Page 58 of If Our Hearts Collide

“Just don’t let Graham overwork you,” Momma says, ignoring my snarky comments.

My humor is wasted on these people.

“I won’t,” Collins says with a smile.

“Penny, do you want more salad?” Momma asks.

“No, thanks.”

It’s driving me nuts how she is allowing me to text at the table and get away with other rude behavior.Just treat me normal.

Momma gives more to Collins.

“I really hope Graham appreciates all you do.”

“Your son—actuallysons—treat me very well. I’ve been very lucky to be under their employment.”

“At my expense,” I say with a grumble, but only for his ears to hear. Bored, I shoot him a text.

Penny: Suck-up.

“Well, at least relax while you are here. Think of our house in Hillsboro as a retreat. You can escape those boys of mine anytime. Heavens knows they don’t visit here often enough, so this would be the last place they would expect to find you hiding.”

Collins’s laughter causes the knot in the pit of my stomach to release. Maybe after all of this awkwardness blows over, we can eventually be in the same room as each other and it not be this intense.

I’m playing with my food when my phone lights up with an incoming text.

Collins: Your mom is hard not to like.

I type back a quick response but don’t actually send it.

What’s left to say? Momma has the gift of hospitality.

It’s not Collins’s fault he fell victim to her persistent invitation to come in for dinner.

The meal wraps up with a coconut pudding dessert that Momma made from scratch. I carry mine up to my room, forgoing the chitchatting that seems to be endless downstairs. Maybe by the time my ride arrives, Collins will have already left.

In between bites, I toss on a yellow sundress. My feet hurt so bad that the only logical thing I can wear until they heal are flip-flops. I brush out my hair and braid it down the side.

I’m not sure who will be at the apartment right now, but I want to be prepared to make a good first impression just in case.

I finish up my dish of pudding and carry it down the stairs into the kitchen, finding both my parents embracing in a hug. Even after all of these years, they still find a way to love each other.

“Hey,” I mutter, walking into the room. “Collins leave?”

“Just a minute ago,” Dad answers. He takes in my attire. “Going somewhere?”

“Remember how I told you guys that I wanted to get a place of my own? Well, I’m able to go take a look at the one place tonight. I’m too excited to wait until tomorrow.”

“Do you want us to come with you?” Momma asks. “I’ve been getting some notifications that the rain may be heavy at times. A big storm is moving into the area from the coast. I’d feel safer if one of us accompanied you. Yeah?”

“I’ll be fine.” I hate seeing her this anxious—this hopeful.

She looks up at my dad to see his reaction. “We can give you a ride.”

“My taxi should be here soon. I appreciate it, though.”

Momma nods, wrapping one arm around Dad’s back. I know she doesn’t want me to move out but respects me enough to understand my need to do so anyway.

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