Page 49 of Resolutions

I pause for a moment, thinking this option over. Then nod my agreement.

“I'll go first, to get things started.” She softens her voice. “Melanie, was there an emergency?”

“An emergency?”

“Something that forced you to leave so suddenly?”

“No.” The word comes out barely above a whisper, then I change my answer to, “yes, kind of.”

“Alright, your turn.”

“But that wasn't much of an answer,” I protested, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Was it honest?”

“Yes.” I meet her eyes directly.

“Then it's a perfectly good answer. Your turn.”

“Is Cameron okay?” The question bursts from me before I can stop it.

She pauses, choosing her words carefully. “He's better than he was. I wouldn't say he's okay, but he's not struggling as much.” Her sad smile mirrors my own.

I blink rapidly, fighting back fresh tears.

“My turn,” she says. “What did our family do to cause you to leave?”

“What? Is that what you thought? Is that what you think?” When she just waits expectantly, I continue. “No, never. I love our family. Your family, all I wanted, was to be part of it. To be one of you. It wasn't anything anyone in the family did or caused.”

“We wondered about a thousand different things. Your turn.”

Taking a deep breath, I ask the question that's been nagging at me. “How did you find me?” I hold up my hands quickly.“Not because I mind that you did, but... for,” I look at the door, making sure it's locked, “for another reason.”

She gives me that knowing look, but I keep quiet. I'm not ready yet. “Cameron saw you at the New Year's Eve party. He even checked the ladies' room trying to find you. After the bartender confirmed it was you, I called an old friend's son. He has special talents. Runs a bounty hunter business.” She stares into her coffee cup. “Through his advice and your love of ordering the same Chinese food for lunch, I called the restaurants in the surrounding towns saying I couldn’t remember where I had placed this order before. I followed you home from the restaurant yesterday.”

I can't help but laugh softly. “The one time I forgot my padded coat. I debated ordering, but I hadn't restocked my refrigerator and the delivery didn't start for two hours. Brought down by shrimp and chicken moo goo gai pan with extra sauce and mushrooms.”

She chuckles too, reaching for another cookie. “Why do you need a disguise?”

“So, I won't be recognized.”

“From us?”

“That's another question. You'll have to wait your turn.” I manage a small smile.

“Touché.”

“Is Cameron dating anyone?” I whisper, my heart in my throat.

“No of course not, he loves you. Plus, he says he never wants to date again. Women are wretched, that sort of thing. He's a tad bitter.”

I look down quickly, trying to hide the mixture of relief and pain that brings.

“My turn, and I'm done dancing around what I really want to know.” She places both hands flat on the table. “Why did yourun? I know you loved Cameron; you can't tell me otherwise. So why leave? Why not just tell us? You planned it, but why?”

I stand and start pacing, struggling with where to begin. How much can I tell her? How much should I tell her?

“I can see this is difficult. Just start at the beginning,” she encourages.

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