Only Mine by Susan Mallery Read Free Book Online Page B

“That’s not going to happen.”
    Montana wasn’t big on confrontation, Dakota thought. She turned to Nevada. “How are things with you?”
    â€œGood. The same.” Her sister shrugged. “I’m in a rut.”
    â€œHow can you say that?” Montana asked. “You have a great job, you’ve always known what you want to do.”
    â€œI know. I’m not saying I want to stop being an engineer and take up pole dancing, but sometimes…” She sighed. “I don’t know. I think my life needs to be shaken up a little.”
    Dakota smiled. “We could always set Mom up on a date. That would be a distraction.”
    Both her sisters stared at her.
    â€œMom date?” Montana asked, her eyes wide. “Has she said anything?”
    â€œNot seriously, but she’s vibrant and attractive. Why wouldn’t she date?”
    â€œIt would be weird,” Montana said.
    â€œOr uncomfortable.” Nevada picked up her drink. “She would probably find a guy in fifteen seconds. I can’t remember the last time I was on a date.”
    â€œThat’s what I thought, too,” Dakota admitted. “But don’t you think one of us should be successful at the dating thing?”
    â€œYou don’t see the humiliation of that person being our mother?” Nevada asked.
    Dakota grinned. “There is that.”
    Montana shook her head. “No. She can’t. What about Dad?”
    Dakota studied her. “It’s been over ten years since he died. Doesn’t she deserve a life?”
    â€œDon’t get all logical and therapist-y on me. I’m very comfortable not being the mature one.”
    â€œThen you shouldn’t worry. We were just joking about it.” As a way to release tension, Dakota thought sadly. As a distraction from the truth about her inability to have children.
    â€œShe didn’t sign up for the show, did she?” Nevada asked. “Not that I wouldn’t support her if she did.”
    â€œNo, she didn’t.”
    â€œThank God.” Nevada leaned back in her chair. “Speaking of the show, when do they announce the contestants?”
    â€œTomorrow. They’ve already made their casting decisions, but they’re not telling anyone in advance. I think they’re broadcasting live or something. I’m trying to stay out of it as much as I can.”
    â€œWill Finn be there?” Montana asked.
    â€œNearly every day.”
    Montana raised her eyebrows. “That will keep things interesting.”
    â€œI’m sure I don’t know what you mean,” Dakota said lightly. “He’s a nice man, nothing more.”
    Nevada grinned. “You expect us to believe that?”
    â€œYes, and if you don’t, I expect you to pretend.”
    Â 
    A URELIA DID HER BEST to tune out the rant as she carefully put dishes into the dishwasher. The tirade was a familiar one. That Aurelia was a terrible daughter, selfish and cruel, who cared about no one but herself. That her mother had cared for her for years so it wasn’t wrong to expect a little support and comfort in her old age.
    â€œI’ll be gone soon,” her mother declared. “I’m sure you’re counting the days until I’m dead.”
    Aurelia turned slowly to face the woman who had raised her on a secretary’s salary. “Mama, you know that’s not true.”
    â€œSo I’m a liar?” her mother demanded. “Is that what you tell people?” Her mother’s face crumpled. “I’ve only ever loved you. You’re the most important person in my life. My only child. And this is the thanks I get?”
    As always, Aurelia couldn’t quite follow the train of the argument. She was clear on the fact that she’d messed up—she always messed up. No matter what she did, she was a constant disappointment. Much like her father, who had abandoned both his wife and