Page 84 of The Things That Hold Us

She sighs into the phone. “And you're sure you can afford that? I mean to be paying someone on top of leasing the building and everything else?”

I smile slightly, and tell my mom how much money I’m getting from insurance.

I hear her gasp on the other line, and giggle to myself.

“Yeah. I think I’ll be ok.” I add when she’s quiet.

“I guess so. I just don’t want you biting off more than you can chew.”

I smile to myself, “I know mom. I’ll be ok, I promise. I reallywantto do this. Just wait until you visit next time and see this town. I don’t know how I went so long without seeing it myself.”

She laughs, “Ok sweetie. If this is what you really want, you know I’ll support you. I always do.”

“Thanks mom. I have some calls to make about the building, so I don’t miss out on it, but I’ll call you later.”

We hang up, and I call Kelly. I tell her I’ll take the building and can sign everything as soon as she's available.

We agree on this coming Saturday, and it’s Tuesday now, so I have some time to get everything ready.

I turn and look over at Pudding, who is watching me and wagging his tail.

“Come on. I need coffee and something sweet.”

He jumps up and runs to the door, sitting still as I hook his leash on him.

I slip on my shoes, and then we’re out the door.

I hook Pudding up outside, and go in ready to order, when I see Sarah at the counter.

She spots me, and then she smiles and waves.

“Hey Charlie! How are you?” She greets me as I approach.

“I’m good, how are you today?”

“Oh, I’m ok. Grabbing some sweets and things to take home. Hazel is at her friends tonight, so it’s just me.” she frowns, and I just know her mom heart hates being alone.

“Oh? Where's Logan?”

Her eyebrows quirk up at me, and she smiles.

“He has a meeting this evening, and then he’s going out with some of the guys.”

I nod, and eye her for a moment. She looks sad. And I’m sure being a single mom is hard enough, but when you don't have your kid with you I’m sure it's even harder.

Before I can stop myself from changing my mind, I say, “I’m free tonight, if you want some company? I was just going to grab coffee and head home.”

Her eyes get wide, and she smiles, “I’d love that. You are welcome to come to my place if you want? We can watch sappy romance movies.”

I laugh, because that's exactly what I’d probably end up doing at home.

“That sounds like fun. Let me just get my stuff, and take pudding home.”

“Oh he can come, I love dogs.”

“Sounds perfect.”

I order my coffee, and a warmed brownie, then grab Pudding.

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