Page 75 of Calling the Shots

She’s not having it.

Shaking her head, she worries the beads faster.

“Fine, Gracie. I understand. Eventually you’re going to have to live your life. Leave your old mom behind. I didn’t think the day would come so soon, but here we are.”

Soon?I’m thirty years old, for fuck’s sake.

But now’s not the time to argue over the details.

“I’m sorry, Mama. I’ll be home for Christmas, promise.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

I lean over and give my mom a hug, trying to convey all my emotions in one simple gesture. This woman has given me everything she has, everything she possibly could, and I am grateful, truly.

But I do need to live my own life. And now feels like as good a time as any to start.

Pulling back, I grip her shoulders. “Have Thanksgiving at Layla’s. Or with your friend Rose. I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone to spend the day with.”

She tsks. “Maybe. I’ll probably sit home and eat a frozen dinner in front of the TV, watching football. The holiday isn’t important without family.”

Geesh.Nothing like going heavy on the guilt.

“I’ll ask around and see what we can work out for you, okay?”

“Sure.” Her tone’s flat, and she’s obviously still upset. I hate that I’m letting her down, but I know in my heart that going to Augusta with Mack is the right thing for me.

“I’m sorry, Mama.”

“Aww, Gracie. It’s okay. Don’t be sorry. You go and have a fun time with your boyfriend and don’t worry about little ole me. I’ll figure it out—I always do.”

Now it’s her turn to give me a hug, wrapping me up in her warm embrace. Just like she used to do when I was a little girl. My nose tingles and tears prick the backs of my eyes, but I blink them away.

I’m being ridiculous. It’s one holiday, not the rest of my life.

But it could be.

The thought electrifies and terrifies me at the same time.

“I’m sure his family will be lovely. Make sure you don’t fall in love with them, though, okay? I don’t want you moving to Augusta.” Mom flicks her worried eyes to mine, her brow furrowed.

“Mama. It’s one weekend. I’m not moving in, promise.”

“I’m holding you to that, Gracie girl. Because we have a salon to run. And I’ll never find a better business partner than you.”

I pop a hand on my hip, cocking a brow. “Only business partner? Not daughter?”

She throws her head back, laughing, and tension seeps from my body.

Everything’s going to be okay. We’re still us. Me and my mom.

“Daughter goes without saying. So—let’s talk about what you’re doing with your hair…”

CHAPTER25

GRACELYN

Over the next week, I Facetime Sloane about two hundred times to get her opinion on different outfits. Mack’s told me a few things about his family—I know they’re a lot more formal than mine, his mom is very proper, and they live in a big house in Augusta.

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