Page 65 of Sensing Selma
He nodded. “Yes. That sounded pretty harsh...pretty dark.”
“It’s cathartic.”
“If that’s what you need to get through this.” He held up the bag of groceries he held. “Does that dinner invitation still hold?
“You bet.”
“Good. I thought I’d prepare a little something for us.”
A genuine smile instantly came to my lips. “That would be really nice. What did you have in mind?”
“Pasta. More specificallypenne arrabbiata.”
“I have no idea what that is, but it sounds delicious.”
*****
AS MY OBSESSION WITHDamen and the pain he’d caused me dissipated, Major Cooper spent more and more time at his London townhouse.
I never tired of seeing him. Our conversations never failed to be enlightening, and I learned so much about the world, about love, but more importantly, about myself.
He forced me to look at myself, to look at my place in the world, my place in my family. At times he was harsh, pointing out flaws in my character. But no matter how harsh the criticism, he always had the most tender way of presenting them.
“Mother always did coddle me,” I admitted.
I was curled up in the corner of the sofa while Major Cooper sat in that beautiful golden yellow armchair. He’d made a small fire in the fireplace, making the room so intimate and warm.
“I’m sure she had good intentions,” he said. “But there comes a time in every person’s life when they have to become master of their own fate. I think you’ve reached that time, Holly.”
I nodded. I knew he was right. I’d indulged long enough, getting what I wanted, doing what I wanted, all while letting those around me do the heavy lifting.
Susan suddenly came to mind, and I realized all she’d done so that I might have the freedom to be me.
“Oh,” I audibly gasped.
“Revelation number two?”he offered.
I nodded. “Susan. She’s done so much for me. So much more than a sister should have to. She’s worked, and I know that she sacrificed so much so that I could concentrate on my music...my musical career.”
“She must love you very much.”
I looked at him and smiled. “Yeah. You’re right. I never really thought much about it. I think I just always took her for granted.”
“That is quite the realization.”
“I want to show her that her time wasn’t wasted. I want her to know that I really did put that education to good work.” I stood up and clapped my hands together. “That show at the Theatre Royal that you mentioned a while back...”
“Yes? Is it something you’d be interested in?”
“I think I would. Yes. I’ve been working on a few new songs...not like the dark songs you heard back when I was...well... Anyway, these songs are more positive and filled with love and fun.”
“I’m eager to hear them.”
I nodded. “When I’m ready, you’ll be the first.”
I looked at him, appreciating him more and more. A few times I’d resented his intrusions and almost wanted to return to Moon Manor, but that resentment quickly disappeared, and I came to look forward to his every visit.
“What does that look mean?”he said, amused.
