Page 73 of Time To Live Again

Her face drops, and rapid blinking follows. Not good. I can hear the buzzing of her thoughts. “Oh. Was…was that him calling?” She glances at my phone. “And you went to Orcas Island?”

“Yes. I loved it there and can’t wait to go back.”

Mom’s eyebrows transform into a unibrow. “Why there, of all places? Especially at this time of year.”

“Just because you prefer warmer weather doesn’t mean I have to do the same. The island was gorgeous.”

“You’re right.” She looks defeated again. I glance at my watch because I have to leave soon for my appointment.

She finally meets my gaze with a blank expression and says, “Where did you stay?”Jeez, Mom. At least act interested in what I have to say.

“I stayed at the Madrona Inn. It was huge and truly romantic. They have the best French café.”

“And who’s the young man you met?”

My chest warms, thinking about how he charged into my life and changed everything. “His name’s Leo. From the first time he spoke to me, he had me under a spell.” My body feels warm and fuzzy. “He’s gorgeous and so my type. We spent every second we could together.”

“And you’re still in contact? Does he live nearby? Will you see him again?”

“He’s a hotel critic. He’ll be traveling for the next six weeks. When he’s not on the road, he lives at the hotel his family owns. The one I stayed at. We plan on getting together when he returns. Mom, I think he’s the one. Thereal thing.” I love being able to talk about him with someone.

“You think he’s the one after one week?” Skepticism drips from her voice.

Seriously?Of all people to ask that. What a hypocrite!

“Yes.” I say firmly. “He treats me like gold.”

“And that’s what I like to hear. My daughter deserves nothing but the best.” She says the right words, but her voice is flat.

I tip my head to the side. “Right. You sound really convincing.”

“Sweetheart, I’m simply trying to catch up with everything that’s happened since you left. And now you’re telling me you’ve met someone. It’s?—”

My alarm interrupts us. “Sorry, Mom.” I turn it off and stand up. “I have to leave in a few minutes for an appointment.” Good timing, because I’m concerned she might break down again or say something about Leo that’ll piss me off.

“Okay.” She stands too and reaches for her coat.

I intercept before she picks it up. “Mom, about before. I love you and I only want what’s best for you. It takes time to embrace the changes in your life. It won’t happen overnight. We’re both going to have good and bad days. I want us to be there for each other. I have a long list of things I need to do and change. The most important is to go to a therapist. I got a last-minute appointment at one and that’s where I’m going now. And I even want to go to LA.”

Her eyes widen. “LA? Are you sure?”

“Yep. I want to see my old boss. If it doesn’t help, at least I’ll know I tried. Right now, the guilt is killing me and holding me back.”

Mom suddenly hugs me with all her strength. “You’re much braver than I am, Olive. I’m proud of you. You give me hope.” We separate slowly and giggle because we’re both slobbery messes.

She wipes the moisture from under her eyes. “Good luck with your appointment. I’m off to the cemetery to talk to your dad.”

My heart clenches. “That’s sweet, Mom.” I remember that Leo hasn’t gone to Corey’s grave since his funeral.

“It makes me feel better. Want to come with me? I could wait until you’re finished with your appointment.”

I flash her a genuine smile. “I’d love to.”

* * *

We visited Dad’s grave that afternoon, and then we went to a café together. It felt good. I didn’t want to talk about my therapy session yet, but the black cloud was no longer hanging over Mom and me. Somehow, we set aside the issues between us and simply savored a relaxed moment together. I listened to her tell stories about Dad, ones I’ve heard a hundred times before. It didn’t matter; what counted was how happy it made her.

I know she’s skeptical about Leo and his intentions, even though she didn’t say anything out loud. Looking at it from her perspective, I understand her worries. I described the Madrona Inn to her and asked her to go back with me, but she wasn’t interested. That’s okay—I’ll be going back either way.

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