Page 23 of Lost Times

Maybe things would work out after all.

Chapter 12

Jasmine was back to bounding off the walls as she pulled on her recital outfit, her eyes sparkling like jewels as she tugged on the pieces haphazardly until she was dressed in all but the shoes.

“Do you really think he’ll watch?” She asked as I picked up her shoes, pointedly handing them to her with a frown before answering.

“He said he would, so I’m sure he will. But you can’t go to the recital until you put on your shoes.”

She pouted but thankfully didn’t fight me. Focusing on getting myself ready, I grabbed my purse and did a final once-over in the mirror. I’d gone for one of my nice blouses and black slacks. Not too dressy but definitely nice enough for a school event.

Knowing Ludwig, if hehadbeen able to make it, he probably would have gone full formal.

The mental image curved a smile over my lips before I shook it to the side. There’d be time to picture Ludwig in a suit later; I had other things to worry about now, like getting the door.

The knock sounded throughout the house, and immediately I knew who it was just from the familiar rhythm. So did Thalia, who perked up and raced for it.

She whipped open the door and beamed up at Mom. “Grandma!” She threw herself against Mom’s stomach, locking her death grip as was usual.

Mom took it in stride, holding her just as tightly before looking at me with a smile. Her hair was graying, pulled back into a bun, and she wore a nice blue dress that was perfect for the heat. “It’s good to see you two! Unfortunately, Grandpa couldn’t make it, but he promised to make the next one.”

I pulled her into a hug, the tiniest shard of worry weaseling into my chest. “Is he not feeling well?” They were both getting up there in age, and anytime either of them got sick, it put me on edge.

She waved me off, her smile not slipping. “He’s fine, he even had a doctor’s appointment last week and everything came back clear. He’s just been working hard lately and it took its toll. Trust me, he’s not happy about being left behind, but I promised I’d record the recital for him.”

Then she pulled something out from behind her back. It was a plush sunflower and she handed it to Jasmine. “Here you go; since he couldn’t make it he wanted to make sure you knew he was thinking of you.”

Jasmine beamed, hugging the stuffed flower close. “I knew he was anyway, but I love it! Can I call him after the recital to tell him thank you?” She asked, tipping her head in my direction, and I nodded, gently guiding her out the door.

“Of course you can, but let’s go. We don’t want to be late for the recital, do we?”

She shook her head, racing to the car and leaving Mom and me to amble behind. Mom snuck a curious look my way, before asking.

“Is Ludwig not coming?”

I hadn’t told her that bit yet, only that he’d chosen to be in Jasmine’s life. She’d been happy about that, but this, she might not be.

Dropping my voice so only she could hear, I shook my head. “He isn’t. Last week we had a boom in clients and he planned all the meetings for this week, so he’s too busy.”

I held up my phone. “But I’ll be doing a live stream of the recital so he can see it between meetings. I know you’re videotaping it for Dad, so I’ll have a free phone.”

She raised a brow, her expression carefully neutral. “I would have gotten the video either way, but do you think he’ll actually watch the live stream? While I’m glad he’s determined to be in Jasmine’s life, he seems the workaholic sort.”

Well, she wasn’t wrong.

“He’s the one who suggested it, so I think he’ll make it. Maybe not for more than a minute here or there, but I want to at least give him a chance to see parts of it.” I said, and she nodded.

“I’m sure he’ll make it then. I didn’t know he was the one who brought up the idea.” A beat passed, then she prodded. “How are you taking all of this, Thalia?”

I shrugged, “Fairly well, all things considered. We have a family day planned next week that he’ll be coming to, and so far the sky isn’t falling. It’s a change, but not necessarily a bad one.”

She bobbed her head, then slyly asked. “So, do you think you two will be getting closer as well?”

I should have seen this coming.

Biting back a groan, I shook my head. “Asfriends, yes. Please don’t start on that, Mom. Things are going well and I don’t want to complicate it anymore than it already is.”

She backed off easily. “Of course, but try to keep an open mind, dear. You never know what can come from it.”

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