Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95776 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95776 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“I knew that dress would fit perfectly,” Mom greets in a smug tone as I walk down the staircase. “You look stunning.”
“You’re an absolute vision, honey,” Dad pipes up before pocketing his phone. He’s worse than a teenager with his electronics. You would think the stock market depended upon Daniel Stanbury knowing every little hiccup.
I fluff the tulle with my hands as I arrive at the bottom step. “Thanks, Mom. It’s a beautiful dress.”
“Remember,” she admonishes, “you make the dress beautiful, not the other way around.” She gives me a little wink before tugging me close and dropping a kiss on the top of my head.
I glance at Dad, happy we’re all together for a change. Mom and I had a great time last night curled up on the couch watching movies and eating popcorn. We laughed and talked about everything. Except Beck. After my little self-love session, I was relieved she didn’t mention him again.
Dad walked through the door two hours ago, arriving home late. When I asked how the trip went, he shrugged and said as well as could be expected. Mom’s face fell when he mentioned leaving again at the end of the week.
How will their marriage get better if he’s never around to work on it?
I’m tempted to pull him aside and tell him that, but I’m not sure it’s my place. They’re the ones who need to fix their marriage, not me.
“We should probably head over,” Dad says.
Mom grabs the small silver wrapped gift sitting on the table near the door.
I glance at the pretty box in her hand. “What are you giving them?” I have no idea what you buy for the couple who has everything.
“A five-hundred-dollar spa gift certificate.” She flashes me a smile. “I was thinking they could indulge in a couples massage.”
Mom is so good at these things. “I bet they’ll love that.” I know I would.
“Yeah,” she says a bit wistfully, “who couldn’t use a bit of pampering from time to time?”
Note to self—tell Dad to buy her that for Christmas.
As Dad reaches for the brushed nickel door handle, his phone buzzes with an incoming call. He quickly nips it from his pocket. One look at the screen has his brows knitting together.
“For goodness’ sake, Daniel, you just returned home.” Mom’s voice bristles with impatience. “Can’t we enjoy one evening without you on your phone?”
Not that I blame her for being irritated, but her remarks leave me flinching with unease.
“Sorry,” Dad mutters, not bothering to take his gaze off his cell. “I need to take this call.” He glances up with a contrite smile. “It shouldn’t take more than ten minutes, then I’m all yours.” He presses the phone to his ear and opens the front door, quickly ushering us outside. He mouths, “You two go and I’ll be over as soon as I wrap up this last piece of business.”
Mom’s lips flatten into a tight line. It’s clear that she’s fed up with his behavior. “You have ten minutes before I send Archie over to drag you to the party.”
Relief washes over his features as he gives her a quick peck on the cheek. Once we cross over the threshold, the door closes behind us.
I glance at Mom to see if she’s all right. “You need to book that cruise ASAP,” I say quietly. “Getting him away for a week is the only way he’ll take a break.”
“Yeah,” she mutters, sounding unconvinced, “I’ll call the travel agent on Monday and see what we can do.”
As we step off the brick pathway onto the lawn that connects the two properties, the heels of our shoes sink into the grass. At eight thousand square feet, I always thought our house was massive, but the Hollingsworth mansion is double that. It’s palatial. Mrs. Graham, the housekeeper, should hand out a baggie of breadcrumbs to visitors so they don’t get lost.
As we arrive, there’s a line of cars pulling into the circular drive before guests hand over the keys to guys dressed in white button-down shirts and black slacks. The valets take the vehicles and park them along the end of the street. Once we reach the front door, it opens before we can raise a fist to knock, and we’re immediately ushered inside by Mrs. Graham. A waiter in a crisp looking tux is stationed strategically near the front entrance with a silver tray of crystal flutes filled with champagne.
We grab a glass of the golden bubbly liquid before walking through the massive entryway toward the kitchen. Guests mingle in every corner. Mom and I greet a few people before making our way outside to the patio. A large white tent has been erected in the backyard. Since it’s early fall, and the temperature is seasonable, the flaps have been tied back. Tables with stunning pink and white flower arrangements dot the interior. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling of the tent. Sleek white seating areas are grouped together. All the decor is done in shades of pink with silver accents. It’s all very elegant.