Page 18 of Honey Bun
I packed my luggage and saw that my mother was still pacing in the living room. I put my bag near the door as I waited for my daughter. “You knew?”
“I saw your scars when you walked into my house. I don’t know how to fix the past or me overnight, but I should have told your father no when he suggested you marry Bob all those years ago.”
“I can’t live with your ups and downs anymore.”
The second bedroom door opened, and Aurora’s bag came out first.
My mother shook her head. “I wish I’d remembered to take my pills. Tell Aurora I’m sorry.”
Aurora had heard “I’m sorry” for years after Bob beat me, and she shouldn’t have to hear it again from my mother. My daughter headed toward the front door, and I held it open for her. Coming here hadn’t necessarily been a mistake, but we’d overstayed. The pain of my past was still raw here with these walls all around us.
Once the door closed and we headed toward the street, Aurora asked, “Is he your boyfriend now, Mom?”
Staying near him meant I’d say yes if he pressed me for a relationship. He’d been the dream all along. But I shook my head and took Aurora‘s hand. “No. He’s just a friend.” Arman’s car turned onto the street, and I waved. “We’ll be staying the night at the Norouzis. His entire family is there.”
She gave a huge smile. “The palace?”
Soon, she would see for herself. Arman’s car came closer, and the moment I saw him from the window, I knew I was safe. I quickly told my daughter, “It’s not a palace.”
He stopped in front of the house, and Aurora said, “I’m proud of you, Mom.”
Arman stepped out and opened his trunk. Meeting his smile, I got goose bumps. I asked my daughter, “For what?”
We brought our bags to him. Arman stood up, and he seemed confused.
Aurora said, “For not caving to Grandma.”
I hugged her. “I wish you’d been around when I was younger, but Grandma’s not always in control of her actions, because she’s bipolar.”
“Is she medicated?”
“She said she forgot to take her pills today and she has a headache.” I replayed the excuse I’d told my school counselors for years. Arman rearranged our bags and closed the trunk, and Aurora took the back seat. He came behind me, and I whispered, “Thank you.”
He held the door open, and I slipped in. It was nice being with a dependable, determined, and successful man. He was the opposite of Bob in every way.
We drove up the hill and parked in front of the palace. Aurora and I let ourselves out, and she went to Arman and gripped his arm. “You’re nice to us. Thanks for taking care of my mom.”
He grabbed our bags from the trunk. “Happy to help. My mother’s happy to meet you, Aurora.”
We went up the driveway, and she glanced up. “Is your house as beautiful as they say?”
He opened the doors and left our bags to the side. “Judge for yourself.”
Arman’s mother hugged Aurora and took her hand to give her a tour. We followed behind.
“Thanks, Arman,” I said.
He placed his hand on my back, and a thrill rushed through my veins. “Happy to help. We can drive into the city together at the end of the week.”
Right. Work.We were friends only, even if I ached for more. I nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”
In the grand room, the crystal chandelier created a sparkle effect on the wall from the sun. I scooted closer to him, and his body heat shot through me. He held me tighter and said, “I should remind you that all my siblings are here.”
That meant we wouldn’t be alone much. I glanced at his profile, and my lips tingled for a kiss, so I turned my head toward my daughter and Arman’s mother, who were directing us into the dining hall.
“Roxanne, thanks for putting us both up.” I tugged my ear.
Roxanne turned toward us and smiled. “I’m happy you’re both here.”
