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Feeling unsettled, I flipped on my bedside lamp. Tara curled up against me. “I think I’m going crazy,” I said to her. She nudged me, letting me know she expected to be adored. I absentmindedly stroked her head while snuggling back under the covers. I felt like a child who was afraid after a nightmare, though it wasn’t exactly a bad dream. He did say he could love me. But it wasn’t him. It was a figment of my imagination brought on by loneliness and an intense desire for the sexy reporter.
I closed my eyes, needing my mother. I wondered if she was awake. Mom, I called out. No response. Perhaps she was sleeping. Maybe that meant she was in a nearby time zone. Mom, I tried to reach her one more time.
I still can’t get a moment alone in the bathroom.
I laughed at her. I’m sorry. Does this mean it’s daytime where you’re at?
Sorrel, don’t ask me questions like that.
So you’re having nighttime incontinence problems?
I’m still your mother, young lady.
Okay, fine. You know, bladder control problems are nothing to be ashamed of, I teased her, knowing full well her body was functioning properly. The curse wanted to make sure we lived as long as we could under its control. Or at least it used to. I had no idea anymore.
Tell me what’s wrong, Sorrel.
How do you know something is wrong?
Because I know my daughter. Is it the reporter?
I could hear the fear in her voice. Yes, but he’s no longer investigating me. I tried to put her mind at ease.
You have feelings for him.
No. I mean, yes. I know it’s wrong.
It’s not wrong, my love. It’s dangerous.
I snuggled Tara. I know. But he’s different.
Different how?
I could hear the skepticism in her voice. I don’t know how to explain it. I feel different around him. Protected.
Do you feel like you need to be protected? She was in a panic.
Of course I do. I’m cursed.
Mom sighed. Sorrel, I am sorry for that, but no mortal is going to protect you from your destiny.
Right. My destiny. To be alone.
I’m afraid so.
Tears pricked my eyes. Maybe when I’m ready to move on from Riv—
Don’t speak of where you live, she begged.
Please, Mom. I want you to know where I am and what I’m doing. I think you would be proud of me. I want to see you again.
She paused before she spoke. Sweet daughter, I’m proud of you. More than you know. But my highest priority has always been your safety, and it will continue to be. Even if that means never seeing you again. There’s less chance of us drawing attention to ourselves if we’re apart. Have you checked the book again?
No, I said, frustrated and hurt. And I haven’t gotten that tingling feeling you described when the book has spoken.
Maybe it’s different for you. You should check the book.
Why? So I can be reminded that I’m meant to be alone?
Mom let out a heavy breath. I know what that’s like too. I feel your and your father’s absence every day of my life. But I stay away because a tiny shred of hope lives in me that maybe you can break the curse and live. You don’t know how much I wish for you to live the life you deserve. How much your father wished it. And as long as that hope resides in me, I will sacrifice my happiness so that you may have a chance at your own.
Tears streamed down my face. Not only because of my mother’s love but because I knew, in the end, neither of us would get our wish. There was no reason to hope. I love you, Mom.
I love you more than you will ever know until you have a child of your own. Her voice was filled with pain.
We both knew I would never have the pleasure. I would name her Lizzy after you, I cried.
Heaven help us if we ever have another Elizabeth in the family.
I knew heaven wouldn’t help us. I wasn’t sure I believed in a heaven when I felt like I was doomed to hell on earth. Good night, or good day, Mom. I’m sorry I interrupted you in the bathroom again.
You can interrupt me anytime. Don’t get too caught up in the reporter. He won’t be the last man you have feelings for. It’s normal and mostly hormones talking. Make yourself the elixir on page twenty-nine. You’ll be over him in no time.
I didn’t disagree with her, but I knew she was wrong. No elixir was going to make me get over Eric. I didn’t want to.Chapter ThirteenEric
Eric took a break from typing and stretched his back in his tiny cubicle. His eyes drifted toward the date on his laptop. It had been three weeks and four days since he’d seen Sorrel. That was how he was counting the days now. He’d done the right thing, he had to remind himself. She was safer and probably happier this way. He couldn’t think about the tears in her dreams or how easily she had let him pull her close and kiss her. However, he’d meant what he said. If his life was his own, he could easily see himself in love with her. Hell, he was already halfway there. The restraint he’d had to exercise not to visit her in her dreams or in person was nothing short of miraculous. She silently beckoned him, day and night.
