Page 119 of Ruin The Friendship
“You guys, it’s amazing,” I gush.
Hattie skips over, joining our hug. “It’s so cute in here, isn’t it?”
“It’s perfect.” Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Dylan standing on a stool, hanging a little red and white speckled mushroom from the ceiling.
“Hey,” he calls, turning back to the task.
Fletcher rushes over to spot him, and when he steps down, the two hug.
There won’t be a ton of people here, mainly my mom and Fletcher’s, a few of my co-workers, a group of the WAGs from the MBH, and some friends from college that I keep in touch with now and then. Honestly, I prefer when things are more low-key.
The door opens, and Dottie rushes in, hauling a few gift bags. “I’m so sorry I’m late! There was an accident on the freeway, so I got stuck in traffic.”
“Mom, slow down.” Fletcher laughs, returning to my side. “It’s fine.”
“Hi, honey.” Dottie sets the bags down, kissing Fletcher on the cheek before stepping over to me. “Sweet girl, look at you. You’re glowing!”
Her hands rub up and down my arms. I haven’t seen her in person since the night I found out I was pregnant. So much has changed since then, but I’ve been sending her bump photos whenever I can. I send them to my mom and dad, too, but Dottie is the only one to respond.
“Thank you.” I give her as tight a hug as I can with my growing bump in the way. “And thank you for coming. It means the world to me.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it,” she replies, pulling backand pressing a hand to my cheek. “May I?” She gestures to my bump.
I nod, and she rests her hand over my stomach, caressing.
She looks back up at me with tears in her eyes. “I’m so proud of you, Lydia.”
Her words strike me in the chest, warmth swimming through my veins. I don’t think anyone has ever told me they were proud of me. Certainly not either of my parents.
“Thank you,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes. I blink rapidly, trying to make sure they don’t ruin my makeup.
Dottie swipes under my eyes as my baby girl kicks.
“She’s saying hi to her grandma,” I say.
“Hi, baby girl.” Her voice shakes as she speaks. Dottie keeps one hand on my stomach, reaching out to take Fletcher’s hand in the other. “Oh, this is just so perfect. I’m so happy for you two.”
Fletcher’s flecked green eyes grow watery as he glances between his mom and me. He leans forward, pressing a kiss to my temple, and I melt into him.
“Thanks, Mom,” Fletcher whispers as the door to the event space opens.
At long last, my own mother finally arrives.
“Hi, Mom.” I try to sound excited, even though I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. Who knows how she’ll act today? I can only hope she doesn’t make a big deal out of something minuscule.
“Hello.” Mom glances around the room, cringing subtly before she straightens her expression. “This is… something.”
I drop Fletcher’s hand and stride toward her. “They did a wonderful job.” I point at the table with the cookies and desserts.
“Yes,” Mom mutters, still glancing around apprehensively.
“It’s exactly what I wanted.” I smile at Grace, Zoey, and Hattie before bringing my mom over to introduce her to Dottie.
The two shake hands awkwardly while Dottie asks a few questions to get to know my mother, but my mom shows no interest in returning the gesture. The whole thing is so awkward that I call out to Grace from across the room.
“Grace, do you need my mom or Dottie’s help with anything?” I raise my eyebrows to plead with her. She’s standing beside Dylan on the step stool, directing him to hook one of the hanging mushrooms to the ceiling.
“Oh,” Grace squeaks. “Umm.” She glances around the room, biting her lower lip. “Sandra, can you wash the rest of the fruit and cut the strawberries?”
