Page 64 of Stroked
I laughed through the still choppy breaths. “So, that whole conversation really happened?”
She nodded, rubbing my good shoulder as she smiled and waited.
I grabbed her hand and guided her to the sofa. “Well, she asked me to visit her last night, then told me about your meeting. I got very upset and stormed out.”
“That temper.”
I still couldn’t look at her long, so I stared down at my bare feet as I bit my lip. She said it was fine. She knew. I felt better, lighter. But I was still so nervous. Like a child who just got caught sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night.
I didn’t reply, so she spoke up again. “Well, I have not known her long, but Amy seems like a reasonable woman. And it was not her fault. You know me, I can be very persuasive.” I glanced at her, and she tossed her long silky hair over her shoulder.
“Yes, you can.”
“I badgered her into going to lunch. It was a meeting. I did not know you really knew each other, or I would not have spoken to her. But I have had my suspicions for a long time. I needed advice and she was very forthcoming with her circumstances.”
“Well, maybe that gets her off the hook. But why did you not talk to me?”
She grabbed my hand. “Why didyounot talk tome?”
I jerked my head to her, sadness in her eyes. “I am so sorry, Mãe. I did not want to disappoint you, or worse.”
“My baby, I know we talk about you starting a family. And yes, we maybe are,” she made air quotes, “‘traditional,’ but did you think we would not love you anymore?”
I shrugged, fighting back a fresh wave of tears.
“My darling, we love you. No matter what. Your father may need an adjustment period, but he just wants you to have a family, be happy.”
“I understand. But what if family did not look the same to everyone?”
“Well, Val, anyone can have babies now, and—”
“I mean, even if I was not…” I swallowed hard. “…I do not want children.”
Her hand flew to her chest and her brows raised nearly to her hairline. “What? No children? That is ridiculous. You say that now, but once you have them, you will see–”
“No, I have thought of this a long time. It is not what I want.”
She fidgeted as she sat.
“So, you are fine with Amy, but upset about children?”
“We want grandchildren and you are crushing our dreams!”
I couldn’t help but smile, fighting back laughter.
She looked over at me and her face softened. She cupped my cheek. “Fix the thing with Amy. We can revisit the grandchildren later.” She kissed my cheek, then stood. “Now, go finish your breakfast and drink the coffee before it gets cold. We have a lot to do today.”
Chapter 33
Amy
The day dragged on at work. James ran interference all day after I explained what happened. He kept me caffeinated, hydrated, and tried to keep me fed all day. I couldn’t eat more than a few bites at a time, though.
Lucy texted me twice. Once to check in, and once to invite me to the club that night. I told her after the week I had, I was going home and sleeping through the weekend.
Every time my phone dinged, I anxiously looked, hoping maybe Valentina decided to reach out.
“You sure you don’t want to text her?” James asked on his last drink delivery of the day.
