Page 23 of Their Stolen Kisses
“Eli has issues too. He’s been married before, and it didn’t work out. But… we’re in love, Diana. So we’re willing to work on our issues - together. The notion that you have to have yourself all figured out before you commit to someone just isn’t true. Sometimes, you need someone else to show you how you can and should feel. I believe you’re like that, Diana, and that whatever Cameron’s issues are, you should give him a chance.” My mother beamed the wide smile that I had inherited at me. “Besides, you haven’t even heard what the man has to say! To be honest, Honey, that’s quite silly.”
I dropped the tea on the table, threw myself at my mother, and hugged her tight. “Maybe you’re right,” I mumbled, my voice distorted by her soft cardigan. “Still think I need some wine, though.”
“Wine! They won’t let me have it in here.” My mother’s voice was so disappointed that I couldn’t help but laugh.
When I left after a couple hours and got home soon after, my thoughts were with that bottle of red wine on the counter next to the fridge. My mom had given me a lot to think about, and wine was just the companion I needed right now.
Such a companion needed a glass, and not a single clean glass was in the cupboard. I shot a glance at the dishes in the sink. They had actually escaped the sink and leaped over the sides - not literally, of course, but there were a few cups and a couple bowls piled around the edges.Okay. Clean first, then wine.
So, I cleaned. I washed all the dishes before I checked my phone, despite hearing it buzz earlier. Another text from Cameron. I ignored it and went to my room to start laundry. After I started a wash and folded some clothes that had been in the dryer for a while, I had another text. This one I also ignored.
By the time I’d vacuumed the carpet, shaken out the rugs, given the toilet bowl a quick spritz with the scrubby bubbles and put the clothes into the dryer, the pizza was ready and that bottle of wine had some nice clean glasses to go with it. I ignored a third text from Cameron and wondered,What goes with wine and pizza?Comedies.
The smell of pizza filled the living room as I bundled myself in soft blankets, curled up on the couch and let wine and laughter keep me away from the phone I’d left on the kitchen counter.
I had plenty of thinking to do, but I wasn’t going to do it right now. I’d waited far too long to have a little me time.
