Page 46 of That One Night
And then Emery could start concentrating on her own life. Even if the thought of that right now made her stomach twist.
“I should have the lien resolved before the end of the summer,” she told him. After all, Trenton’s parents were due back from their luxury cruise in August. And as soon as they were home, he’d tell them about their relationship ending, then remove the lien with an agreement that his loan would be repaid after the sale.
Or at least that’s what she hoped. And what she’d emailed him, suggesting that they do it all at the same time. But he hadn’t answered her. She wasn’t sure if he was salty at her lack of a ‘Y’ in response to his message the other day, or if he was genuinely busy.
She tried to push it to the back of her mind. If she started chasing him too hard, that would make things worse.
“Excellent,” the realtor said, clicking the button on his key to unlock the car. “I’ll have the listing ready to go. Just call me as soon as it’s done.”
“I will.” Emery nodded as he nodded his head to her then closed his driver’s door.
When she walked back into the house, her mom was in the kitchen, her back to Emery. It took her a moment to realize her mom’s shoulders were shaking.
“Mom?” she said, walking toward her. That’s when she heard her sob.
“I’m sorry. Ignore me. I’m just…” Her mom gulped in a breath. “It’s a lot to get used to, knowing somebody else will own this place.”
Emery took her into her arms and held her tight. “Of course it is.”
“I’ve lived her for so long. I don’t like imagining what it’ll be like to be somewhere else.” Her mom’s voice was muffled as she cried into Emery’s shoulder. “Your dad brought me home here the day that we married. And this is where I had you.” She looked up, her eyes red-rimmed. “I’m so sorry that you’re having to do so much to help me.”
“It’s okay.” Emery’s voice was low. “You’re my mom. Of course I’ll help you.”
“I just feel so useless. He was asking all those questions and I didn’t know what to say. Your father always dealt with everything.”
“I know.” Emery touched her mom’s cheek. “But it’s all going to be okay. You’ll move into your new place, make new friends. Start living again. It’ll be different, but you’ll be fine.”
“I’m so happy you have Trenton,” her mom said. “So you don’t have to feel like this. All alone. Nobody should feel this way.”
Emery’s stomach contracted. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m fine.”
“How was he when he called last night?” her mom asked. Because Emery had taken to pretending to talk to him a few nights a week to keep her mom’s worries at ease. She wasactually turning into a good liar. Which wasn’t necessarily what she’d wanted from life.
“He’s fine. Just very busy.”
“The sooner we put this place up for sale and you can go home the better,” her mom said.
Emery hated lying to her. But it wouldn’t be for much longer. Once the lien was gone, everything would be okay. Her mom could move on, and so could Emery. Whatever moving on looked like.
All she knew was that she wouldn’t rely on a man the way her mom had relied on her dad. The fall was just way too hard.
Chapter
Thirteen
“Emery!”The high-pitched voice made her jump. She’d been talking to Jed about a tractor that needed repair – more expenses that the farm didn’t need right now. He gave her a nod and started walking toward the field where the farmhands were waiting for him, and she turned around to see the owner of the voice standing next to a red convertible.
Sabrina Hartson was waving at her, a huge smile on her face. Emery couldn’t help but smile back. The woman’s natural positivity was infectious.
“Hi.” Emery walked over to where Sabrina was standing. “How are you?” she asked her, genuinely happy to see her.
“I’m good. But I’ll be better if you agree to come out with me on Friday night.” Sabrina wiggled her brows.
“What’s happening on Friday night?” Emery asked her, still smiling. Because the thought of going out with people her own age felt invigorating. Yes, she got to chat with Maisie, but the oceans between them made Emery miss her friend desperately.
Sabrina clapped her hands together. “It’s karaoke night at the Moonlight Bar in town. A few of my friends are going. I want you to come too. They’re all excited to meet you.”
Weird how warm that made her feel inside. It felt good to be bonding with this woman. Like it was the dawn of a new day.
