Page 32 of If Our Hearts Collide

Momma smiles. “Seems fair.”

“While we are on the topic of my independence, I found a place.”

“Seems rushed, yeah?”

I shrug. “The opportunity presented itself to me.” It’s a bit of a lie, because I specifically hunted down this particular opportunity. Regardless, I think this will be an amazing move.

Momma shifts her weight to her other foot and leans her hip against the counter. “Penny, I hope you know that you can live here forever.”

That’s exactly why I need to move out.

It’s the safety net that sometimes feels stifling. “I know. I appreciate that too. But I need to be in the city. I’ve been gone from Portland too long and I miss it.”

“Your father and I have saved up money so you?—”

“Momma…”

She holds her hands up in defense. “Okay, fine. But just know that if you need help,” she says, giving me a pitiful smile, “you can ask us. Always. And if this place is a hot mess, you don’t have to keep living there. You always have a home here.”

I take a step closer and wrap my arms around her back. “You are the best momma on the planet. You know that, right?”

I feel the vibrations from her trembling and know that she is trying to hide her tears. “I just want you”—she sniffles—“to have a good life.”

“And I will. It feels like I got a second chance at life, and I’m not blowing it on being afraid to fly.”

So maybe paying Graham and Nic a visit today while I’m at the office will help set them straight on their priorities. It may take multiple reminders, but surely they can understand my desires.

I pull back from Momma, and she turns her head to hide her tears. I think she’s afraid she will break me, and that alone should be reason enough to need to move out. I can’t be under the same roof as her and walk around trying not to make her cry. I won’t be able to live like that. She needs the separation as well, even though she’ll never admit it.

“Momma, I appreciate you. Please don’t cry. I love you with all my heart. I’m going to be okay. I promise. And if I slip back into a bad state, I know the signs and what to do about it. Please trust me.”

She offers me a weak smile, and I mirror one back. “As long as you know that you can always come home, then I will let you leave.”

Donna Hoffman is basically my favorite human. I can only hope to grow into the woman she has become.

I gather up my belongings and slip out the front door, only to find Collins leaning against the black SUV. I’m still getting used to seeing him so casual, but I’d be lying if I said he didn’t look good doing it.

Like the leaning, for example…

The man isn’t a leaner. He is a poker straight spine type of man.

Yet just looking at his strong body resting against the vehicle is doing things to me.

It’s simple.

It’s also unexpected.

Collins takes his shades off his eyes, propping them onto the crown of his head. My eyes scan up his jean-covered legs, all the way up to his black buttoned shirt, where his sleeves are cuffed up and situated comfortably at his elbows. He is either off duty or my brothers have released him of the strict dress code. Either way, I approve.

Dayum. Ireallyapprove.

We are in the thick of the summer, and he doesn’t look like he is breaking a sweat.

I’d like to think I made my ogle-fest less obvious than what it probably was. At least Collins doesn’t make it known. He’s probably used to women giving him the once-over.

Men as attractive as he is can’t get to his stage in life and be oblivious to it.

“Miss Hoffman,” he greets with a downward nod.

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