I immediately begin to panic. “Is Dad okay? Did he have another heart attack?” I ask, moving away from Elena.
“No, no. But it’s almost worse. The news is saying you’re a . . . a prostitute.” I can hear my mom’s voice wobble as she says that last word.
I sigh, relieved that my dad is okay but feeling frustrated by the whole situation. Evans acted like no one was going to pay any attention to all of this, and now look.
“Mom,” I say reassuringly, “it’s just trashy tabloids making up stories. This will all go away once they move on to the next thing. I’m just sorry you had to see it.” And angry, though I don’t want to upset my mom more by saying that out loud.
“I know it’s not true, but your father is taking it really hard. You know how protective he is over you. The kids at Eva’s school were cruel about it. Eva handled it well, but your father is so upset.” My mother’s sign matches my own.
“Can I talk to Dad?” I ask. Maybe I can help calm him down.
“Of course, sweetie.” After a moment, my dad’s voice comes on the line.
“Ciara? How are you?” He sounds raspy, like he’s been crying.
“I’m fine, Dad. Are you okay?” I ask.
“I’m fine honey,” he answers, but I don’t believe him. I start to gush about Alfred in an attempt to distract him, listing every cute thing that Alfred has done in the past week. Dad listens to my babbling politely, but interrupts me as soon as I stop to take a breath.
“But what about you, Ciara? You’ve become such a big name now, and I want to make sure you haven’t forgotten who you are, or where you come from.” Dad coughs.
“I’m the same girl I’ve always been, Dad. Just because I’m engaged to Evans, that doesn’t change anything.”
“When are you going to visit? Everyone misses you. It’s been so long since we’ve last seen you.”
Does he really think I could have forgotten about him and my mom? The thought breaks my heart and fills me with guilt. My parents need me. This must be such a blow for them, seeing these terrible rumors about their daughter. And I could really use a chance to de-stress with all of this crazy wedding stuff going on.
“How about next week? I’ll book plane tickets later today.” I break out into a smile. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it earlier. Going home always makes me feel better, and I’ll have the comfort of familiar faces and reasonably priced restaurants. No one there will be trying to make a scene, or a name for themselves. It’ll just be me, my mom, dad, and Eva—and the beautiful Arizona sun and cactus flowers. The way it’s supposed to be.
By the time I turn back to Elena and the florist, I’m feeling a million times better.
* * *
On my way home from the florist, I start scrolling through my phone for plane tickets to Arizona. I say a silent prayer of thanks that the flowers are finished after a single visit. We settled on a simple lily arrangement in clear, round vases. I hate to admit it, but Elena was really helpful. No wonder Evans considers her to be such a valuable employee. I just wish she wasn’t quite so pretty and smart. I mentally chastise myself. I should be more supportive of other women, and I’m not going down that road again.