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“Yes, yes, thank you for calling. I’d better feed Stinker.”
Before her sister could reply, she hung up and walked over to her cat. She retrieved his food and sank on the floor next to him.
“What am I going to do?” She stroked his soft fur. “I think I might be in love with him. Megan is right. Dogs and cats don’t usually get along. This is a complete disaster.” She bit her lip. “I’m not even sure how he feels about me. He keeps bolting and let’s not forget about his impossible rules.”
Chapter nine
Daniel kept glancing at his watch, still two hours before his lunch date with Suzy. All his thoughts had been entangled with her and Megan’s warning the past days. He didn’t want to hurt Suzy, and as much as he hated to admit he was damaged.
This anger, resentment, and complicated grief he had been clutching close to him was destroying him. He had to deal with the grief of losing his mom and forgive her for leaving him the awful way she did.
Perhaps he ought to seek professional help as much as the idea didn’t appeal to him, but he did want to move on with his life. He opened his phone and scanned the therapists’ ads until one struck home with him.
Taking a deep breath, he dialed the number. The receptionist answered, and within moments, he had his first therapy session scheduled.
The bell jangled. Vivian walked in. She looked like a graceful swan, all in white with silver heels. She glided through thegallery as if in water. She loved to make an entrance, even when it was just him.
“Vivian,” he said, walking to her. “What brings you in?”
“Why so gloomy, darling?” She kissed both his cheeks. “You look like the weight of the world is crushing your soul.”
“Always lovely to see you.” He wiped her fuchsia pink lipstick off his face.
He should mentioned to her some lipsticks were permanent, but somehow, he knew she’d probably love leaving her mark on every man she encountered.
“Is it?” She raised an eyebrow. "And here I thought you didn’t like me.”
“You grow on a person.” He gave her a faint smile. “Like fungus, but still endearing.”
“I’ll take that from you. Do you want to talk about why you look miserable? I’m a good listener.” She linked arms with him. “You certainly have paid attention to my woes over the years.” She squeezed his arm. “You’ve been a good friend to me despite your policy of never getting involved with your clients.”
They sat on his grandma’s blue couch.
“Tell me what is wrong?” she asked, taking his hand.
“I’ve been thinking about my mom.”
The words hung like a bomb, ready to explode, and tension and many other emotions vibrated through him.
She took a deep breath. “Daniel, this is the first time you’ve brought her up yourself.”
“She’s the reason for this art gallery.” He swallowed hard. “Without her it wouldn’t be here.”
“I know.” She squeezed his hand. “I also know she broke your heart, and you never want to talk about her. You always sweep it under the rug like it doesn’t matter, but it does. I’m sorry for the way she mistreated you.”
He hung his head, fighting tears. Even though she died years ago, the hurt and the grief clung to him like a heavy winter coat in the heat of summer.
“But you must know, your mother loved you.” She squeezed his hand again. “I know it’s hard for you to believe, but she always talked about you. I could see the love in her eyes and how proud she was of you. I also know she was desperate to make it as an artist; she got lost in her dream.”
He couldn’t hold back his tears, which slid down his face. Quickly, he wiped them away. Vivian released his hand, reached inside her purse, and handed him a bright pink handkerchief.
“People lose their way sometimes. Your mother did.” Vivian’s voice cracked. “I am sorry, but you need to know she did love you. It may not have seemed like it, especially when she refused medical treatment, but trust me, a woman always loves her child even if she forgets it.
A sense of peace flowed through him. He had no idea if what Vivian said was true, but he desperately wanted to believe it. People did lose their way. They forget what matters in life, and sometimes, they give up. His mom had.
It broke his heart, but the belief she loved him despite her decision filled him with peace. How could he have ever thought Vivian was a massive headache? Because she was at times, but she could be quite lovely too.
“Thank you,” he said, clearing his throat.
