Page 3 of Broken Promises

“Thank you,” I said softly, leaning back against the fluffy sofa. “I appreciate you letting me stay here. I’m going to start looking for a new place soon. Lucky for me, it’s summer break from teaching, so that’s one less headache.” I sighed. “And, of course, I have to break the news to my mom.”

Sailor munched on her pizza. “Oh, Eve’s going to be fine with it. Don’t you worry.” She and my mom were on a first-name basis. They met a few times during the time we sharedan apartment and have adored each other ever since. My mom considered Sailor her second daughter.

“I’m not too worried about that. My mom’s always been cool with my choices. It’s just…” I trailed off. “I think she may push for me to move back home.”

“Well….” Sailor dragged the word out. “You know, that might not be the worst idea,” she suggested between bites. “I mean, you do need a fresh start, and you need to be as far from that asshole as possible.”

“What, moving?” I raised my eyebrow. “Love you too, babe.”

Sailor laughed. “You know I love you, and you know I’d love nothing more than for you to spend the rest of your life by my side…but maybe taking a little vacation to see your mom could be the right way to go about it. Clear your mind, get out of the city for a bit…” She leaned up to nudge me. “You’ll have fun.”

“I don’t know,” I debated. “It’s been a decade since I last visited. Not since high school graduation. Mom’s always been the one hopping on planes to come here.” And for a good reason. The heartbreak that I endured back then left me scarred for life.

“I get it, but a change of scenery might do wonders for you. Just think about it,” she urged, her eyes reflecting genuine concern. And her words were getting through to me. Maybe I was crazy, but for once, Iwasactually considering it.

“I’ll think about it,” I conceded. The idea of escaping the city, even if I would inevitably run into my now ex-boyfriend, sounded good right now. Out of the two, Luke was currently the lesser evil.

lucy

. . .

The following day,when Sailor locked herself in her office for her round of online meetings, I figured I had some time to decide my next move. Sailor’s words last night got through me. Seriously, I spent years avoiding Port-Cartier, and over what? Over a breakup that happened an eternity ago?

I missed my mom, and I know she missed me, too. If there was ever a time to visit, it was now. Before I could change my mind, I grabbed my phone, dialing my mom’s number as I faced the window overlooking the city. Green trees extended through the park that her window overlooked, the leaves dancing in the soft breeze.

“Hey, sweetie,” Mom answered, excited to hear my voice. “How are you? I didn’t expect your call today.”

I bit my lower lip, silent momentarily as I summoned my courage. “Well, I have a change of address. I figured you should know.”

“What do you mean? Is everything all right?”

“Not…exactly. Jason and I broke up.” I closed my eyes to fend off the threat of tears. I wasn’t doing this right now. I intended to keep all the tears during the five-minute confinement I hadyesterday. He wasn’t worth a single more tear. “He cheated on me.”

“Oh, Luce. I’m so sorry. I wish I could give you a big hug right now.”

Me too,I thought to myself. Only a chosen few called me Luce, and my mom was one of them.

“Thanks, Mom,” I said, a solitary tear escaping my eye.Stupid Jason.I quickly wiped it away. “It is what it is, I guess. I just wanted you to know.”

On the other side of the line, my mom remained silent for a moment. “Well, why don’t you come home to visit, honey? God knows I miss my girl. And it’s summer break for you, so you’re not tied down with work.”

The suggestion prompted more tears to fall. This time, it wasn’t about Jason. It was about me missing my mom. “I miss you too. Sailor suggested the same thing.”

“Of course she did,” my mom remarked with a chuckle. “We’re one mind in two bodies. And we’re both telling you this is a good idea, so you better listen. So, what do you say?”

Every cell in my body protested at the thought. That was the aftermath of avoiding this trip for as long as I could remember. But it was a time for change—I knew it. “You know, I could use a vacation.”

“It’s settled then. I’ll book your ticket. Just let me know when, and I’ll make it happen.”

I laughed once more. “Mom, I can pay for my ticket.”

I was met with a lowtsksound. “Let me take care of my baby.” I knew my mother well—she wouldn’t relent. My mom was known for her stubborn streak something she passed down to me.

“Fine,” I grumbled, practically hearing her clap in the background. I guess this was happening.

“Okay, I’ll book it and send you the details. I can’t wait, Luce. You’re going to have the best time. A lot has changed since you left.”

It might have, but some scars within me remained the same.

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