Page 101 of Remember Me

Keeping the robe on, I reach for them and slip my legs into the openings. I slide them up my thighs until they’re sitting on my ass.

“Let’s see, Mommy.” The tone of my sassy daughter’s voice is demanding.

“Wait till I put my bra on.”

Before I can, she grabs it and holds it up against her chest. My inquisitive daughter glances down at the stiff, sculpted cups of the strapless undergarment.

“Mommy, am I going to have big boobies like you when I grow up?”

Despite my unease, I chuckle again. My B-size breasts are not exactly generous, but to a flat-chested little girl they must look enormous. For a moment, I reflect on this memorable mother-daughter moment and on my next breath, anger seeps into my bloodstream. How many did I miss? The answer: countless. I hate the monster more than ever for taking my precious child away from me for almost five long, unbearable years. I can feel my face darkening. My blood pressure rising. He’s going to pay!

Maddie breaks into my thoughts, reining in my rage. “Mommy, you didn’t answer my question.”

“Maybe,” I stammer, “but it’s going to be a long time before you need a bra.” A shudder runs through me. I better be around to buy her first bra. The monster isn’t going to take away that special mother-daughter occasion. Or any other!

Shoving the robe off my shoulders and lowering it halfway, I take the front-hooking bra from her and put it on. I work my breasts into the padded cups.

Maddie watches as I unbelt the robe and shrug it off. Letting it fall to the floor, I reach for my dress and slip it over my head. Once my arms are in the apertures, I adjust it over my hips, the silky chiffon caressing my flesh. Knowing my taste, Finn’s dress is perfect. Sexy yet demure. Understated elegance. Stopping mid-thigh just below my scar, the chic high-low gown fits me to a T. The length accentuates my long legs, and the sweetheart neckline shows off just the right amount of cleavage. Enough to whet a predator’s appetite. I inwardly shudder again at the thought, then compose myself.

“I need your help, baby girl. Can you zip me up?”

“Okie dokie.”

I sit down on the edge of the bed to make it easier for her. She hops onto the mattress beside me and slides up the zipper. The hiss sends a shiver up my spine. I hope only one man will be unzipping it later. Finn.

Collecting myself, I glance at the clock on the nightstand. 3:45. The Town Car will be here in fifteen minutes.

“Mommy, can’t I come with you tonight to Daddy’s show?” my little girl begs as I slip my feet into the high-heeled pumps. “Pleease!”

“Sweetie, it’s a grown-up night. I’ll take you to the gallery tomorrow.”

Tomorrow.As Maddie pouts, the word sinks my stomach like a cannonball. As I’ve learned in my life, it’s not promised to anyone. Suddenly, I’m fraught with emotion. What if thingsdon’tgo right tonight? The possibility hits me like an ax. My heart splintering, I suck in a deep breath as if it’s my last. I may never see my beloved husband or daughter again!

“My sweet baby girl, come here. Let me give you a hug.” Tears threatening, I signal for Maddie to sit on my lap. Obliging, she crawls onto me, folding her arms around my shoulders. I hold her close to me and savor the warmth of her petite body against mine.

“Sweetie, I just want to tell you how much I love you and Daddy.” I thread my fingers through her silky hair. “The two of you are my everything.”

“I love you and Daddy too!” She spreads her arms wide. “Thiiismuch!”

At the thought of never holding my little girl in my arms again, a tear escapes my eye.

Maddie tenderly brushes it away. “Mommy, why are you crying? You’re going to ruin your makeup.”

“Because I love you so much. Promise me you’ll always remember that.”

“I promise!”

“Thank you, my baby.” I twitch a sad smile when another voice enters the room.

Rosita.

“Señora, el carro está aquí.”

It’s time. The Town Car is here. Lifting Maddie off my lap, I inhale a steeling breath and stand up. Maddie’s sparkling eyes stay on me.

“Rosita, doesn’t my mommy look so pretty?”

The zoftig woman gazes at me, her kind, dark eyes smiling.