even after she’d made it abundantly clear it would never happen.
“I know, but there’s this young girl inside me who hasn’t figured that out yet.”
“I’m happy to kick her ass.” She winks and then loops her arm in mine.
Winnie and I were never close as kids. The relationship was always me taking care of her, not getting to be her friend, and then I left Willow Creek. I turned away from the people I loved as a way to protect myself from everyone. I won’t be that selfish now.
My sister asked me to come. She wanted me to see this—see her. I don’t care if I have to walk on glass, I’m going to stand beside her.
“I’m proud of you, Win.”
Her head tilts back. “Why?”
“Because you’re you.”
She smiles, a bit of moisture gathers in her eyes. “I missed you, Jess.”
I gather my sister in my arms. The crash may have destroyed and taken so much from me, but it also gave me gifts. My sister. My mother. Forgiveness between people I never thought possible.
I’ve gained too, and Winnie is right, Eveline Parkerson can’t take anything away if I don’t let her.
“Okay, enough of this,” Winnie says as she dabs at her eyes. “I’m going to be splotchy and I need to be stunning.”
“Don’t worry, you’re stunning.”
Arm in arm, we walk into the lion’s den. The Park Inn has always been beautiful, but tonight, it sparkles. There are crystals hung around the entrance of the lobby with tons of candles strategically placed. I haven’t been to a wedding here in forever, but that’s what I’m reminded of.
When we get into the sitting room area, it’s been converted into a bar area, and one of the front desk staff is working to pour drinks and fill orders. She waves, and I do the same.
Winnie says hello to a few of her work friends and introduces me. I can feel my stress-level rising, but I stay calm and focus on keeping my answers short.
When we enter the main event room, which was a huge addition built after I left town, I can’t stop the smile that forms when I see an old friend.
“If my eyes are playing tricks on me, it’s the best one yet,” Alex says as he pulls me into his arms.
“You are the same as ever.”
He lifts one shoulder and kisses my cheek. “I heard you were back and looking even hotter than when we were kids.”
“I am—back, that is,” I add on.