To the Ends of the Earth

Chapter Ten: Defend

Blech!

I stared at the snail on my plate and swallowed down the bile that was filling my mouth. Gross! They charged five thousand dollars for a plate and decided to serve escargot.

I thought my disgust went unnoticed but, unfortunately, I realized I was mistaken when my mom leaned in toward me with a smirk. "Lottie, you don't have to eat it. But, try not to throw up on your plate," she whispered.

"They should have just served pizza and used the rest of the money for the actual charity," I mumbled under my breath, trying not to be overheard.

"Well, sweetie, maybe you can plan the next charity luncheon and serve pizza for everyone," she chuckled.

That's not a bad idea. I could definitely plan a much more entertaining fundraising event. I opened my mouth to respond, but I was left speechless by the arrival of Mrs. Richardson. What was Vivi's mother doing in New York?

"Hello everyone," she announced, as she approached our table and took a seat across from me.

"Hello Eloise, I didn't know you'd be here today," my mom greeted her.

"Of course I would come, Carolyn," Eloise huffed. "I'd never miss out on a charity event."

I highly doubted she even knew what charity we were raising funds for, but I kept my mouth shut. I refused to acknowledge her. After Vivi framed Athena for stealing, I distanced myself from the Richardson family. I did not want to interact with them if they couldn't admit how unhinged Vivi was. And now, with my suspicions about Vivi's role in my drugging and rape, I didn't even want to be in the same room as a member of her family.

I turned to face my mother and leaned in closer to her. "Mom, why didn't you tell me she was invited?" I whispered in her ear.

"Lottie, darling, I thought she was still in LA," she replied back in a low voice, making sure Eloise did not hear our conversation.

Shaking my head, I looked down at my plate. I'd rather stare at a stuffed snail than have to look at Eloise's face for the rest of the meal.

"So, Lottie, I haven't seen you in over a year. Where have you been?" Eloise asked, disturbing my study of the French delicacy.

I cleared my throat and looked up at her, gathering the courage to speak. "Oh, I've been here and there. I'm sure you know how it is. Vivi has also disappeared on us. You wouldn't happen to know where she is, would you?"

"Oh, umm," she mumbled. "No. Vivi was struggling with all the accusations your family was throwing against her, so she said she was going to stay with a friend for a while."

"Hmm," I hummed. "And do you know who this friend is?" I watched with fascination as the color slowly drained from Eloise's face.

"No Lottie, my daughter is an adult," she claimed, her voice rising. "I don't monitor all her interactions and vet every single one of her friends."

"Riiight," I nodded, pretending to agree with her, but it was obvious to everyone on our table that I didn't.

For the next half hour, I clenched my jaw through lunch. I was barely containing my outrage at having to share a table with a Richardson. Once the event organizers finished their thank-you speeches, I grabbed my purse and excused myself from the table. I walked out of the venue and left the event. As I made it into the hotel's lobby, I noticed my mom was following me. She grabbed my hand, stopping me from leaving.

"Lottie," she breathed. "You didn't have to run out of there so quickly."

"Yes mom, I did. I do not want to share the same air as anyone related to that snake."

She pulled away, looking taken aback. "That's a bit harsh, Lottie."

"Harsh?" I questioned, hoping I misunderstood her.

"Yes, I know Vivi did something terrible by pretending Athena stole her watch, but she told Eloise she only did it because she wanted to test her."

"Test her? Mom, are you listening to yourself?"

"Sweetheart, the Richardsons have been like family for generations. I know Vivi was in the wrong. She had no right to do what she did, but we should try to be more understanding. Everyone makes mistakes."

"Mistakes? Mom, please tell me you're joking. She stabbed Nico in the back."

"I know, Lottie," she claimed, looking nervous. "But, Eloise said that Vivi felt threatened. Vivi was confronted by three men and panicked. She didn't mean to stab anyone."

"Mom, you do not accidentally stab someone in the back."

My mom just stared at me, obviously at a loss for words.

"I'm so disappointed in you, mom. You're willing to believe the Richardsons over your own daughter."

"What are you talking about, Lottie? I'm always on your side," she defended.

"I'm not talking about me. I'm talking about Athena. Did you forget she's also your daughter? You should have treated her like one from the moment Alex purchased that engagement ring, but you've always maintained a formal relationship with her. Now, you're defending the woman who tried to ruin her relationship with your son and stabbed her brother."

"That's not true, Lottie."

"Isn't it? Did you and dad even apologize to her for what happened in Palm Springs?"

"Apologize? We never did anything to her. When she made up with your brother, we told her we were glad they could overcome their difficulties."

"Mom, not defending her is still doing something to her. You could hurt someone by doing nothing as well."

She didn't respond to that. It was clear that she didn't know how to answer.

I took a deep breath, but I couldn't hide my frustration. "I'm gonna go now. I hope you think over what I said."

Then, I turned my back and walked out of the hotel lobby.