Page 37 of Love Is Brewing

“I’m not sure of many women who do like needy men,” her mother said.

“You’d be surprised. I’ve had a few friends who think it’s great. It’s like a compliment to them that a man needs and wants them so much.”

“To each their own. When is your next date with Elias?”

“Not sure,” she said. “I’ve got things to do today and I’m sure he does too. Then we’ll be busy with work. I’ll talk to him at some point.”

She was still debating if she wanted to reach out to him today or not.

He reached out on Saturday so if they were keeping score, it was her turn.

She didn’t want to be one of those people who had to keep score either, but she didn’t know where to land on the map of frequency in a situation like this.

“I guess it’s best not to overthink it,” her mother said. “Like you’re doing.”

“I’m glad you’re finding amusement in this,” she said. She was smiling though.

“You have a lot of changes going on at once. You’ve always been hyper-focused on your career.”

“You too,” she said.

“No, Phoebe. Not my whole life. I started that way and then fell in love with your father. I found my balance. I put my family first but still was able to have a great career.”

She knew all about it.

Her mother had a lighter caseload at times so one of them was home with the kids more when they were younger.

When they were older and in sports, her parents were splitting their time running around to events with all their kids.

But once she was old enough to drive herself, her mother’s career picked up more. At least from what she could see.

Guess sometimes you just had to compromise.

It’d be nice to find that in her life, but she wasn’t searching too hard because she didn’t want to face disappointment.

“You have managed it better than anyone else I know. My hero. I look up to you for that.”

“That’s very sweet,” her mother said. “I’m glad I could provide a good example for you.”

“The best,” she said. Her phone was buzzing and she looked down. “Mom, I’m getting a call for work.”

“The office is closed,” her mother said.

“But there is a line people can call after hours. Let me take this.”

“I’ll talk to you later,” her mother said and hung up.

“Kelly Law,” she said, answering the phone.

“Hi. Um, I need an attorney. I just got arrested and I’m in jail.”

“What’s your name and the charges?” she asked.

“Regina Weber,” Regina said. “They said I’m under the influence and I’m not. I’m a diabetic. My sugar was low. I tried to show them, but they said no. I refused a breathalyzer. Was that a mistake?”

“No,” she said. “I’m on the way. Tell them your attorney will be there and answer no more questions.”

“Thank you,” Regina said, sniffling.

---