Today's Reading
"We'll be staying on a tropical island off the coast of Florida that is so remote, you have to take a ferry to get there. The sounds of the waves and the rustle of the palm trees on your own private beach will whisk you into complete and total relaxation." She swept her arm in front of her in a dramatic arc, then paused, staring wistfully into the distance as if gazing at the beautiful scene awaiting them.
At least she hoped she was staring wistfully. It wasn't exactly a look she'd ever tried to force before, but if selling this trip to Landon meant she had to tap into her inner actress, so be it.
Landon gave a nod of approval. "I'm packing my bags."
"Great." She dropped her arm and took a sip of coffee. "Just make sure to pack something to wear to my mom's wedding. The dress is semi formal with shoes comfortable enough for dancing."
"Your mom's wedding?" He set his pen down and leaned back in his chair, studying her. "I didn't think they'd set a date yet." The tone behind his question was one of genuine concern, compassion even, which Helena appreciated. After all, the whole situation was... complicated.
"This news is hot off the press. The decision was made over the weekend to have the wedding at The Perfects' family beach house, which, so they tell me, has been in the family for generations."
"The Perfects" was the nickname Helena had given to her mom's fiancé's family after their first meeting had left her with a healthy dose of self-consciousness. Everything they did was simply perfect, especially the eldest daughter, whom Helena had not-so-affectionately dubbed "Polly Perfect," the most perfect of The Perfects. In her opinion, the name was so spot-on, she'd stopped calling any of them by their real names.
"From what I hear," Helena continued, "the place is amazing. There are stunning beaches and crystal-clear ocean waters and lots of fun family togetherness." She tried to keep her voice bright and festive, just the way she'd practiced, but she couldn't help the hint of strain that snuck in. It was a good thing she didn't have career aspirations in acting.
Landon sat there for a second, as if he were considering it, then picked up a pen and pulled the stack of papers toward him. "Yeah, I'm out."
Helena couldn't help the pang of disappointment. "Why? Did you hear the part about the stunning island and the amazing house with the stellar views?" At least that was the way her mom had described it yesterday, when she'd called to tell her about the wedding plans they made over the weekend. "Do you have something against beaches?"
"I like a nice beach as much as the next guy." Landon shrugged and continued to grade the papers in front of him. "It's being in the middle of your family drama I have problems with."
Helena slumped against the desk in the front row, a deep sigh wheezing out like a deflated balloon. "Yeah, that's my problem too."
Landon looked up from his grading, his eyes filled with sympathy. "I know it's going to be weird, having your mom get married."
Helena twisted her mouth to the side and considered the upcoming nuptials. "The thing is, I don't even think it's that. Steve's great. I'm legitimately happy for her."
After spending the last twenty-seven years as a struggling single mom, Nora Crosby deserved a happy ending. And Steve, her fiancé, was absolutely perfect for her. To see her mom find the man of her dreams and walk down the aisle for the first time at the beautiful age of forty-eight was inspiring. Honestly, Helena was excited about the wedding.
She just wasn't excited about the family that came along with it.
"It's The Perfects. You can't leave me alone with them. You know how they are." Just the thought of them filled Helena with the familiar anxiety. She nibbled her lip and fiddled with the bracelet on her coffee-holding hand.
She was proud of who she was and the little life she'd built for herself in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her achievements paled in comparison to those of The Perfects. Polly Perfect, for example, was only a year older than Helena, yet she owned her own house, ran her father's architecture firm, and served on the boards of several charities. The son had graduated summa cum laude two years ago and was currently working for a Fortune 500 company. Even the twelve-year-old daughter had started her own charity.
...
