Page 51 of Perfect Pursuit

Her lips lift at the corners. “Then, are you ready to see your mother?”

I nod.

She knocks at the door before pressing the door open. “Helen? You have a visitor.”

I thought I was prepared to see my mother hooked up to an IV or two. What no one prepares you for is there are going to be times when you bitterly regret every moment not cherishing the person you love. For me, that time is now. I step forward and reach for her hand. “Hey, Mama. Something you forgot to mention when I came over for dinner last week?”

She lowers her facial oxygen mask before smiling a weak ass smile at me. “Yes. The meatloaf leftovers I had for lunch were dry.”

My laugh is ruptured by the tears I’m shedding. “Of course they were.”

Dr. Lam backs out of the room to give us privacy. Only, I don’t know where to start or even what I’m supposed to ask. I do know what I’m supposed to say. Stepping forward, I reach for my mother’s hand.

She immediately takes mine. It’s as strong as it’s always been. There must be some kind of mistake. The thought floats through my mind until I spy the IV in her hand.

I study the needle and follow the line. It’s attached to a bag of fluids as well as something with a name and a warning label on it. Fear squeezes my heart when I suspect I’ll learn what all the bags that are hanging up are. In this moment, I stubbornly refuse to ask. Right now, only one thing needs to be made clear. “I love you a whole lot, Mama.”

She swallows repeatedly before rasping, “Never more than I love you, Fallon.”

Leaning forward, I rest my head next to hers on the pillow and murmur, “That’s just not true.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

KENSINGTON, TEXAS

According to the University of Kassel (2023), one-third of romantic partners engage in deceptive tactics.

—The Fireside Psychologist

I tried to reach Fallon earlier, but she hasn’t answered her phone or replied to any texts.

“That’s unusual for her. Even if she picks up a shift at Galileo’s, she normally lets me know.” Still, a grin crosses my lips. My Fallon doesn’t know the meaning of the word relax. I saunter into my kitchen to grab a beer when my phone pings.

Fallon:

Sorry. I was caught up with Mama.

Ethan:

No worries, witch.

Fallon:

Can I talk with you tomorrow?

Fallon:

I’m going to be here with her for a while.

Ethan:

Everything okay?

The dots move as Fallon formulates her next thought. I wait with more than a bit of concern, knowing that Fallon is as close to her mother as my niece and sister are—both women treating their mothers like best friends.

Fallon:

She’s caught up in something, so I’m keeping her company.

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