Silence Reveals Hidden Answers’ by Michael Anderson novel Chapter 83

Chapter 83

Jennifer Marie.

“Mom?”

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Her golden blonde curls are in perfect swirls like she spent hour getting them to bounce just right. She’s wearing yellow too, a long gown with a structured neckline and a hem that swoons dramatically when she moves. The hat on her head is like something from a royal wedding, wide and canopy-like, casting shadow over her face. But even in shadow, I can see how expensive she looks. Her makeup is flawless, not a single crease. Her lipstick the exact shade of that pink her husband likes.

She has that rich mom glow that comes from facials and person trainers and never having to worry about anything.

“Why are you so late?” She frowns at me first, then her whole face brightens when she sees my dress. “OMG, I knew you were going to show up as the prettiest. You didn’t get a yellow umbrel too? Put your hair like this-

”

She starts rearranging me, pulling strands forward, tucking them back. I try to peek past her into the garden.

“Wait…where is your date?” She grabs my shoulder like she might actually end me if I don’t answer fast enough.

“He… well, you told me last minute, so he’s gonna be a few minus late.”

“Whoa… so you

and my friend’s son-”

“No, not him. I didn’t meet up with… what’s his name?” I ask because I genuinely don’t remember the guy she was trying to set me up with.

“You’re dating someone else? Good girl.” She grins. “Come on.”

She tugs my arm and we step into the garden.

It’s like stepping into a Pinterest board exploded, Rows and rows of tables stretch out under the sun, covered in pastel linens and overflowing with flowers. Tea cups clink, people chatting in that polite, low-volume way that screams old money. There’s a station where they hand me a Miss world sash that spells Jennifer and a paper to fill out for when my date arrives… apparently all dates have to wear matching sashes that say “I’m Jennifer’s date” so the staff knows which table to drag them

Everything is color-coordinated. The pastel economy is thriving here. At one corner, someone taps a cup to get everyone’s attention. Cookies. Cupcakes. OMG.

I scan the crowd and spot some of the boys in teal-colored suits Their hairs are brushed back like trust fund models with no tattoos in sight. These are the guys my mom wants me to date. didn’t even tell Harvey there was a dress code. I’m trying to imagine him storming in here all tall and brooding with his black clothes and-

Mom yanks me forward before I can finish that thought. She pulls and pulls until we reach our table.

“Mrs. Moretti?” Mom’s voice goes up an octave.

And my attention snaps to the table.

There’s an older lady sitting there, fair-skinned with sharp cheekbones and eyes that look like they’ve seen everything and judged most of it. Her silver hair is swept up in an elegant twist, diamond earrings. She smiles like she’s already decided if she likes you or not.

And beside her is Jenna?!

No way. Mrs Moretti!? What are the freaking odds that my mom knows Jenna’s mom? What is happening with my life right

now!?

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For the first time ever, Jenna tries to speak but instead her eyes are shaking like she wants to cry. Amazing, that look on her face is literally perfect because she doesn’t shut up like ever.

Harvey and I are back together,” I continue, keeping my voice sweet. “And I know you’re gonna try again to say something that could possibly tear us apart. But the more you throw stuff, tighter we get.” I pause. “Yes, I even forgave him for what he did to my dad. Crazy, right?”

I wink at her.

“I swear

“Save it.” I fix my cocktail and start walking back to my seat.

“Okay, boys!” An official-looking woman clinks her glass for attention. “Drink your cocktails quickly because we have a game for you all to play. This edition is different…usually the girls would play games to decide who becomes the next diamond of the garden. But we don’t want the girls to sweat in this summer eat, so where are the gentlemen? They’ll be playing for

their ladies instead!”

The garden erupts in polite applauses.

As soon as I hear the announcement, I pull out my phone. Whe is Harvey? Right on cue, a text pops up from him:

“Here.”

Chill fills my bones but not the bad kind. It’s relief mixed with something electric. He’s gonna walk in here any moment now. I spot Mom across the garden, waving at me with that whe-is-your-date look as the other males start moving through

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