Page 86 of Secret Love

“You look beautiful,” she says. “I am so glad to see you.”

“Let's get you home. Did you check anything?”

She nods and we move toward baggage claim where her bag is already waiting.

“Just one bag?” I ask.

“Yeah, I didn't bring much. I got out of there as fast as I could.”

“We can pick up whatever you need. Or go to the storage unit whenever you want.”

“I’m just glad to be here,” she says, her shoulders straightening. “I didn't feel the need to bring much of anything. Fresh start.” Her shoulders lift as she takes a deep breath. She tries to smile, but it's wobbly.

“I hate the reasons for it, but your being here is making me so happy. The thought of you being here in Silver Hills with me for more than just a visit—I don't want to jump ahead of things—but I want you to know you could stay forever and I would be thrilled.”

“Thank you, honey.”

I can tell she’s at a loss for what to even say and it breaks my heart to see her so sad.

“Well, let’s get you home.”

She smiles and it almost reaches her eyes.

My mom dozes on the ride home and perks up when she sees my little house and Earl.

“Well, hello,” she says to Earl.

I pick him up and she pets him.

“He is so cute. And your place is darling, Tru. You’ve got it decorated so cute. I love the architecture. It’s so whimsical.”

“Thank you. Whimsical is a good word for everything in this town. Definitely the theme. Your bedroom is back this way.” I show her to the room and then the rest of the house, taking her upstairs to my room last.

It’s a small house with two bedrooms downstairs and one up, but I didn’t need much room with it being just me. Now I’m really glad that it’s as big as it is. I think we can both be comfortable here.

Her phone is buzzing when we come back downstairs and she goes to pick it up, checks it, and turns the sound off. I can tell by the way her jaw clenches that it’s Dad, but she doesn’t say anything.

“You must be so exhausted,” I say. “Are you hungry?”

“I am exhausted, yes. But I'm hungry too, and I feel better just seeing you.”

“Why don't you take a long bath while I make us some food?”

“That sounds perfect. Thank you, honey.”

When she comes out, she looks human again. Her long dark hair is wet and brushed, and she’s wearing a soft matching sweat suit.

I’ve made soup and sandwiches for us, and we sit down at the table to eat. Earl purrs down by my feet. I look at my mom out of the corner of my eye, wondering whether I should bring up Dad or to just let her talk about it when she's ready.

But she starts talking about it right away.

“I'm just so glad that I saw him kiss her,” she says.

I look at her in surprise.

“If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I might have come up with excuses like I have for everything else about him.” She sips her soup and shakes her head. “You must think I'm so weak.”

“I don't. I don’t, Mom. You're the strongest person I know. I haven't understood why you’ve stayed with him, but I’ve never thought it's because you're weak. It’s been more that you want so badly to see the best in him.”

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