Page 54 of The Journey of a Lifetime

Julia curled her hands into fists.“That’s awful.”

Ashley shrugged.“It was.But Marion ended up better in the end.She’s making money hand over fists with her art and has a nice home in the mountains with a couple of dogs.She can do whatever she wants and doesn’t have to worry about taking care of someone else.”

Julia sighed.“That sounds nice.”

Maggie caught her gaze.Her mom shifted her weight.“So, Ashley is actually looking for someone to write about an upcoming art exhibit she will be hosting to raise money for domestic violence survivors.”

Maggie blinked.“But I don’t know anything about domestic violence.”She looked over at Ashley.

The owner laughed.“I’m not suggesting that.I need someone to write an article for the gallery’s website to draw publicity and hopefully raise a lot of money.All of the artists involved will be donating a piece of art.It’s going to be a silent auction.”

Maggie’s heart stuttered in her chest.“That sounds wonderful.But I don’t know if I can do that.I’ve never written anything … professionally.”

Ashley shook her head.“Your mom says you are a very talented author.And, as we know, Julia doesn’t lie.”She smiled at her friend before excusing herself to help a customer.

“How do you know how I write?”She looked at her mom.

Julia shrugged.“I snuck a peek at your journal last night when you went inside the van to change clothes.”

Maggie’s eyes widened.

“So I think you should write this article.Ashley said she will pay you.”

Maggie shook her head.“No.I wouldn’t take money for the charity event.But maybe this is a step in the right direction with writing.If nothing else, it will be good practice.”

Julia smiled brightly.“I think you’re right.”

After saying their goodbyes, they walked out of the gallery with smiles on their faces.

Chapter45

“How did you like sleeping in the tent?”Maggie held out a hot cup of coffee to her mom.

Julia stretched and took the coffee.“It’s not the Hilton, but the fresh air was nice.Next time I’m using a memory foam mattress.”She took a sip of coffee and sighed.

Maggie stuck her one hand in her jacket pocket and lifted the coffee cup to her lips with her other hand.“So what are your plans?”

Julia wrapped the sleeping bag around her shoulders and eased onto the picnic table bench.“I suppose I need to get home.I have a lot of things to get sorted out.”

Maggie bit the inside of her cheek.She wanted to press her mom for more information but wasn’t sure she wanted to hear it.

Julia sighed heavily.“I want to tell you how sorry I am for not being the mother you needed.I will always regret not being more supportive of you.If I could go back in time, I would be a better mother to you.”

Maggie rubbed her finger on the edge of the handle, unsure of how to handle this new side to her mom.“I think you did your best.And you’ll always be my mom.I’ll always love you.”Julia’s eyes began to water, and she stood up.She went to Maggie and enveloped her in a tight embrace.“I love you, Maggie.”

Maggie blinked back her tears.“I love you too, Mom.”

Walker came up and nudged his snout in between them.Laughing, they both bent and gave him kisses on the head.

“I guess I should ask you about your plans for the summer?”Julia wrapped herself in the sleeping blanket and sat.

Maggie glanced at the mountains.“I’m going to go to the office this morning and ask if I can extend my stay.I have enough money for another week and, after that, I don’t know.While I’m here, I’m going to write that article for Ashley’s website and maybe look for some online writing work.”

Julia cocked her head.“You didn’t tell me you were working on a book.”She arched her brow.“Remember I snuck a look at your journal.”

Maggie shrugged.“I started writing down my feelings after what happened with Mason.It soon turned into a novel.”

Julia smiled.“I like that.A novel about a strong woman who travels with her faithful dog and finds her own way in life.I think it will be a best seller.”

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