Page 58 of Chasing Storm

“In their early seventies. Their children live in another state, so they feel it’s time their parents move into an assisted living home. They want to get rid of the house.”

“Then bid $15,000 over the asking price.”

“What? Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Elijah turns to me. “It looks like I’m your new bestie.”

I scream and jump into his arms. Now, all he needs to do is propose to Erin, which I nudge him to do.

Chapter 24

I’ve waited until my mom was situated in her house to give her a surprise. My mother hasn’t stopped smiling since she moved into her home, and we’ve had dinner there on several occasions with Sean. The woman hasn’t had her own place, secluded and private.

Today is another surprise for her. She wanted a florist shop, so I spoke to the guy who sold us our homes to find a storefront in the pedestrian zone. When we first walked around there, I noticed a florist was missing. It will be an ideal place for her, and I also made sure she gets her own parking space behind the florist. The building is hitched between a bakery and a boutique. On breaks, she can sit in the park or do whatever. The downtown area is a great place for her to keep the peaceful life she wants and deserves.

Teagan, Sean, and I head over to pick her up. Ever since Elijah bought the house down the street from us, my wife has been flying high, which makes for incredible fucking. She talks about my sexual appetite, but my Teacup never shies from sex. If anything, she’s all in.

In the passenger seat, Tea has us drive by the house Elijah bought, along with pointing out all the other homes she loves. Sean is in the backseat, holding the box we wrapped the key in to the shop’s doors. I pull up to my mom’s, and who is coming out of the door hugging and kissing her? Henry. Fucking gym, Henry. Construction company, Henry. My glare meets Sean’s eyes in the rearview mirror.

I’m about to throw the car in park and punch the guy, when Sean grabs my shoulders and forces me back into the seat. “Leave her alone, Joe. She’s your mother, not your child.”

I shove away, twisting in my seat, and yell, “She’s my responsibility.”

“No, she’s not. It’s fine to watch over her, just keep your nose out of her business.”

“Fuck off, Sean.”

He shakes his head, laughs, and pushes my forehead with the palm of his hand. “This is supposed to be a surprise. If you go running up, knocking the guy out, you’ll not only have a lawsuit on your hands, but your mother will be upset. You’ll ruin everything you’retryingto give her, which is her own life.”

Teagan’s staring at me, and I narrow my eyes. “Get it out.”

“Sean’s right. Pull back on thepossessive sonquality and aim more forhappy for his mother.” My face is blank. “In other words, don’t be an asshole, Joey.” Teagan glances out the window at my mom, who hasn’t seen us yet. “She has the biggest smile on her face.” Her head turns to me, Sean, and back to my mom. “And look at him. The way he’s holding her hand…You told me Elijah said he’s clean.”

I throw my hands up. “Fine. I won’t do anything.”

She gives Sean a smile and we wait until Henry leaves. We all get out of the car as she’s clipping dead leaves from her flower beds. When my mom sees us, she puts the clippers aside and steps down to give us a hug. She’s no longer skinny and frail, but a healthy weight.

My mom presses her hand to my cheek. “What brings you all here?”

I wrap her in my arms and say, “We have a surprise for you.”

She puts distance between us, her mouth open, and then asks, “What? Wait. What for?”

“Lock up, Mom. We’re taking you somewhere.”

Her eyes fly to each of ours and then she bites her lower lip. “Let me grab a sweater. It’s getting chilly out.”

Sean and Teagan get in the back seat, and my mom sits next to me. She keeps asking questions, trying to guess what the surprise is, and we just laugh at her. I park in the parking lot outside the pedestrian zone.

She takes my hand and asks, “Let’s take a walk through the park. The flowers are in bloom, and I love hearing the children’s laughter.”

Agreeing, we take a walking trail that passes fountains, a children’s playground, and a small outdoor gym. On the opposite side of the park is a man-made lake with paddle boats and rowboats. There are a lot of things in this neighborhood for families and people my mother’s age. She threads her arm through mine, pointing out the plants and flowers, a Tai Chi area, which she wants to get involved in, and the concession stand, selling beverages and snacks.

We exit the park and I steer her toward the bakery. She stops, thinking we’re getting some coffee and bread, until I guide her in front of the store I bought.

My mom is so cute. She says, “Ooh, I wonder what they’re going to put here.” Sean hands me the wrapped box, and I give it to her. Her eyes light up at the box. “This is my surprise?” It doesn’t take her long to rip the packaging open and take the keys out of the box. “Keys.” She gives us all a glance. “I don’t know what to say.”

We bust out laughing at her reaction, and I point to the store. “What’s going in there is your florist shop.”

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