Page 5 of Winning Play

“How’dyou know it’s me?”

“Youhave the same area code asDaveandLauren.”Wow, smugness inMom’svoice?“Yourflight smooth?Anyproblems changing planes?”

“None.Davedidn’t tell me he had upgraded me to first class.WhenIstepped on the plane inSeattle… what a surprise!Iam completely spoiled.”Shechuckled. “I’munpacking and getting organized.Davehas a game tonight—looking forward to it.”Kimgazed out theFrenchdoors that led to the large, screened porch.Perfectfor soaking up a little sun.

“Iwon’t keep you long.Youdidn’t tellFinnyou were leaving today?Hecame by to see you.”

Kimhuffed in frustration. “Itold him,Mom.Heignored me.Nosurprise.”

“Hewondered where you were.”

“Youdidn’t tell him, did you?”Kimfought the sudden surge of anxiety. “Webroke up.Noneof his business.”

“WhatcouldIsay,Kimberly?Hedidn’t know you had decided to go toTampafor grad school.”

Kimsighed. “Mom,Ididn’t want him to know.”

“Whathaven’t you told us?”Caroline’svoice turned sharp.

“We’rethrough.Ibroke up with him.Hewon’t accept it.That’sall.”

“Hesaid he’s left several voice messages and has some information you need.Youshould give him a quick call,Kimberly.”

“Finn’susing you to manipulate me.There’snothingIneed from him.”

“Isn’tthat harsh,Kimberly?Youdated for a long time.”

Kimdidn’t reply.

Aftera moment, her mom asked, “Canyou still access your old number?”

“Itis pre-paid until the end of the month.”Kimsat on the edge of the bed and ran her hand through her hair.Shower.Maybea quick nap?Sherealized that her mother had asked a different question.AmIsure about the breakup?

“Mom, please listen and believe me—FinnandIare done.Idon’t want to see him, talk with him, or listen to his messages.Trustme on this.”

“It’sjust so sudden.Ididn’t know you two had problems.”

“It’scomplicated,Mom, andIneed a clean break.He’llfigure out thatImeant whatItold him.”Kimkicked off her sandals. “Nomore aboutFinn…I’minTampa, ready to start an exciting program in grad school.Let’sconcentrate on that, okay?”

Whenthe call ended,Kimgrabbed a decorative pillow and choked the urge to scream into it.Instead, she flung it across the room in frustration.Shecaught movement from the corner of her eyes.

“Everythingall right?”Laurenstood in the doorway with a sympathetic expression.

“It’sfine.Mymom can frustrate me at times.Shestill treats me like a teenager.”

“Kim,Ifeel your pain…MysisterAmanda, who raised me, does the same thing.Ithink it’s very difficult for mothers to accept that their children—daughters, in particular—do grow up.”Lauren’ssmile conveyed her sympathy. “Myniece,Cassie, can share stories with you.”

“Shelives nearby, right?”

“Justaround the corner—you may meet her at the game tonight.Unlessyou’re hoping for a quiet evening,”Laurensaid.

“Missmy brother’s game?Never—Ihaven’t watched him play in person in so long.Ihad a conflict the last time theSunsplayedVancouver.”Conflict?Finndidn’t want me to go… like an idiotIlet him talk me into missing the game.Kimrefocused onLauren. “I’llre-energize before we leave.”

Laurensmiled, then paused before she turned to leave. “Kim, you can talk to me anytime—stays between us.”

“Nothingserious,Lauren.Mymom’s upsetIbroke up with a guy.Canyou believe that?She’smore invested in my ‘love life’ thanIam.”

“Mosttimes, it’s the opposite, and parents don’t like the guy.”Laurenbit back a smile.

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