Page 89 of Troy Story
She didn’t, either, but she forced a quick smile onto her face. “Mom.What are you doing here?”
Her mother pulled up one of the patio chairs and settled herself in it. She glowered at Dusty. “I called you three times yesterday. Why weren’t you answering your phone?”
“Sorry.” She’d put it on “do not disturb” after they reached Istanbul, not wanting any distractions from her steamy escapades with Stuart. “Is everything okay? Is Dad okay?”
“He’s fine. I’m glad he told me where to find you, otherwise, I wouldn’t have had a clue. He said he’s looking forward to seeing you in Boston next week and that you’re working together on a little translation project.”
Thanks, Dad. While she wasn’t thrilled that he’d disclosed her location, at least he’d kept quiet about the tablet. “Yep. Just a father-daughter side project.” She twisted her hands together. “When I talked to him last week, he didn’t mention you were coming to Istanbul.”
“I asked him not to. I’m here on business, but I thought I’d surprise you.”
Yep. Definitely surprised. At least her mother hadn’t shown up earlier, when she’d been in the throes of passion with Stuart. “It’s nice to see you. But is there something urgent you wanted to talk to me about?”
“Yes. I got a call from a brash fellow by the name of Mortimer Jones. Apparently, he signed up for the VIP tour of Egypt that I’m leading in November with Ancient Excursions. He’s under the impression that he’ll get special treatment, with exclusive access to the recent excavations at Luxor. When I asked him who authorized this, he saidyougave him my number.”
“I’m sorry. I forgot to tell you. He did me a huge favor, and I wanted to repay him. But he’s a sweet guy. If it wasn’t for his help, Stuart might have lost his job.”
“Dulcinea. What on earth are you talking about?”
Dusty caught Stuart’s eye. When he nodded, she took a deep breath and launched into the tablet saga. By now, she’d recounted the story four times and was growing weary of it. But she wanted her mother to know the truth, even if it meant admitting that she and Stuart were lovers. When she was done, her mother let out a deep sigh.
“Oh, Dusty. To think that wretched Dr. Hughes almost ruined everything. What a malicious toad. He has no business calling himself an archaeologist.” Her expression softened as she regarded her daughter. “I’m proud you stood up to him. You did the right thing.”
Dusty’s heart swelled with joy. Having her mother validate her actions made her even prouder of the choice she’d made. “Thanks, Mom. It wasn’t easy. Dad’s the one who convinced me to go back to Troy and fight.”
“I’m glad she did,” Stuart said. “It took a lot of courage on her part.”
Dusty’s mother looked between the two of them. “This romance of yours. It’s serious?”
“It is.” Dusty gnawed on her lip as she waited for her mother’s reaction.
Instead of casting a disapproving frown, her mother smiled. A true smile, not the tight-lipped one she displayed when she was feigning interest or appreciation. “I always knew you were right for each other. Didn’t I tell you that in June? But no, you didn’t listen. As if I couldn’t see the writing on the wall. A mother always knows.”
“You were right.” If her mom wanted to gloat, she wouldn’t get any argument from Dusty. “Now that you know what happened, can you please be extra nice to Mort?”
“Of course. Any friend of my daughter deserves the full VIP treatment.”
“Thanks. I owe you one.” As she said it, Dusty realized she owed her mom more than that. She needed to admit she’d finally taken control of her future. “There’s something else I need to tell you. When I was on this dig, I made a decision.” She tensed up, afraid to keep going, until Stuart came and stood behind her, placing his hand on her shoulder for support.
“What is it?” her mother asked.
Be firm. You can do this. “I’m withdrawing from grad school. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but academia’s not the right path for me. I should have realized it a lot sooner, but I didn’t want to let you down.” She took a deep breath. “I want to pursue my art. I still plan on doing archaeological illustration, but I’m also looking into other options. I’m actually working on illustrations for a children’s book series about time travel.” She ducked her head. “Sorry.”
“This isn’t just another of your whims? You’ve informed your graduate adviser?”
“Yes. She was in Greece, doing research, but she got back to me this week. She said I could take care of the paperwork in September.” Dusty laughed nervously. “To be honest, I think she was relieved to hear it.”
Her mother gave a firm nod. “Good. I’m glad you came to a decision.”
Dusty stared at her, afraid she’d misheard. “You’re not angry? I thought you wanted me to get my doctorate.”
“Honestly, Dusty, if you’d justlisten. I wanted you to figure out a course for your life. I never said it had to be grad school. But I wanted you to stop running and decide on something. If it’s art, then so be it.”
An immense weight lifted off Dusty’s shoulders. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Since you’ve got a plan in place, I see no reason why you can’t pursue it while staying at our condo in Boston. Or in London or Cairo. Or wherever you choose.”
She gazed up at Stuart. “Right now, Boston’s perfect.”
