Page 135 of Flawed

I grab a makeup remover towelette and inquire, "Can I help you?"

She doesn't object, nodding, and quietly watches me wipe it off her.

When I finish, I chirp, "All done. Sunday, I can take you to the makeup counter at Bloomingdales. We can get a shade that matches your skin tone."

She cautiously asks, "You will?"

"Yes. Of course. If that is what you want?" I question, wishing she didn't hate her guardian angel so much.

Tears fill her eyes. It kills me, but she blinks them away, replying, "Yes. Please."

"Great." I toss the dirty towelette in the trash can and sling my arm around her. We study our reflections in the mirror. She's wearing her hot-pink dress, and I'm in the black gown. I declare, "Looks like we clean up pretty well."

She beams. "Thanks for letting me get this dress, Mom. I really do appreciate it."

I tug her into me tighter and kiss the top of her head. "You're welcome. You can thank your Aunt Pina though."

She laughs. "I know. I should take her shopping more often."

I groan. "Don't get any ideas. We talked about this."

She rolls her eyes. "Yes, I remember."

"Good. We better get moving," I say.

We leave the condo, and my driver pulls up to the curb. The entire way, Zara excitedly talks about the wedding. It's tomorrow, and she's been bouncing off the walls for the last week about it.

We pull up to the restaurant. It's already packed. I glance at my watch and wince. "Oops."

"We're late, aren't we?" Zara asks.

"Yep!" I step out of the car, and she follows.

She links her arm through mine and leans closer. "Aren't you always supposed to be fashionably late?"

I laugh, agreeing, "Definitely."

She beams. "It's gonna be a good weekend, Mom."

I agree, adding, "No. It's going to be a reallygreatweekend!"

The bouncer opens the door for us, and we step inside. The restaurant is packed with Tristano and Pina's family and friends.

I scan the room. We chat with a few people as we make our way to the back, where Tristano and Pina are standing. When we finally make it to them, I say, "Hi! I'm sorry we're late."

Pina tosses her arms around me, kissing my cheek. Then she does the same to Zara. She steps back, glowing, and holds our hands, gushing, "You both look amazing!"

"Thanks, Aunt Pina!" Zara says, giving Pina another hug. Then she asks, "Where's the restroom? I'm going to pee my pants!"

Tristano steps back. "Here, let me show you." He guides Zara toward the bathroom.

"You look amazing," I state.

Pina beams brighter. "Thanks."

"Are you ready for the big day?" I question, happy for her but feeling a tad bit of jealousy. I always dreamed of getting married as a little girl. I've given up all hope of that ever happening though. But the radiant look on Pina's face makes my former ache reignite.

She takes a deep breath. "As ready as anyone can be!"

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