Page 25 of Anywhere with You
When Cara dozed off an hour later, I dug my earbuds out of my pocket and called my parents.
“How’s Badger?”
“A perfect little snuggle muffin,” Mom said. “How are you and your…friend?”
“We’re fine, Mother. Thanks for the hesitation there. Caraismy friend, and aren’t you always saying you wish I’d take more days off? I’m taking them. Because of her.”
She sighed. “I know. It’s just strange, thinking of the two of you out there, and your partners off together. It’s just…I just—”
“Here, I’m sending you the link to the Mesmio page we’re making about our trip. You can see that we’re having a wonderful time. Not moping at all.” I reminded myself to send the link when we stopped. I didn’t think Cara would appreciate waking up to me weaving all over the road.
“Okay, dear,” Mom said. “I will take a look. And I do appreciate the pictures you’ve sent. You look like you’re really having fun, and I’m glad. She is adorable, your friend. Isn’t she?”
“Cute as a button, Florence says.”
Mom laughed. “Florence is the best. Maybe I’ll go by and check on the store today.”
“So long as you don’t let her think that’s what you’re doing, she’ll be happy to see you. She thinks I’m worried about leaving the store with her and Doug.”
“Which you’re not,” she said knowingly.
“No, I’m not,” I insisted.
“Except, you are, just a little, because even though they are both very good at their jobs, it’s still your business, your store. Not theirs.”
“Of course,” I admitted. “So you’ll text me after you drop by the store?”
“Of course,” she mimicked, laughing a little. “You know, you really can still have your old room back if you need it.”
“Are you just going to keep dropping that into conversations?”
“There’s nothing much in there but a couple of yoga mats and your dad’s puzzles. Wouldn’t take twenty minutes to get it ready for you.”
I rolled my eyes. “Thank you, and no. Not unless it turns out that I really don’t have a choice. Like I get home and discover that Godzilla stepped on my house.”
“I won’t take that personally.”
“Because you know that I don’t mean it personally. I love you, andyouknow that we started getting along a lot better the day I moved out.”
She sighed again. “I know. But I also miss you. Even the fighting.”
“Well, I don’t miss the fighting. But I will also try to visit more now that…my social schedule has become a little more open.”
“I know that you’re not supposed to badmouth your child’s ex, just in case they make up, but Bridget is a sack of shit, and I hate her.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re welcome, Honey. Go. Keep enjoying your trip.”
“Kiss the little snuggle muffin for me,” I said, feeling the bite of missing him.
“Only constantly,” she said.
We said our good-byes, and I turned on my music, glancing over at Cara sleeping with her mouth wide open.
I grinned. Cute as a button.
* * *
