Page 73 of A Play for Love

I set Nicholas in his activity chair and walked over to where Sofia stood, leaning against the island.

“How did it go?” I planted my hands on her hips.

“She’s moving to Los Angeles.”

“Wait. What?” My brows furrowed. “You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, I am. I’m dead serious. She wants to mend our relationship and get to know you and the kids. This is all your fault,” she spoke through gritted teeth.

“How is it my fault?” I calmly spoke.

“You had to go to New York and tell her that family is life and life is family. Well, guess what, Nathan? You just got a new family member.”

“I take it you don’t want to reconnect with your mother, even though you reached out to her a couple of times?” My brow arched. “You weren’t feeling sad that she wasn’t around to help you plan the wedding or that she wouldn’t be at our wedding?”

“I wanted to reconnect with her in New York and me here in California. Long distance, Nathan. Over the phone, Facetime, whatever.”

“Come here.” I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into me. “You get to start over,” I softly spoke in her ear. “I never got the chance to do that with my mother. Everything will be okay, babe. Just wait and see.”

Sofia broke our embrace as the sliding door opened, and Aunt Barb walked in.

“Hello, you two.” She smiled. “Sofia, I was just at Sam’s house, and he mentioned that you have a color book with paint samples in it.”

“I do, Aunt Barb.”

“Would you mind if I borrowed it?” She walked over and picked up Nicholas. “I’ll return it to you tomorrow.”

“Of course. I’ll go grab it.”

“Colors for the new house?” I asked.

“Yes. Some of the colors Gretchen picked are not my taste.”

“Grandma Barb!” Ella flew down the stairs and ran to her.

“Hello, sweetheart.”

“Grandma Barb, this is my Grandma Rose. Grandma Rose, this is my Grandma Barb.”

“Rose Finnegan. It’s nice to meet you, Barb.” She extended her hand.

“Oh, my goodness. You’re Sofia’s mother. What a pleasure to meet you.”

Sofia returned to the kitchen. “Here’s the color book, Aunt Barb.” She set it down on the table.

“Sofia, you didn’t mention that your mother was in town?”

“She didn’t know. I surprised her,” Rose said.

“Mom, Barb is Nathan’s aunt and his cousin’s mother.”

“Are you looking at paint colors?” Rose pointed to the color book.

“I am. I just purchased a house down the street, and it desperately needs some new colors, if you know what I mean.”

“Trust me. I know. Colors can either make a home or completely ruin it.”

“Exactly.” Barb smiled. “I’m actually heading down to the house now with the color book. If you’d like to see it, you’re more than welcome.”

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