Page 108 of Gone for You

“Uh oh.”

“Let’s just say it’s been an interesting day.”

Mom winces and I reach over, grip her hand in mine.

If I’m going to stop feeling sorry for myself, I’m going to move on in every aspect of my life. It won’t happen immediately, but Mom needs to know that even though I might be a little upset and a lot shocked right now, I still love her, need her.

Mom stands up and points to her face like she’s going to go wash off the face mask and I nod.

“I won’t push but I’m here if you want to talk.”

“I know. But I promise I’ll be fine. Mom gave me a lot to think about and, actually, even though right now my mind is a tad bit blown, I’m also more positive about everything than I’ve ever been.”

“Good. Good. That’s what I was hoping for. Honestly, I was freaking out a little bit. When she called me and I hinted – “

“Strongly, I’m sure.”

“No denying that. Anyway, when Ihintedfor her to pay you a visit, I really just hoped that you’d find some insight.”

“Insight into what, exactly?”

“Why you’re fighting Ethan, your heart, and being with him.”

“I gotta say, aside from the news you just shared, this day has kinda sucked.”

Just as I say it, Mom comes back into the room, face clear of the gray charcoal.

She giggles. “I’m sorry. I truly am. I felt like a coward when your mom called me and I threw you under the bus but honestly, it was getting bad. You’ve never hidden out from all of us like this and I was scared. I knew your mom would be able to bring you back to life.”

“She definitely did that. And stop apologizing. Today was a long time coming.”

Mom releases my hands and wraps her arm around my shoulder, bringing me in close and kissing the top of my head. I almost burst into tears when I inhale her sweet scent that brings me back to my youth. It’s so comforting.

“I’m glad to hear that. I’ll let you go, but know that I’m planning to see you soon.”

“Very soon,” I agree.

We say our goodbyes and I toss my phone onto the couch beside me. I lean my head on her shoulder and she whispers my name.

I lean back and tilt my head so I can look at her.

“Ethan isn’t going to cheat on you and leave you. And you aren’t going to cheat on him and leave him.”

“What?”

“I know that the history between your father and I has scared you, made you shy about committing your heart to Ethan. It’s not fair to him, or you. I know we screwed up, put you in the middle of our problems. Our story is unique.” I scoff. “Right? It’s messed up, for sure. And all the junk we went through, it’s over.”

“What do you mean, it’s over?”

“Your father and I, we’ve been talking. Spending time together again.”

“Uh, are you getting back together?”

“I’m hopeful, yes.”

I sit up and move out of her arms. “Holy shit.”

“Tell me what you’re thinking.”

---