Page 62 of Reclaimed Roots

I hit send then immediately regretted it. The words felt hollow in the face of the harm I'd caused. But it was done now, another mistake to add to the growing pile.

I scrolled to Mom's contact photo. Her warm smile was a sharp contrast to the turmoil churning inside me. As I pressed the call button, a new wave of guilt descended on me.How could I explain this to her?

The phone rang once, twice, three times. With eachunanswered ring, my anxiety ratcheted up another notch.What if she's disappointed in me too? What if?—

When the call went to voicemail, I breathed another sigh of relief. It would be easier that way.

"Hi, this is Marie. I can't make it to the phone right now, but if you leave a message, I'll get back to you as soon as I can."Beeeeeeep.

I took a deep breath and willed the sadness out of my voice.

"Hey Mom. I, um... Something's come up, and I have to head back to the city. I have my computer with me, so I can keep up with Dad's work, but we really need to start looking for a buyer. If you need anything, call me. I love you."

And then I drove out of Sable Point.

Again.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

JASPER

"Hi, Jasper, honey!"

Marie's warm hug caught me off guard. It was more than I deserved after the shit I'd pulled with Natalie. Her kindness made me want to crawl out of my skin.

"Hey, Marie. Is Nat home? I, uh, need to talk to her."

"Oh. She didn't tell you?"

My stomach plummeted and cold dread seeped into my bones. "Tell me what?"

"She went back to the city. Said something came up, but I haven't had a chance to speak with her yet."

You've got to be fucking kidding me.

"She left?" A loud rushing filled my ears. Disbelief warred with a sickening sense of déjà vu.

"Just for a few days, I'm sure."

I laughed harshly. "You sure about that? Seems to me like she's runnin' again."

"What do you mean?"

"We... had a fight." The admission felt like ripping off a scab, exposing the raw flesh beneath.

"Oh dear. Why don't you come in, Jasper. Let's talk."

Marie ushered me inside, the familiar scent of her lavender hand lotion mingling with freshly baked bread. It was comforting and suffocating all at once. I sank into the worn leather recliner, the one Ed had always claimed as his throne during football games.

"So, what happened?" Marie's voice was gentle, but I could hear the worry underneath.

I scrubbed a hand over my face, buying time.How the hell do I explain this mess?

"She... she knew about the orchard's financial problems. Has known for weeks. And she didn't tell me."

Marie's eyes widened, a flicker of something—guilt?—crossing her face.

"Oh, Jasper..."

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