Page 109 of The Photograph

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Cara and I laugh at one of Gertie’s stories who has a wicked sense of humor. When my cell rings, I step into the living room.

“Hey, Emma, how are you?” You are? Awesome. Yes, Cara made us lunch… Yep. I’ll… Okay … okay we’ll pick you up at 2:00. Cara and I need to talk to you about something … okay, love you, too.”

A couple of hours later, after walking Gertie back to her home, I return to the kitchen while Cara closes the dishwasher. We sit at the kitchen table, her with a coffee and me with a tea.

Cara grins. “Em’s back?”

“Yes, Mindy took Sam to Disneyland, and they’ll be back on Tuesday. We can go see her and tell her about the trust fund.”

Last week, we met with our financial planner who was beyond surprised we were actual people and not some company’s wacky name. I’m still in shock about the amount in the account we refused to touch while our father was alive. I split half of my share between the Other Rainbow and two other charities. We also paid off the house and opened a trust fund for Sam. Emma will fight us on this, but we will take care of her and Sam.

I wink at Cara. “And we can have a girl’s day. I saw this off-shoulder Lagerfeld dress last week, and I think I’m going to splurge.”

“I’m sure you’ll look fabulous. I’ll just wear the Rodarte dress you got me for my birthday.”

“You have to try Damian, Cara.”

She raises her head. “Your hairdresser?”

I nod. “He’s a legit magician with hair.”

After a quick glance at my hair, Cara grins. “Okay, let’s do it.”

****

Emma’s sobbing in our three-way hug.. Holding her tight, I look at Cara over my best friend’s shoulder.

“What?”I mouth to Cara.

“I don’t know.”

“Em, what’s wrong? We thought you’d be happy.”

Emma lifts her head toward me with a trembling smile. “I am… “She brings our hands to her chest. “You … you … oh, my God. Thank you, you guys … fairy godmothers have nothing on you. You’re … amazing. Thank you for Sam.”

Her last words come out as a sob, and we hug again.

To celebrate, we go for dinner in one of Cara’s friend’s brasserie and shove our several bags of shopping in the corner of our booth table. We talk, laugh, and eat a delicious meal before I drive us home where we try on our gowns after Cara convinces Emma to wear a Prada dress she bought on a whim after her first big paycheck and never wore.

When Emma Facetimes Sam, Cara and I join in, happy to listen to our baby girl babble about her day. We stay up late, and drink wine, before eventually going to sleep.

****

I stomp to the front door.Who in the freaking hell shows up at…?I check the clock of the front room which laughs at me. 7:41 AM.Seriously?

Tightening the belt of my bathrobe, I yank the door open. The delivery person steps back

“Ms. Thorne?” I nod. “Delivery for you.”

After grumbling a thank you, I tiptoe to the couch of the living room with my eyes on my box.

Emma trudges from the guest room and yawns loudly, then drops heavily on the couch beside me. Her hair is all over her face as she burrows in the corner of the couch. “What is it?”

I examine the cardless package. “I don’t know.”

“Well, open it then.”

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