Her smile lingered for a few seconds before she sobered again. “And Donna deserves better than half-truths.”
A year ago Mila would have buried something this important beneath six layers of sarcasm and stubbornness.
“She’s part of my life,” Mila continued. “If I’m asking her to be part of my future, then she deserves to know where I come from. All of it. The complicated parts too.” I couldn’t help smiling, and she noticed. “What?”
“You sound happy.”
The expression that crossed her face was almost sheepish. “I am.”
The admission seemed to surprise her as much as me.
Then she looked me in the eye. “Still no decision?”
I huffed. “I’ve been waiting.”
“For what?”
“A sign, maybe? Something unmistakable that would tell me exactly what to do.”
She chuckled. “A voice from a burning bush? I don’t think that’s how God works anymore.”
I’d had snatches of an answer. Dean laughing at two in the morning, arguing passionately about grocery stores, taking my hand infront of thousands of people as though it were the easiest thing in the world.
Helen’s card was still in my pocket.
“I think there’s one more thing to cross off before I say yes.”
Mila rolled her eyes. “Finally, we’re getting there.”
“Is that all you have to say?”
Her eyes sparkled. “Oh, absolutely not. I’ve got several speeches prepared.”
“God help me.”
She grinned. “I think we’ve both established that’s no longer His department.” Then she stood. “I should go. Tomorrow will be a long day. And if you should need me before morning, I won’t be in my room.” She flushed.
Message received.
I got off the bed and walked her to the door. I hugged her, then kissed her cheek. “I don’t need to say Sweet Dreams, do I?”
Her smile made her face radiant. “No, you don’t.”
I closed the door behind her, and went to message Dean. Before I could type, my phone rang. I stared at the screen.
My mother rarely called this late.
I answered, my heartbeat quickening a little. “Hi, Mama.”
“Luka. Thank goodness.”
I closed my eyes to hear the note of relief in her voice. “Are you all right?”
“We’re fine. We’ve been trying to reach you.”
Self-loathing surged through me. I knew I’d been avoiding them.
I’d known this conversation was coming.
