Page 398 of The First Time
"You didn't love him?" I ask.
"No. I thought I did. But that was hormones talking." She looks out the window at the bright blue sky. "Maybe you're right to stick to your guns."
"I'm sure Blake will be happy." I press my fingers into the porcelain mug. "I hope he'll be happy."
"Make me a promise, sweetheart?"
"Not until I know what it is," I say.
Her expression gets serious. "Give my son another chance."
"Meryl."
"One date. One chance to change your mind."
"It's really not fair for you to ask." I stare into my coffee cup. "It's not like I can say no."
"Like I told you, you have to grab what you want and hold on for dear life." She leans back into her bed. "Now, Blake told me you're applying to schools. I want to hear all about it."
I go over every single detail about my applications—the deadlines, the portfolio requirements, the different cities where I might end up. I even tell her I have no chance of paying without a scholarship.
She listens and responds thoughtfully. It's nice to have someone looking out for me. Even if she won't be around much longer.
We don't stop until Fiona arrives. I excuse myself and spend the rest of the morning working on another vignette.
