Page 124 of Let It Breathe
“So the meeting with the fire marshal was interesting,” June said. “How are you holding up, sweetie?”
Reese raised one shoulder, lacking the energy to perform a full shrug. “I feel like an idiot.”
“Oh, Reesey.” Her mom leaned over and wrapped her in a hug that smelled like brownies and grapes and Oil of Olay and everything good in the world.
Reese started to cry.
Then she choked on a chunk of Popsicle.
“Hold still, honey,” June said as Reese wheezed and coughed and spit purple slush on the floor.
June whacked her on the back a few times.
“I can’t even cry right,” Reese choked, dodging her mother’s blows as she regained her breath. “I screw everything up.”
“That’s not true?—”
“My marriage, the construction project, my connection with Larissa, any potential for a relationship with?—”
Her voice broke. She couldn’t even say Clay’s name.
“Oh, honey, no, you didn’t.” June stopped hitting her and tried hugging again. “This vineyard has been running strong for more than forty years. So what if we lose a little ground? We’re still hanging in there. And Larissa will get over it. I saw her not thirty minutes ago and she was getting ready for a date. She’s fine, honey. You two will kiss and make up.”
Reese sniffled and shook her head, noticing her mom had deliberately dodged the issue of romance. She wasn’t surprised. She’d already proven she was beyond hope.
As if reading her mind, June put a finger under Reese’s chin and nudged it up. “Hey, look at me. You’ll find love, too.”
Reese just shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
“Of course you will. Your father and I have been reading this wonderful book on relationships by Dr. Vivienne Brandt. Have you heard of it?”
“Maybe.” Her parents were always reading books aimed at making their marriage the best it could be. “I’m sure it’s great.”
“It’s wonderful,” her mom insisted. “Dr. Viv—that’s what we call her, Dr. Viv—she says nothing in the world compares to the power of finding your soulmate. That two people who love, honor, and cherish each other are virtually unstoppable. She says?—”
“I don’t think I’m cut out for it, Mom.”
Her mother blinked. “For reading Dr. Viv?”
“For relationships.”
“Nonsense!” Her mother’s eyes gleamed with an intensity that made Reese sit back on the sofa. “You will find love. And when you do, it’ll be special and wonderful and just like your father and I have enjoyed. Don’t you want that, honey? What Daddy and I have?”
Reese felt a sharp pain beneath her ribs. “Of course.”
“It’s out there for you, too, honey. Just wait and see. When it’s right?—”
“I know.” Her voice came out harsher than she intended, so Reese forced a smile to make up for it. “Thanks, Mom. I feel better already.”
June nodded and grabbed a brownie. “Everything will be fine, sweetie. You’ll see.”
“Okay, Mom. Thanks.” She was trying to think of a tactful way to tell her mother she wanted time alone when her father came limping up the walkway.
They both stood to greet him as her dad came through the door muttering.
“Damn Leon.” Still wincing, he put an arm around Reese’s mom. “Ambushed me that time.”
June touched his leg. “Oh, honey—are you okay?”
