Page 124 of One More Chapter

Debbie sighs, leaning her back against the wall.

“You know, your momma is my oldest friend. We’ve been through a lot together. Alot. She was the one to offer me a backyard swing set to play in whenmyparents were fighting. I wouldn’t have made it through their divorce without her as my rock. Wouldn’t have made it through feeling like a human tennis ball those first few years of going back and forth between their houses. It was in college when she started to really change.”

I knew that my mom and Deb were childhood best friends. I guess I just never knew the darker parts.

“Your mom’s first boyfriend was in pre-law. The way he took her out to fancy restaurants and tried to woo her with gifts changed something inside of her. When he broke it off, she started chasing that high again—and only chasing men with money. I guess she never stopped.”

Deb shakes her head.

“I’ve done my best throughout the years to help her out. I even offered her the townhouse to do with what she wanted. She could have lived in it or sold it for money. It’s like shewantssomeone else to take care of her, and if she’s able to do it herself, no one will take pity on her.”

Deb blinks up at me, and for the first time, I understand where Anthony gets his eyes. Hers are a striking blue—not quite holding the sea like his do, but one that reminds me of the safety of faraway places.

“Why did you invite her to Florida?” I ask.

“Because, sweetie. I wanted to see if I could talk some sense into her aboutyou.”

My heart stutters.

“You and your brother are the only good things she’s got left. I tried to show her that. And when she told me about your books, and the dollar signs lit up in her eyes, I realized she was too far gone.”

I lean my head on her shoulder as we both sit in silence for a moment. Me, mourning the hurt from my mom. Her, mourning the possible loss of someone she once held so dear.

A clanging sound in the kitchen startles us both. We stand to go investigate, and my heart does a backflip at the sight.

Anthony is standing over the sink wearing yellow rubber gloves, and my heart melts to the floor. He turns around, almostlike he knows I’m standing there holding back from running to him.

His, “Hey,” comes out husky, rattling my edges.

“Hey,” I echo, sandy with emotion. “What are you doing here?”

The spoon he’s holding drips suds onto the floor.

“Dishes.” He holds up the spoon, and my heart cracks.

“Dishes?”

He nods, once.

“I was at my mom’s when she called my dad. I brought dinner. Should be cooled off in a few. Connor went home to grab a few things to stay the night. I told him I’d hold down the fort.”

“But you’re mad at me,” I whisper, disbelief clouding the way he’s standing there in yellow rubber gloves, clearly holding himself back from reaching out.

“Oh, I am,” he nods. “Mad. Not at you though.Neverat you. And you’re mad too.”

I nod, not quite ready to tell him that I’m more sad right now than anything else.

“So why are you here?” I ask again.

“Because, Pen. You don’t stop showing up for someone you love just because there’s a road block between you.”

He drops the bomb with his gaze holding mine captive, lets it settle in all the way to the core of me, and then turns back around to finish the dishes. I follow, taking tentative steps, until I realize that those four letters are stable beneath me. With firmer steps, I walk past the entryway, and am dumbfounded by what I see.

It’s spotless. Aside from the few dishes he’s finishing, the place looks immaculate. Four black garbage bags sit by the back door ready to be taken out, the floor is shiny, countertops are free of grime.

He showed up for me, even though we’re in the valley.

“The table’s all set if you want to grab drinks. I’ll take your mom’s to her. I don’t want you in there for a little while.”

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