IF | A Novel by Randi Cooley Wilson

Author:Randi Cooley Wilson [Wilson, Randi Cooley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Secret Garden Productions, Inc.
Published: 2018-12-15T18:30:00+00:00

18

Attending my parents’ parties has always felt like a chore, and tonight’s holiday auction is no exception. I scan the room, taking in all the wealthy people in their circle of “friends.” Everyone is mingling and politely chatting with one another while sipping overpriced champagne. It’s all so fake and formal. Tomorrow, they’ll all be gossiping behind one another’s backs. I should have stayed home, but I knew they’d never let me live it down.

As I look around, none of this feels right. I feel like a fraud standing in this room.

This life—it isn’t who I am. Or want to be.

I miss Lincoln.

For something that is supposed to be casual, it certainly doesn’t feel like it is.

“Emerson, stand straight,” my mother’s cultured, clipped, impersonal tone snaps.

“I am.”

She rolls her eyes. “This is what you chose to wear?”

“No, Mother. This is my arrival outfit. I’ll change into my party outfit later.”

“Honestly,” she sighs. “Your sarcastic quips are unwelcome this evening.”

“It’s a simple black dress. I don’t have the fake cleavage and large diamonds to pull off platinum blond hair and slutty red dresses like the other ladies in the room.”

“That is a very flattering portrait of my friends you’re painting.”

“I wasn’t talking about your friends.”

My mother arches a perfectly manicured eyebrow at me. “No?”

“I was talking about the other ladies in the room.”

Her lips flatten at my snarky remarks. “You could at least try to act like you’re having a good time. I mean, for god’s sake, after the money we dumped into perfecting your smile, would showing it off kill you? Not to mention, frowning gives you wrinkles.”

“Frowning is why the plastic surgeons in here tonight make generous donations.”

Her eyes narrow. “The event is very important, Emerson. All the proceeds from the holiday auction go to the children’s hospital. Your frowning is scaring away bidders.”

I throw her a forced, tight smile. “School is an hour away. I can leave.”

He shoulders sag. “Never mind.” Her tone is full of defeat. “Frown away.”

“Emily.” One of her high-society friends strolls over, taking my mother’s hands and kissing both her cheeks. “How lovely to see you. This event, as always, is such a treat.”

“Thank you, Victoria.” She peps up. “My daughter, Emerson.”

“Nice to meet you,” I say politely.

“Well, aren’t you lovely.” Victoria smiles at me with her collagen-filled lips.

“And wrinkle free,” I quip, and my mother rolls her eyes.

“Your mother is just the best. Her events get bigger and better every year.”

“Oh, Victoria, you’re embarrassing me.” My mother acts like she’s embarrassed, but she’s actually beaming, soaking up the compliments, which are empty, by the way.

Victoria flips her platinum extensions over her slender shoulder. “You must just love having Emily as a mother, Emerson. So much. She is everything I strive to be.”

“She’d shame me into it if I didn’t,” I reply, but it goes over the social climber’s head.

“How much have you raised for children’s causes now, Emily?” Victoria asks insincerely. “Oh, who can keep track with all the parties you so skillfully throw?”

“Oh, now, stop it.

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