Page 20 of Ashes to Ashes
I ask a random question, “Do you have a tuxedo?”
Three sets of eyes meet mine, Daze’s pizza slice half way to his mouth. It’s almost comical.
“Do we have tuxedos?” Hunter blinks and I nod.
Peck clears his throat, “We can get some, what do you have in mind?”
I have something that will have my mom running for the hills, but I’ll be waiting.
Chapter 15
Cala - Devious thoughts & a nice day for killing
After I explained my vision to the guys, we got to work. We are throwing a huge masquerade gala; using the different charities my mother is a part of, as the guise for this. Her name is attached to it. No one will question it because it’s my mom.
And I’ll take care of all of it because she’ll be preoccupied looking for my dad.
Hunter has a lot of connections and with a few phone calls, things are in motion. Venue is picked out. Daze contacts a cousin who runs a catering business. Peck designs an invitation that will be emailed to all the influential people.
We work late into the night setting this up, giving us a few days to prepare and for me to find a dress.
Something sexy. Show off that hot little body we have.
Of course, I want my mother to know that I’m not that scared, little girl anymore. I’m sure the guys will have some input. We finish up and they slip out the window, telling me that they will pick me up to find a dress in the morning. Right as I shut the window, the front door opens and as I close my eyes, I hear my mom scream.
Perfect lullaby to fall asleep to.
I wake up to my mom sobbing. She’s downstairs and I can still hear her. Guess she didn’t like the letter “dad” wrote her. I climb out of bed and muster the most sympathetic look I can to start the show.
Oh mommy isn’t going to like what’s coming.
No, she’s not. But we have to play along for now.
I find her in the kitchen, tears rolling off her cheeks into her probably cold coffee, looking pitiful.Bitch.
“Mom?” I ask, pouring my own cup of coffee. She doesn’t look up, she’s so still, only the sound of her sobbing. I almost think she didn’t hear me.
Without looking up from the letter she’s been rereading since last night, “Your dad left.”
If I was an actress I’d win an Oscar, “What? Why? Does he not love us anymore?”
She shakes her head, “He said I would understand and that he’s protecting us.” If this was an actual true letter, he’s protecting himself.
I pat her shoulder, “It’s going to be okay, mom. Maybe you should surround yourself with people that actually care about you. I heard the women’s club is having a gala tomorrow. Maybea pretty dress and some wine will help you. Give him a few days and he’ll come crawling back.”
She finally looks up at me, “You think he will come back?” Under her breath, I can hear her mutter something about what they did and she doesn’t blame him.
I nod, “Yeah, I do. I got an invite in my email. I’m sure you have one as well. You should go, after all it’s for one of your hobby clubs or whatever.”
She sniffles and wipes her tears, “Yes I should do that. Maybe it will help.”
She can’t resist a party.
I’d smirk at Lily’s thought but I am trying to look sad right now. But I’m glad that she took the bait.
I head for the door, “I’m going to go get a dress. Try to have a good day.”
She starts making calls to her friends–the ones who are still alive anyway, about the gala. She will learn it’s from an unknown investor—me. I’m using an inheritance that I got when I turned eighteen from a distant family member. I might be spending a lot but it will be worth it in the end.
