Page 57 of Where Are You Now
Martha chose the taupe color, while Ava opted for pink.
“I feel like a young girl again,” her mother said, wiggling her toes before swiping on the color. “I remember when I first started dating your dad, I was only nineteen. He wanted to take me out to dinner, and neither of us had any money to speak of. We walked to the diner around the corner because he knew the cook. His name was Marshall. They played football together. Marshall had promised him double portions, so he and I could split a plate but get a full meal.”
Martha painted another nail and scrutinized it.
“I didn’t care how much food I got. I was just excited to have two straws in our soda because it meant I got to share it with him. I should’ve known we’d share everything from that moment on.”
“I didn’t know that story,” Ava said.
Her mother capped the nail polish and closed her eyes. “I have so many memories of him.”
As they settled into the evening, for the first time, Ava saw her mom as a woman, rather than just a caretaker. How had her mother coped with losing someone so incredibly close to her, with no one there to help her through it? Ava would never let it happen again.
Chapter Eighteen
“Have you been keeping up with your breathing exercises?” Martha asked while gathering their pillows from last night. She stacked the hospital paperwork that was still on the coffee table from the last time she’d suggested it.
“I think I’m okay,” Ava replied from the sofa.
Through the window, the sun was climbing its way over the trees at the edge of the lake. Everyone else at McGregor was probably rushing out of their homes right now, jumping into the rat race and hurrying off to work. But Ava was cocooned on the sofa in the cabin, feeling rested and relaxed.
“I’ve climbed a tree, canoed, I’ve been to church, and out to lunch.”
Martha put her hands on her hips. “But you’re just the type to have done all that before you’re really well. Show me your deepest breath.”
With a shake of her head, Ava stood up and breathed in a deep, slow inhale. Then she let it out. “See. All good.”
“I suppose.”
“Now you’ve gotten me off the sofa, I should probably checkin at work. I’m going to try to work remotely this week, and then I need to get tickets back to New York. I let them know that I’m going to fly home on the weekend.”
Her mother’s face paled. “Do you think you’re ready?”
“I think so.” A part of her wanted to stay there with her mom, but—long term—she needed to figure out the plan for the rest of her life. “I want to have you visit New York more often. Maybe we can switch off.”
“I’d love to do that,” her mom said.
Ava wasn’t sure how to work her demanding job while managing a life balance with visits to her mom and hopefully seeing Lucas. She’d never done her job and incorporated free time before. Could she keep her current position if she did less?
“Want a cup of coffee or anything before you get to work?” her mom asked.
“That sounds good.”
They made their lattes, then Martha picked up her quilting, and Ava took her mug to the office. She opened the curtains to let in the glorious view of the lake. A lone leaf fluttered down in front of the window. The views here were unmatched, and Ava knew she’d miss them when she left.
She sat at the desk, rolled her head on her shoulders to loosen up, and opened her taskbar, biting her lip when she saw all the accounts Scott had updated for her. She only had about four of her original ten left to get through. That was fine, though. It would be good to ease her way back in. Maybe if she started slowly she could build a new normal, and McGregor’s expectations would adjust as well.
Ava opened up one of the accounts: High-Craft Organics, an up-and-coming clothing company. With a sip of coffee and a deep breath, she locked into the creative drive that had fueled her race for partner. She’d position the brand in line with environmental responsibility, but would also consider focusing onhealth, given the organic label. That might be a good secondary market test. She made herself a note to research possible partnerships in the health arena.
She clicked through High-Craft Organic’s inventory, which was a wide variety of uber soft natural cotton outerwear in neutral tones. Each piece looked comfortable enough to sleep in, yet they were designed for everyday wear. She began to write their brand story.
At High-Craft Organics, the answer is always simple. From the way we process our cotton to our signature styles that accentuate your everyday wardrobe. Our mission began with one question: Look good in our clothes or be good to our environment? We think we can provide both …
Ava leaned back in her chair and reread the words she’d written, sipping the nutty espresso, hoping the caffeine would spread through her and give her brain a jumpstart. Her story was okay, but it didn’t set the world on fire. Without the push of rivalry with Scott for partner, she struggled for creative direction.
You’re not done yet.
She held her breath, set her coffee on the desk, and sharpened her hearing. It had been quite a while since the voice had filtered into her mind. The sound of it filled her with joy.
