Page 70 of Everlasting Love

“And … uh, I feel like we’re starting to build something.” I fold my arm across my stomach.

I hear her sigh. “I’m so pleased to hear that, Violet. He’s a good man, much like Toby.”

“I know.” I pace to the window and look across our backyard. “Anyway, I’ll let you go and we’ll see you in a week.”

“Give Jas a big squeeze from me. Bye, love.”

“I will. Bye, Mom.”

I end the call and blow out a long breath. I can’t stop the hopeful feeling that grows at the thought of spending another week with only the three of us. I grab my laundry and head downstairs. I’m not sure what Shane’s up to today, but he made himself scarce yesterday and again this morning. The sky’s overcast this morning, so I transfer Jas’s clothes to the drier and put mine in the machine.

My phone buzzes with a text, and I pull it from my pocket.

Cass

So I just got off the phone with Mom ;)

Me

Yeah, me too

Cass

She’s staying for another week ;)

Me

She told me. It’s great that she connected with a high school friend

Cass

Did you notice it was a HE? :0

Oh yeah. Hmm, Ididnotice.

Me

Do you think she’s “connecting” with him? Lol

Cass

God, I hope so. She deserves it

Me

She so does

Cass

Anyway, I was hoping you’d let Jas come for a sleepover until Sunday

Poppy’s missing her cousin

I’m onto my sister but I’m not about to say no.

Me

Jas misses Poppy too