Page 101 of The Choices I've Made
“Then, make sure it’s at least in the same direction,” she replied, patting my knee the way only a mother could.
I watched as she reached up behind her neck, pulling a silver chain from under her blouse.
“What’s that?” I asked, not recognizing the dainty necklace.
She undid the clasp and held it out in her hand. There, encased in silver, I saw a tiny charm, black and white. I immediately recognized it.
Yin and yang.
“I picked this up years ago, before you and Millie were born. Before your father and I took over the inn from Nanny and Pop Pop. At the time, it was just a cute little trinket your father thought looked nice on me and wasn’t worth much. Still isn’t. But I held on to it. Over the years, I’ve found myself going back to it when I need a little breather. I’m sure you know the meaning behind this symbol.”
“Balance?” I guessed, looking down at the way the white side held a small circle of black the same way the black side held a tiny ring of white.
“Right.” She nodded. “You don’t see it now because this place is your entire life, but someday, maybe someday soon, you’re going to need to find a way to have balance. Maybe that starts with Jake. Maybe it’s learning you don’t have to do everything yourself, and it’s okay to ask for help.”
She gave me a hard stare, making me laugh.
“Today isn’t a failure, Molly. It’s just a lesson in balance. Know when you need help because we’re here for you. It’s okay to have a life outside of this house. In fact, it’s encouraged. We did. Your grandparents certainly did. It’s what makes this place a home rather than just a business. It needs warmth, and only you can give it that.”
I nodded as she placed the necklace in my hand, closing my fingers over the cold metal, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I understood where she was going. I really did.
But what would happen when Jake got bored of the slow-paced life of Ocracoke and wanted to go back to Chicago?
How would balance fit into that equation?
Jake and I loved each other. That much was certain.
But had our second chance already passed us by?
If he wouldn’t stay and I wouldn’t go, where did that leave us?
Back at ground zero, ready to implode.
Thankfully, the rest of the day went along without incident. Guests checked in and out, happy and content, while I ran around, doing my usual chores after shooing Mom and Dad back into retirement.
Although I’d been highly embarrassed, especially at the idea of my parents knowing where I’d been all night, I did appreciate their help.
I’d have been ruined without their intervention, and my mom did have a point.
If Jake was going to be in my life, I did need to work on finding balance.
And a way to keep him here.
Like he’d said, he’d grown up here, lived in this gorgeous little town for eighteen years. Surely, he could learn to love it again.
He loved me after all.
Didn’t he?
These thoughts had been racing through my mind all afternoon. After Terri’s warning last night, I was terrified over the possibility of watching him leave again, so now, I was determined to make him stay.
But how?
Take him on a picturesque tour of the island like some visitor from out of town?
Rattle off stories about pirates and long-ago settlers?
He knew all of that.
