Page 84 of When Love Is Lost and Found

"Noah is our responsibility," Mom says, "I can take care of my own son."

"You know what I meant, Mom."

"We can always enroll him in preschool. He'll enjoy that."

"Are you firing Sharon?"

"That's not what I said. Let's give her as long as she needs. A couple of weeks, a month? She'll have a job here as long as she wants, but if she chooses not to return, that's okay too."

"That's not okay with me."

"I know, but it's not up to you."

***

I call and leave Sharon a message during the week.

"I'll give her the message," Rick says, "but I can't guarantee she'll call you back."

When I don't hear from her, I decide to return to New York. My heart is broken, but I can't force her to give me something she can't—her forgiveness.

I'm packing my bag when the doorbell rings.

"Hi."

"Sharon."

"I'm sorry I didn't call before coming over."

"It's okay. Come in."

She walks by me, and I inhale the sweet scent of her perfume. I miss her. I want to hug her and kiss her.

"You want to sit down?"

"Yeah," she says, sitting on the sofa.

"Do you want something to drink?"

"No. I'm fine. Thank you."

She's even more beautiful than I remember. A week without her has felt like an eternity.

"I spoke to your mom this morning."

"You did? What about?"

"I called to let her know I'm not returning to New York."

"You quit your job?"

"I did. Your mom was very sweet and understanding."

"Can you help me understand?"

"That's why I'm here. Your mom said you were leaving in the morning, so I thought I should come by to talk."

I gaze at her, taking in every detail of her face: her freckles, smooth skin, and high cheekbones. She's wearing jeans, white sneakers, and a Class of '88 T-shirt. Her hair is braided to the side, and I notice she didn't use a rubber band to tie it. She looks young and breathtakingly beautiful.

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