Page 9 of Summer Swoon

CHAPTER5

Eve

My phone buzzed,pulling my attention from the blank page. I smiled when I saw my daughter’s face on the screen.

“Finally. We’ve been playing phone tag for two days.”

“Sorry, I’ve been swamped,” Grace said.

“How are you? Did you get all your papers written?”

“I handed the last one in yesterday. And to celebrate, I’m heading to London for the weekend with some friends.”

“That’s great. I know you’re there to get a master’s degree, but I want you to enjoy your experience at Cambridge, too.”

“I am. What about you? Are you having fun with Aunt Winnie?”

“For sure. You know how amazing she is and it’s so beautiful here.” I sighed. “I wish I visited more through the years. Instead, we only saw each other during her annual trips to Scranton.”

“Well, you’re there now and that’s all that matters. In fact, once you’re done there, you should come here for a long stay. There’s plenty of room in my flat. You’ve always wanted to live in England.”

That’s true. I planned on studying abroad when I was in college, but got pregnant before that happened. I’ve never regretted having my daughter, but there are things I wish I’d gotten to experience. So of course I’ve done my best to make sure Grace didn’t miss out on anything without being too much of a nag.

“Thanks honey, but you don’t want your mom there cramping your style.”

“I could call you Eve and tell everyone you’re my sister. God knows you look young enough.”

“I appreciate that,” I said. “Let’s talk about it after I see how this summer goes.”

“Don’t think I’ll forget about it.” The line was quiet for a few seconds before Grace spoke again. “Mom, in between writing amazing books, make sure you enjoy your experience in Seaside. Relax, maybe hook up with a hot guy.”

“Grace!”

I tried to sound shocked, but couldn’t stop laughing.

“What? You’re young and single,” she said. “Live a little.”

“I’ll live once I get a book written.”

That led to a conversation about my lack of writing, then the subject shifted to her classes and what she planned to do in London. When she yawned, I glanced at the clock on my nightstand. It’s almost midnight in England.

“I’ll let you get to sleep. I love you, honey. Enjoy London. Send pictures.”

“I love you too,” she said. “And I will. Tell Aunt Winnie hi and that I love her too.”

I hung up and looked at my computer. I’ve been sitting here longer than I care to admit and once again, have nothing to show for it. Standing, I slipped on my sandals and headed downstairs. It’s such a beautiful day and I’ve been cooped up inside. Maybe a walk on the beach will help clear my mind and the words will flow.

When I didn’t find Aunt Winnie in the house, I walked out the backdoor to check in her studio. The window Max installed a few days ago was open and so was the front door. I knocked on the door jamb and she turned from the canvas in front of her.

“Come in.” She gestured with a paintbrush. “How’d it go today?”

“Not well.”

“Well, you just got here. Give it time.”

I was going to say it’s been almost three years, but don’t want to whine about it anymore.

“I did talk to Grace though. She says to tell you hello and that she loves you.”

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