Page 37 of Red Mountain Burning
“You look really good, Mom. Healthy.”
She locked eyes with Emilia. “Thanks. It’s good to have you home, honey.”
“Oh, come here.” Emilia pulled her in for another hug. She’d never seen her mom so vulnerable.
Once they broke away from a second hug, Carmen whispered, “I hope it’s not too late, honey.”
Emilia tilted her head. “For what, Mom?”
Carmen let out a slow breath. “Too late to be a mom. I’m so sorry for the past few years. I’m going to try to do better.”
Emilia was just happy to see her mom trying, period. “You’re a great mom. Quit beating yourself up.”
They both turned to Margot and Jasper, bringing them into their circle, and after more hugs and greetings, the four of them—mother and son, mother and daughter—crossed the airport toward the baggage claim. Questions and answers about exams and roommates and dorms and college life rounded out the conversation, but Emilia’s mind was elsewhere.
She looked at the happy people embracing the loved ones they hadn’t seen in days or weeks or longer. People living a long way from the big city of Seattle, happy to be away from it all, dreaming more of healthy crops than tall buildings. Emilia wondered if these were her people, if she was one of them. New York City felt like a harsh spotlight shining in her face. This place was a candle twinkling in the twilight.
Would she be back here in August to board a plane? If not, what would become of her and Jasper?
* * *
“It’s notthat big of a deal,” Jasper said. They were walking from the car to the house, and Margot wanted to turn and run. She was about to introduce her angry future stepdaughter to the light of her life.
Margot was carrying his messenger bag and pulled it higher up on her shoulder. “If she’s mean to you—”
“I think I can handle whatever she throws at me.” He glanced back at the setting sun, which had painted rainbows across the entire sky. “Gosh, it’s good to be back.”
“We’ll see how you feel tomorrow.” Margot wondered if she needed a prescription or two to get through the next few days.
Jasper hefted his suitcase, which might have weighed more than he did, up the steps. He put a lot of effort into his style and therefore always traveled with a large wardrobe.
Margot reached for the doorknob. “Whatever happens in there, I’ve got your back.”
He grabbed her arm. “You get her wrists, and I’ll get her ankles.”
She snorted out a laugh and whispered, “It’s so good to have you home.”
Remi and Carly were in the living area, on the couch, watching television. Remi pointed the remote and paused their show.
Before Margot could even set the backpack down, Jasper was crossing the room and opening his arms. “Hey, Remi, it’s good to see you.”
“Welcome back, my man.”
After the two men embraced, Remi introduced Carly, who was standing awkwardly and looking sullen.
Margot had been watching all this from a safe distance but had the sudden urge to rush in and play defense.
“Hi, Carly,” Jasper said. “I can’t believe I have a sister now.”
Carly half-smiled and stuck out her hand. “Good to meet you.”
Jasper wasn’t having it and stretched out his arms. “I’m a hugger.”
Margot watched as Jasper wrapped his arms around his future stepsister. The two were about the same height. When he gave hugs, he leaned into them, and the sight made Carly seem all the more brittle, like her son was hugging a bundle of sticks.
“How’s the mountain treating you?” Jasper asked, holding his position very close to her.
“Not bad. I’ve only been here a few days.”
Jasper offered a warm smile. “It’s a long way from San Francisco, isn’t it? And I don’t mean the miles.”
Carly made a face that almost signified relief, as if she’d finally found someone else who understood what she was going through. “Uh, yes, a long way.”
“Stick around long enough,” Jasper said, “and this place will grow on you. Trust me.”
With another half-smile, she said, “I hope so.”
