Page 188 of As They Are
“I have no idea,” I replied, slumping my shoulders. “Honestly, this feels like a fever dream. And you seem tense.”
“That’s an understatement. I can’t believe they would do this.”
“Neither can I, but they did. They obviously had this planned out.” I forced myself to move. “So, I’ll deal with it, and hopefully figure out where the hell she’s been for the last decade.”
“And if this hurts you?”
“It won’t be any worse than when she abandoned me.” At least I hoped it wouldn’t. “The way I see it, once this is over, it’s over.”
“I hate this.”
“I’ll be fine,” I said. “You stay here and calm down. I’ve got this.”
His lips pressed into a thin line, and I brushed past him. My feet stilled as I got to the door and I thought about turning back, but I knew I needed this season to be over with.
I felt his heat at my back and I blinked. “What are you doing here, you?—”
“Wren. You’re not facing your mom alone.”
Would she tell me the truth if Henry was there? I had no idea. I’d never considered the idea that she would ever meet him.
Turning back to Mom, I was able to take her in without shock running through me. She had barely aged in the many years since I’d seen her. She was like a doll version of me.
“Are we ready to film?” I asked before I could stop myself. Everyone’s eyes turned to me. Most of the townspeople looked shocked, as if they didn’t expect me to come out at all.
Mom turned, her eyes traveling up and down my frame. I saw her pause to consider me for a second, and tension shot up my spine.
Then she smiled. “I’msoready,” she said. “Look at you, all grown up!”
“Start filming!” Madison yelled and got out of the shot.
Mom walked up and hugged me. I wasn’t sure if I returned it or not.
Had she just ... complimented me?
“H-hi.”
“Oh, it’s been too long. You’re as tall as your dad was!”
“Not all the way. I’m a few inches shorter.”
“Still, you have his personality. It’s one of my favorite things about you.” Her hand touched my face. “I’m so glad Jude found me.”
I blinked.Judefound her? There was no way. My eyes cut to him, and he was playing the same man who I’d almost thought liked me.
My stomach felt like the second of weightlessness on a roller coaster before plummeting down to earth.
“Um, thanks.”
“Cut!” Madison called. “That’s it. That’s what we were looking for!”
Mom stepped away from me and Henry was at my back. “We should go,” he said.
Going sounded like a great idea, but I turned to Mom, who was still looking at me.
“Actually, do you mind if we talk for a minute? It’s nearly dinnertime, and I want to catch up with my little girl.” Mom linked her arm through mine.
Henry only looked at me, and I saw an eyebrow raise with a silent question.
