Page 54 of Never Really Over

“You did. You know he can stay here. He doesn’t have to stay in the one little hotel in town.”

“I think he prefers the hotel, but I’ll let him know. It’s nice of you to offer, but I also don’t know how I feel about my boss staying at the house.”

She waves me off. “He’s more than just your boss, but this is your choice and I won’t push it. I would like to have him over for dinner, though.”

“Oh, he’s counting on that,” I tell her, smiling. In fact, he invited himself likely because I’ve spent the last almost a decade of working with him bragging about my mom’s cooking.

“Good. You tell me if there are things he doesn’t like.”

“He’s not picky. At least from what I’ve seen, anyway. Make your chicken and noodles and green beans from the garden. He’d love that.”

She smiles brightly. “I can do that.”

“What are you reading?”

“That book you told me about.”

“You like it?”

“I do. The brother is going to lose his mind when he finds out his best friend is seeing his sister.”

“Oh, just wait. It gets better.” I wink.

“Then stop bugging me so I can get back to it.” She laughs.

“I know when I’m not wanted. Need anything? Feeling okay?”

“Better than I have in a while, actually. No double vision, no dizziness, my head doesn’t hurt for the first time since the accident. I think tomorrow I’ll go for a walk with Janet in town. Last night it was good to go out for dinner with Bridget and Dalton. It felt good to be out of the house. ”

I narrow my eyes. She’s been known to downplay her symptoms before so it wouldn’t surprise me if she were doing that now. “You’re not just saying that?”

She places a hand on her heart. “Cross my heart. I’m feeling a lot better. Trust me, I wouldn’t be reading if I wasn’t.”

The accident wasn’t that long ago so I wish she’d give herself more time. “Just… take it easy still.”

“Stop worrying about me, Layla. I’m here. I’m healthy. I’m in one piece. Let’s not look for more reasons to keep thinking about that day.”

Why is it that my mom can still read me like a book? When I was younger, I swore she was a witch or mind reader. Actually, I still think that and I’m thirty-four years old. At what point in my life can I hide my feelings from her?

“Never,” she mumbles, looking at her Kindle and proving my theory that she’s a mind reader.

I roll my eyes and go to my room, crackers and water in hand.

When Mom brought up work, it reminded me that I had to follow up with the moving company so I make a quick call, making sure they’re still on board for next week. I lucked out with the company I found. They help pack, load, and move everything into the storage facility I’m renting until I find a place of my own. Hollow Grove might be great, but it’s definitely not flush with rental properties so I’ll look for a place to buy. I just haven’t taken the time to look, not that I’ve had much of it anyway.

Next I place the call to the cleaning service I hired to deep clean the apartment after I’ve moved out. Sure, I could do the cleaning myself, but I’d rather not. It’s as simple as that.

Me:I have everyone scheduled for the move next week. When are you and Bridget getting your stuff here?

Dalton:I’m seeing you in a couple hours. This couldn’t have waited until then?

Me:Someone’s cranky.

Dalton:No. I just hate texting.

Dalton:We’re moving in a few weeks. Were hoping to find a permanent place before we moved, but haven’t found a house yet. Rentals sucks here. There’s nothing available.

I bark out a laugh.

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