Page 46 of Follow My Heart

She wouldn’t tell Danielle to stop being a doctor or not to go to work because what she did was important. The implication was that mine wasn’t. “I can’t close the store because I want to take a vacation. It’s way too soon.”

“Don’t you have employees to oversee things?”

“I do, but that’s a long time to leave it in their hands. I’ll let you know.” I got off the phone, then called my best friend, Luna, from Florida.

“Violet! I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” I’d been so busy with the store, I hadn’t had a chance to talk to her other than the occasional text.

Luna sighed. “Did you just get off the phone with your mother?”

“How did you know?”

“You always want to talk afterward. Was she being her usual supportive self?” I detected sarcasm in her tone.

“She wanted to let me know that I can always come home when the shop goes under. In Florida, she can keep an eye on me.”

Luna sucked in a breath. “I hate that for you. You need to put up some boundaries.”

“How do I do that?” I couldn’t control the words that came out of my mother’s mouth.

“For one, don’t talk to her.”

“Are you serious?” I’d limited my calls, but to not talk to her at all seemed cruel.

“Can you say her words don’t affect you?”

When I checked in with my gut, it was churning. “No.”

“Then you shouldn’t talk to her. It’s not good for you.”

“She told me how Danielle is dating a doctor.”

Luna snorted. “Who cares?”

“Right?” I said, letting my head fall back.

“Are you ready for a visitor soon?”

“I’d love that.”

“I’ll text you when I have flight information.”

She was the only one I missed from Florida. Knowing she was planning to visit took the edge off my talk with Mom.

CHAPTER 11

RYDER

After I dropped off Violet and George, I sent Faith to bed. She went easily because she was exhausted from the long day. I wanted to spend the weekend doing holiday things with Faith, but I also wanted to see Violet.

I sat on the bed, cradling my phone. I shouldn’t spend more time with a woman when I wasn’t sure I was ready to date again. But the divorce would be final soon, and Stacy had already moved on. There was no reason why I couldn’t.

I should wait until the divorce petition was signed in December. It was only a few more weeks. Even though I’d need to go back and appear in front of the judge for everything to be final, I was no longer dreading it. I was actually looking forward to it, and I think it had something to do with Violet.

We’re home.

Thanks for inviting us.

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