Zack (Blue-Collar Billionaires 4)

“Mom? Dad?” I’m staring like I’m not sure it’s really them. “What are you doing here?”

Mom folds her hands in front of her, looking extremely uncomfortable. “Zack invited us. We didn’t even know you had another show.”

“He did? I didn’t know he was going to do that.”

Now I’m really confused. My parents haven’t ever been particularly welcoming to Zack so the idea of him inviting them anywhere is pretty weird. And why the hell wouldn’t he warn me?

“Please don’t be angry with him. He wanted us to know how proud he is of you. He told us that if we could come and be supportive that it would mean a lot to you.” She smiles tightly.

I’m surprised they came. They always seem like being around me stresses them out more than anything else. As the silence stretches into awkwardness, I realize it must seem like I don’t want them here which isn’t true at all. I just want them to want to be here.

“I would have invited you but I was pretty sure you barely recovered from just hearing about the last one.”

My mom’s lips tilt up slightly. Did she just smile? I’m starting to feel like I’m in some sort of alternate dimension. Is my mother really hanging out at an erotic art show and smiling?

“Well, pumpkin. I’m going to take a little walk around. I’ll see you later.” My father kisses me on the cheek.

After he’s gone, my mother smiles nervously. “Your father is a little bashful about this whole thing.”

“I’m just surprised he came at all.”

“Is it okay that we’re here?”

She sounds uncertain and it’s unlike her. Although honestly her being here in the first place is wildly out of character so I probably shouldn’t be shocked by anything that happens tonight.

“Yes. I’m happy you’re here.”

It’s true. Even though it’s kind of embarrassing it’s also really sweet that they came to support me. All I’ve ever wanted was for them to see me. Even if they weren’t proud, if they just noticed that I was a unique person with hopes and dreams different from theirs, that would have been enough.

Maybe this can be a new start. For all of us.

“I really appreciate that you guys came to support me. You don’t have to stay though. I’m sure this isn’t your thing.”

“Actually I’ve been quite surprised tonight. Your pictures are simply stunning, Josephine. You’re very talented.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

I’m sure she’s just saying that. While I have no idea what Zack said to them to get them here tonight, it must have worked. They’re here and making an effort to be supportive. I couldn’t have known how much it would mean to me until it actually happened.

She must read the disbelief on my face.

“I’m not just saying that because you’re my daughter. Your work really commands the eye. Even the more racy images are tastefully done. Looking at these, well, it reminds me of when I was young and in love. Your Zachary is quite a handsome man.”

“Yes, he is.” I follow her gaze to the picture behind us.

“He really loves you, Josie. He asked us to come because he thought it would make you happy. It’s a wonderful thing to have a man who loves you that much. He really thinks you hung the moon. I can see now that you’ve done just fine ignoring my advice.”

She glances back at my father. “Maybe I could take a few pointers from you.”

In an impulsive move, I hug her. “I think there’s a few things we can learn from each other.”

After a brief pause, her arms come around my back. ”I think you’re right.”

We stay just like that, embracing in the middle of the crowd, neither of us wanting

to break the connection. For the first time in years, she isn’t my critic she’s just my mom.

And that’s all I need.