Page 46 of Starting Over

“Yea, well, it turns out the whole family wasn’t held responsible. Only Kara and Eduardo. Justin lives here.”

“Mom, does he know who he is? Does he know who you are? Does Sal know?”

“Yes, Yes, and no. Sal doesn’t know I’m here, but he does know Justin is here. That’s why I haven’t decided what to do. I will be here through the winter. I put Betty away. You know she can’t take the snow.”

I heard my daughter giggle on the other side of the phone. She always teased me about talking to and about my car as if she was a person.

“I bought a truck. And I have committed to remodeling the house. At least that way, if I don’t stay, then I can resell the house to a family that can enjoy it.”

“I’m sorry, Mom. I know you were excited to find that little town.”

“I was, but I am not completely sold on leaving. We’ll see what happens when Sal finds out where I am.”

“Well, he won’t find out from me,” she said adamantly.

“Thanks, baby. It is always so nice to talk to you. Being apart is an adjustment for us both.”

“I know,” she sighed. “We’ll get through it though. Go put your room together, send me pictures, then go to town and start meeting some people. I want more options than just bikers when I come to visit.”

I smiled at her declaration to humor me.

“I will go to The Diner for lunch. I promise. That’s what it’s called by the way,The Diner.”

And I would. I had to venture out sometime. And The Diner would be somewhere I could sit alone and observe.

“Really? That’s so unoriginal.”

“No, it’s simple. And straightforward. Something I have been desperate for.”

I tried not to hide things from my daughter. I wanted us to always have an honest relationship.

“I love you, Mom. Don’t forget me.”

“You never forget the best day of your life. I love you too, Colleen. Talk to you soon.”

Colleen said goodbye, and the call disconnected. I sat in my room and cried. I missed my daughter. I wanted her with me. I missed my husband. He had been my sounding board. He would have helped me decide what to do. Although, if he were still alive, I wouldn’t even be here to begin with.

I allowed myself thirty minutes to cry it out. Then, I picked myself up and got to work. Once my bedroom was put together, I stood in the doorway and took a picture to send to Colleen.

*image sent*

Colleen:Looks great, Mom! Now, go get lunch!

Me:I’m going. I’ll let you know if I make a new friend.

Colleen:I bet you make three!

Me:You have more faith in me than I do. Lol

I put my phone away and grabbed my coat. It was time to venture out into the town of Diamond Creek.

No one knew me here. Despite knowing where I came from, not even the bikers knew who I was. I wasn’t sure I even knew. Here, I could be anyone.

I just needed to figure it out first.

As I drove down the main street, I marveled at the decorations. The people of Diamond Creek, Nebraska went all out for Christmas.

There were lights and garlands wrapped around every streetlamp. All the businesses had their windows decked out in holiday joy. There were banners for the toy drive and the Christmas parade. It reminded me of the Hallmark movies Duane loved to watch.

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