Forget Me Not by Coleen Paratore Page B

Willa.” Tina rolls her eyes. Then she whispers to Ruby, “Well, most of them, anyway.” She and Ruby laugh. “Just kidding.”
    “Who’s going to publish it?” I ask.
    “Oh, Willa,” Ruby huffs, rolling her eyes. “You’re such a Debbie Downer. Details, details. Leave it to you to worry about something.”
    Tina looks at me like she feels bad. “I haven’t seen you around, Willa. Let’s do something this weekend,” she says.
    “I’m busy,” I say, and then I brighten up. “Guess what? I’m doing my first solo wedding on Saturday.”
    “Wow,” Tina says. “Who?”
    “Sam’s sister.”
    “Your mother’s letting you?” Ruby says. Ruby remembers how, when I first moved to Bramble, Ruby’s aunt was getting married and my mother wouldn’t let me near her wedding planning studio.
    “Yes,” I say. “Mom and I are partners now.” I look at Tina. She smiles but doesn’t seem excited. I think of how thrilled she was just a few short years ago when her favorite soap star was getting married and my mother was planning the wedding and Tina and I snuck into the reception. That seems like so long ago now.
    “Let’s go,” Ruby says to Tina. “You know, Willa, so many lifeguards, so little time.”
    Tina looks at me, then turns to join Ruby.
    I watch them walk away.
    I stop by Nana’s to pick up candy for Nico and Sofia, lots and lots of it, and bike over to visit them like I promised.
    Mr. Sanchez is home today. He says he wants totalk with my mother about a quinceañera party at the inn for Mariel when she turns fifteen in August.
    “Papa, no,” I hear Mare whisper, “You know we can’t afford—” but he puts his hand up to silence her.
    When I get home, my mother’s coming in all red and sweating from jogging. “You’re running late today,” I say. She usually runs first thing in the morning.
    “I’m starting to train for the Falmouth Road Race,” she says. “It’s always so hot, I want to get myself conditioned.”
    “How long is it again?” I ask.
    “Ten-K…six point two miles,” she says, turning to leave. She swings back around. “Hey, Willa, want to run it with me?”
    I feel a surge of happiness. My mother hardly ever asks me to do anything with her. She’s always so busy. “Uh, sure, maybe,” I say. “If I can. I’ve never run more than three or four miles, but…”
    “I’ll write up a training program,” Mom says, all happy. “You’ve got time. If you’re serious, that is.”
    “Sure, yes,” I say. “Count me in.” I wonder whether Mom should be running so much so soon after losing the baby, but I’m sure she checked with her doctor. I wish I could ask if she and Sam are planning on trying again, but…
    Mom grabs two water bottles from the fridge. She hands me one. I take it. “Thanks.” This isn’t the time to talk environmental issues, but maybe it’s the time to talk about Salty. “Mom, I went to the shelter to visit the dog today.”
    She looks at me. Takes a long drink of water. Wipes sweat from her face. “And…”
    “And the owners still haven’t showed up.”
    “Well, I hope they do soon,” she says, finishing her water. “Are you all set with everything for Sam’s sister’s wedding Saturday evening? I realize I’ve been so tied up with the Caldor event that I haven’t even inquired.”
    “Thanks,” I say. “I’m good. I went over the menu with Rosie and checked over the ceremony stuff with Sam. It’s going to be in the Labyrinth, fingers crossed it doesn’t rain. And I’m going to ask my friend Mariel if she’ll…”
    “Good,” Mom says. “Sounds like you’ve thought of everything. I’m sorry, but I don’t have time to…”
    “I understand,” I say. “On Saturday, you will be Wedding Planner one and I’ll be Wedding Planner two.”
    Mom smiles at me, then looks at the clock. “Oh, gosh, look at the time. I’ve got to shower. Willa, please do a dining room check for me, will you? Make sureall the tables are