Page 122 of Until the Sea Runs Dry

“And why would that be any less ridiculous than what I suggested?”

They started laughing as they went to pay for their goods when Jane’s attention was caught by something.

“Give me one moment. I just need to check if something’s available.”

Delia turned her focus to some crockery that had taken her fancy. Like handbags, a woman could never have enough coffee mugs. “Take your time. I’ll be over here, buying more cups that I don’t need.”

Jane knew exactly what it was she was looking for and went straight to the audiobook section where she hoped one particular title would be available.

There was only one copy, nestled between the other “Based On A True Story” titles.

It was My Blood, My Right, the book she had found in Borders, which she had wanted to gift to Logan. After learning of his dyslexia, she now wondered if maybe an audiobook might suit him better. It was only a small thing, and maybe presumptuous of her to even think that he’d want it, but there was just something about the story that she thought might appeal to him.

She paid for the audiobook and rejoined Delia.

With their giftswrapped and safely in the trunk of Delia’s car, the woman sat at a restaurant terrace, contemplating the menu as Loki watched the world go by beneath the table. Their waiter had set a bowl of water on the ground, which the dog was busy drinking up.

It was a popular place judging by the line, though not exclusive in the way that required a booking system. Delia had offered up some more exclusive options for lunch, but Jane had decided on this. It was a popular choice with diners, so why should they drive across town only to wait longer and pay more?

Their waiter waited for their order and smiled. “What can I get you both?”

“I’ll have the seafood linguine with a side salad and an ice-tea for me, thank you,” Jane ordered.

Delia blinked, thinking she’d heard wrong. “Carbs for lunch? And no champagne? You really aren’t from this town, are you?”

“I like food and I’ll never understand people who don’t.”

“Hear, hear!” Delia laughed, turning to their waiter. “I’ll have the same but I’ll have a sparkling apple juice instead of the iced-tea.”

“Of course. I’ll be back with your orders soon.”

“I saw you picked up something else from the store? Was it anything fun?” Delia asked, referring to the audiobook.

“It’s just an audiobook. I actually got the physical book thinking Logan might like it, before I learned of his dyslexia. I thought I’d offer him both versions so he can decide how he’d like to read it.”

A knowing glint appeared in Delia’s bright green eyes, the same eyes she had passed on to her son. “I’m sure he’ll appreciate the thought.”

With the natural pause in the conversation, Jane figured now was as good a time as any to ask her own question.

“So… have I passed?”

The older woman’s expression became guarded. “Why? Whatever do you mean?”

“This has all been a test, hasn’t it? To see what you think of me?”

Delia was saved from answering as their waiter returned with their drinks. When they were alone again, Delia smiled broadly and reached across to pat her hand.

“I think you and I are going to get along just fine.”

It was with no small sense of relief that Jane accepted her blessing.

“But is it his birthday? Was that part true?”

Exasperated, Delia pulled a face. “Of course it is, Dear. You think I’d make us go through this entire exercise and lie about something like that?”

Time flew by over delicious food and wonderful conversation. Now that she had passed her tests, Delia was an open book, while the walls Jane held seemed to crumble in her presence.

Delia had a way of listening, of conversing, that made it easy for Jane to spill her thoughts and fears… even if they applied to her own son. They’d talked of Logan’s fame, how he had started in the industry — by slogging his way up from the bottom in unpaid roles on indie movies and short films. And how life had been as a child with learning difficulties. But there was one subject Jane hadn’t been brave enough to broach until now.

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