Page 75 of The Clause in Christmas
Cassie stretched out her fingers, noticing her palms were clammy. After wiping them on her jeans, she pressed send. The pathetic message telling Luke she’d be gone for a few days, but not to worry, traveled the invisible lines of communication.
Within seconds, Luke’s name appeared on her screen. Cassie’s heart skipped, and she breathed a sigh of relief that she’d turned her cell on vibrate before they began the tour of the facility. Glancing sideways, she checked on her mother. Donna alternated between sitting and standing, repositioning herself in different corners of the room as though she were playing musical chairs.
Rather than answer Luke’s call, Cassie responded with another text.
Can’t talk now. Back in SF. I’ll complete today’s task here. I’ll explain everything soon.
Her throat thick with shame, she sent the message before stuffing the phone back inside her purse.
The truth was, shedidplan on continuing with the few activities she remembered. Although she wasn’t exactly sure why. She supposed, deep down, she wasn’t willing to give up just yet. Even though the very idea was ridiculous. The Calendar was gone. And there wasn’t a single thing she could do about it.
Cassie stole another glance at Donna. Her mother had remained eerily silent throughout the entire tour, which surprised Cassie. Even factoring in the world’s worst hangover, Cassie expected to see at least a glimpse of Donna’s usual vivacious performance. Not the timid, docile woman wringing her hands a few chairs down.
Cassie wondered if reality had hit her mother like a runaway sleigh. This clearly wasn’t a vacation or a spa retreat—it was serious. Donna had seventy-two hours to change her mind. After that, she was on lockdown for thirty days. No Jimmy, Tyler—or whichever boyfriend she chose this month—could visit. And all of her belongings had to fit in a single duffel bag. No wonder Donna looked ready to bolt for the door at any moment.
“Donna Hayward?” the receptionist called out.
Cassie’s features softened as her mother’s eyes widened in panic.
“It’ll be okay.” Cassie offered a reassuring smile as they made their way toward the front desk.
“Did you enjoy the tour?” The blonde, middle-aged receptionist beamed at Cassie as though they’d just visited some world-famous museum.
“You have a lovely facility.” Cassie tried not to fixate on the woman’s bright magenta lipstick. Turning to Donna, she added, “Don’t you think so, Mom?”
Donna responded with a tight-lipped smile.
“Don’t worry,” the receptionist said kindly, attaching a few papers to a clipboard. “Everyone’s nervous on their first day.”
She slid the clipboard across the counter. “Did you understand everything outlined during your tour?”
Donna nodded slowly.
“Excellent,” the woman chirped. “This waiver is simply a confirmation. Please sign here, here, and here.” She placed an X beside the appropriate boxes before handing the pen to Donna.
As Donna reached for it, Cassie noticed a slight tremble in her fingers. She racked her brain for something encouraging to say, but the receptionist spoke first.
“The full amount is due upfront. As stated, you have three days for a refund, minus a thousand-dollar deposit.” She directed her comment at Donna until Cassie pulled out her wallet.
Cassie’s chest tightened as she slid out her credit card. The thin piece of plastic weighed heavily in her fingertips as she passed it to the receptionist.
The entire process only lasted a few minutes, but to Cassie, each minute dragged on for an eternity. She could count every labored heartbeat as it throbbed in her temple. And her stiff hand seemed to resist as she signed the receipt.
“Perfect.” The receptionist collected the clipboard from Donna and attached the receipt at the top. “You’re all set. Joshua will show you to your room.”
A muscular young man with a friendly smile approached, holding out his hand for Donna’s bag.
Cassie sighed inwardly, waiting for one of Donna’s inappropriate comments. But Donna merely handed him the duffel without saying a word.
“Right this way.” Joshua nodded toward a wide corridor. The polished tile flooring gleamed beneath the custom light fixtures. And original watercolors depicting various San Franciscan landmarks dotted the muted blue walls.
But Donna didn’t seem to notice any of the upscale features. Hollow-eyed, she trailed behind, barely picking her feet off the slick floor.
Tears stung Cassie’s eyes as she watched her mother shuffle down the hall, head bent. And before she could think better of it, she leaped for Donna’s hand, pulling her into a hug.
Burying her face in her mother’s long hair, Cassie murmured, “I love you,” as she inhaled the familiar scent of strawberry-scented shampoo.
Cassie clung to her mother, not expecting Donna to hug her back. But to Cassie’s surprise, the tension melted from Donna’s shoulders, and before Cassie realized what was happening, Donna’s arms encircled her waist.
