So Wrong

My mother drifted over to us. She tried to ignore Patrick but she failed, tossing him a reflexive smile. You couldn’t really ignore Patrick; I’d tried. “Will we see you at the reception?”

“We’re going to come for a bit,” I said. “Chloe mentioned she wanted some pictures with us.”

Mom swallowed. “Really? Good. I’ve missed you. It will—it’s nice to see you.”

Dad walked over and took my mom’s arm. “They’re waiting for us in the limo.”

He didn’t look at us. We didn’t exist.

Mom looked back at me. “There’s room if you two...”

Patrick stepped in. “We’ll take a cab and meet you there.”

Mom looked at him with an almost thankful expression. She probably regretted her offer as soon as she made it, but I appreciated it.

My parents disappeared and most of the relatives and friends had gone, as well. Patrick’s arm wrapped around my back.

“You sure you want to go?”

I took a deep breath. Chloe wanted me there, even if was just to take a few stupid pictures. “Yes.”

And so we went to the reception. Ch