Page 112 of Brew
There is also a bedroom on this floor that’s being used as an office.
The place is a little dusty, and you can tell it hasn’t been lived in because he has no ‘stuff’, just the basics, but we could make it a home.
Upstairs, there are three more bedrooms and a huge enclosed balcony. There is also a bedroom on this floor that’s being used as an office.
“This is so cool!” Olive says, clapping her hands. “Why doesn’t Brew live out here all the time?”
“Well,” I say. “I think he likes being close to work.”
“But now that you and him are an item, you want the white picket fence.” I turn to look at her, and she surprises me by taking me by the hands. “Mom? It’s time.”
“But—”
“No buts. You’ve done so much for me after, well, after everything. It’s time you did something for yourself. And now we know that…heisn’t getting out anytime soon, you don’t have to worry.” Her face softens.
“I never wanted you to worry about anything to do with him.”
“I know, but someday, he might get out, so better to be prepared, right?”
“You’re much older than your years,” I say, pulling her into a hug. “And I’m so proud of the young woman you’ve become.”
“Stop it, Ma, you’re gonna make me cry.”
After a few moments, I laugh, wiping my tears. “I got lucky with you.”
“No, I got lucky to have a mom like you, and I like Brew. He’s softened a little.”
I smile at that. He’s good with her, and she adores him. I think somewhere along the way, she managed to melt some of the ice around his heart — like only a child can.
She holds me by the shoulders, putting on a serious face. “So you’re going to go for it, right?”
“Going for it as in?”
“As in moving in together.”
“I don’t know, Olive, we have our place?—”
“Tag and Luna’s place, Ma, this has a garden, a bigger kitchen, it’s quiet and peaceful.”
“So you wouldn’t mind moving out here?”
“Not if it makes you happy.”
This is who my daughter is.
“I don’t want to make you unhappy,” I say, my voice small.
“Mom, you could never do that. I think you should say yes when he asks.”
I chuckle softly. “You do, huh?”
She nods. “Yep.”
“Maybe we can talk about that phone if you’re going to be out in the sticks.”
Her eyes light up. “Seriously?”
“If you promise not to talk to strangers online, then yes.”
