Page 86 of Ruin The Friendship
I shouldn’t let this get to me, but she hurt myfeelings. I want her in my life, but how long can I keep doing this to myself? The anger that’s been simmering inside me bubbles up, and I shut down, my frustrations getting the best of me.
We hang up with Dottie, who blows me a kiss and promises to call me later, and I can only offer a nod.
“Sorry,” I mutter as the call ends, pushing my hair back behind my ears. “She said she would be ready. I don’t know why she didn’t pick up.”
I reach for my phone, swiping to my messages to the thread with her.
Me
Our call is at ten this morning, we will FaceTime from my phone! Does that still work?
Mom
Yes, that’s fine
I scoff and set my phone on the table, pushing it away. “She knew, so either something happened that she suddenly couldn’t make it, or… Or I don’t even know.”
“Moms can suck sometimes.” Zoey rubs my back as I try not to cry. “I know you want her there, but even if she doesn’t help us plan, we’re going to give you an amazing baby shower.”
I lean into her side. “Thanks.”
“That’s what friends are for.” Grace wraps her arms around both Zoey and me.
After letting them comfort me for a few moments, I pull away from them. “I know we had plans to get lunch, but would you mind if I take a rain check? I kinda want to try to call my mom, and I think I need a nap.”
“Absolutely.” Zoey smooths my curls down.
“Thanks.” I slowly stand from the chair, resting myhand on my lower stomach when Baby Girl kicks me softly. My heart clenches. I’m still getting used to feeling her flutter inside me. It’s like she’s reminding me that she’s here, a small comfort amidst my inner turmoil. “I appreciate you guys. I can’t wait to plan more.”
“Oh no, your part is done,” Grace says quickly. “We just needed you here today to get some basic ideas of what you want. The rest is up to us. I’ll be in charge of your mom.”
“She can be a lot.” I grimace.
Grace waves her hand. “And I can handle it. It will all work out. We will confirm the final date and venue with you, but all you have to do now is show up.”
“Really?” I breathe, feeling a little better.
“Yep,” Zoey confirms. “Now go. Stop and get some popcorn on your way home, then take a warm bath and a nap.”
“I love you guys.” I hug them before they send me on my way.
Thirty minutes later, I’m strolling through the sliding doors at the grocery store a block from home. I walk through the aisles on a mission to find some popcorn. Obviously, I can’t get popcorn from the arena, which is a tragedy, but this will work. It’s the only food that sounds good right now. I grab a few different bags, toss them into my basket, then grab a twelve-pack of pop on my way to the register.
While I pay, my phone starts buzzing in my purse. I pull it out, a pool of dread swirling in my stomach when I see my mom’s name.
I silence the call before sending her a message.
Me
Can I call you back in five minutes? I’m checking out at the store.
She answers right away.
Mom
Yes.
I shove my phone back into my bag and finish checking out. Once I’m back in my car, I connect my phone to the stereo and call her. She answers on the second ring. I’m not sure what I expected, maybe hurried apologies or a reason for missing the call earlier, but what I got is not that.
