Imperfectly Delicious (Imperfect Series #6) - Mary Frame Page 0,8

chorin’.”

What she really means is they help her with her moonshine. This isn’t making me feel better.

Who’s the worse influence? Granny or some college kids? It’s hard to say.

I still can’t believe Reese has an actual boyfriend—who is not one of the men she’s living with, apparently, thank heavens for that. It’s just that…everyone has someone, except me. I shove that thought far, far away and tug at the neckline of my dress.

“I can hear your fussin’ from here, Scarlett, and I’m gonna tell you it’s all okay. If you are so vexed, you can come on down and see for yourself.”

I bite my lip. “I’ll be down for a little bit at Christmas.” I managed to get a cheap seat on Christmas day. All my money has been sunk into the truck, and there’s hardly anything left.

“You know, your parents will be in the city there for an art show or something in a couple weeks. You should go.”

This is news. “They’ll be in New York?”

“Yep.”

“You’re sure?” I ask.

It shouldn’t sting that I’m just now hearing of this. I should be used to being ignored, but the surprise still hurts. They can’t be bothered to call? Not even their assistant could let me know?

“I got it written down here, they’ll be at the Harlem Underground. That’s in Harlem.”

“Got it, Granny. Are you sure they want me there?”

Why do I even bother asking when I know that they don’t?

“If they don’t then they’re damn fools. You know how they are. Your father is like your grandpa, God rest his soul, but he couldn’t find his own ass with two hands and a map.”

I smile. She’s not wrong. I didn’t know my grandpa much, but my parents….

They were always so absorbed with their art and with each other that they often forgot Reese and I existed. The abandonment from my parents led me into chasing love and affection like a hound after rabbits. And then instead of being fuzzy and cuddly, they were vicious mammals out for blood.

The train comes to a stop.

“I gotta run, Granny. Love you. Give my love to Reese. Tell her I’ll call her this weekend.”

“You got it my girl, have extra fun tonight. Get into trouble, or something. I think you’re due.”

“It’s only a charity dinner.” I step off the train and into the station, moving around people and glancing around the space for the exit.

“It’s like I always say, my dear, life is like beer and skittles. Sometimes it’s sweet, and sometimes it smells a little funky but it can still give you a buzz.”

I laugh. Granny is always tossing out random expressions that don’t make a lick of sense. A pang of homesickness slices through my chest. “Love you.”

“Damn, hottie!” Bethany squeals in my ear, her arms draping over me in a hug. “Can we be sister wives?”

I laugh. “Of course. I’ll break the bad news to Brent, later. This venue is amazing.” I glance around the space, my eyes trailing over the high ceilings, glowing chandeliers, and formally dressed attendees. Even the servers are wearing tuxedos, weaving through the crowd carrying trays of hors d'oeuvres.

The event is being held at The Pierre, a way fancy hotel on 5th Avenue overlooking Central Park. It’s like being in a movie. The walls are covered in intricate designs and wainscoting, lined with sconces placed strategically to add to the ambience of the space, the floors are sleek and shiny, and the tables have all been decorated with elegant white bouquet centerpieces.

She carefully extricates herself from around me; one of my mini cupcakes is in her hand and the frosting passes right before my eyes, almost scraping my nose.

“Thank you so much for bringing the cupcakes,” she says, holding it up. “The kids love them, but not as much as I do. I had to fight off three of them for this one.” She motions over to a table where a few of the kids are stuffing their faces, along with some adults. The kids are so cute in their little suits.

“Cake makes everyone happy,” I say.

“No joke. Come on, our table is over here near the front.”

“You did an amazing job with this event,” I tell her.

She waves it off. “I have a thousand people working for me. I just get to tell them what to do.”

Bethany moved to New York late last year and took over the lease on Gwen’s apartment while Gwen was traipsing all over the world taking pictures. She got a job