Page 110 of Someone to Watch Over Me

I hug her tightly for a long time. “Thank you.”

“Love you.”

“Love you more, and don’t you dare argue with me.”

She laughs, and when we pull apart, we’re both wiping away more tears. “See you Saturday.”

I wave her off and then go to find Tom.

He’s waiting for me with his arms out.

I fall into his embrace, sobbing.

“I’m so, so happy for you, Lex. You deserve to be free and clear to enjoy your new life.”

“I still can’t believe it.”

“What a friend.”

“Right? I told you my widows are the best people I’ve ever known.”

“They sure are.”

My phone rings, and I take the call from my mom.

“Someone has been keeping secrets.”

“I almost exploded the other night, knowing it was happening and not being able to say anything until Joy had the final receipts. Daddy and I are beside ourselves over this. You’ve got one hell of a friend in her.”

“I know. I’m overwhelmed. It’s going to take me a decade to wrap my head around this.”

“What a relief.”

“It sure is. Thank you for what you did to help her.”

“I only told her who the biggest creditors were. She took it from there. She’s a powerhouse, that one. They gave her some pushback, citing privacy laws and whatnot, insisting on talking to you. She wasn’t having it and told them she had full authority to speak for you and let’s get this done.”

I’m in tears all over again imagining Joy going to war for me—and Jim.

“Daddy said this morning that Jim will rest easier now.”

“That’s funny. We just said the same thing.”

“You must be elated. We couldn’t wait for you to find out.”

“It’s such a huge load off my mind. I thought about it way more than I should have since I wouldn’t have been able to pay it off in this lifetime or the next one.”

“Now you can fully enjoy this lifetime, which is what Jim would want for you. It’s what we all want for you.”

“Thanks for everything, Mom. I know I say it all the time, but I never would’ve survived it without you guys, and Jim used to say the same thing. We were so lucky to have your love and support during the darkest days of our lives.”

“We love you both, and we wouldn’t have been anywhere else. And, Lex… We can see you have feelings for Tom, and we think he’s a wonderful guy.”

“I do, too.”

“I hope you’re giving yourself permission to be happy with him. Jim would want that for you, too. In all the years he suffered, all he cared about was what it was doing to you.”

“I know.” I look over at Tom, who’s leaning against the counter, scrolling through his phone. “And I am happy. Happier than I’ve been since before…” I certainly don’t have to define “before” for her.

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