He gives a low whistle. “Let me know if tomorrow works for her.”
“I will.”
As I head out, I remind myself to keep things simple. And to take things one day at a time.
18
AVERY
The door to the apartment opens that afternoon, and I look up, surprised.
“Mom!” Lila shouts, running straight into Cora’s arms.
They hug tightly, and I force myself to smile.
I’m happy she’s here. I just wish it was on a regular basis.
“Why didn’t you call? I would’ve picked you up from the airport,” I tell her. I’ve always picked her up before.
“It’s been a mess. The job in Denver fell through, and I ended up getting a car and driving home. Airports are canceling all sorts of flights because of the government shutdown, and I just needed to be here.”
I feel bad that I’ve been in my own head and haven’t paid attention to any of that.
“I brought you something, Lila,” Cora says, pulling a small shopping bag from her purse. “I’m lucky it didn’t break on the trip.”
Lila peeks into the bag and pulls out a snow globe. “It’s a little diner. I love it, Mom. Thank you!”
“Well, that wasn’t the full gift. I brought you this too.” She pulls out a long rectangular box and stretches it out to Lila.
“What’s this?” Lila asks, taking it hesitantly.
Cora reaches out and opens the case, showing a silver charm bracelet. “I had one of these as a kid and thought it would be so fun for you. We can get little charms from all our adventures, and then you’ll remember them every time you look down at your wrist.”
Lila grins and says, “Thanks, Mom.”
“I got you two charms already—one a little umbrella, and the other a book, since you love reading and the beach.”
After a quick hug, Lila works to secure the bracelet around her wrist.
“How’s school?” Cora asks.
“It’s okay.” Lila’s smile fades.
“Just okay?” Cora asks, pushing.
Lila glances at me, then back at her. “Can I finish my homework?”
“Of course,” Cora says.
Once she’s gone, the room feels quieter.
Moving her thumb toward the hallway, Cora asks, “Things didn’t go well with the school?”
Looks like we’re both failing in the mentoring department since she didn’t have time to talk other than short updates, and I didn’t willingly give any. There’s been a lot going on in Penrose Beach as it is.
“She got suspended, and so did the boy she punched.” I wait to see Cora’s reaction.
“Did you talk to her?”
