“All you do is work, so when would you ever meet anyone, if it wasn’t through work? You don’t date and you haven’t put yourself out there since your divorce. Maybe this guy is good to…you know…practice. You get your dating mojo back and then, BAM! You’re out there.”
Providence chuckled. “He’s got this adorable daughter. She’s four, the same age—”
“As Annabel would have been.”
“You remembered.”
Megan pulled into the real estate parking lot. “Of course, I do. She will never be forgotten. Not by any of us.” She paused for a beat. “Do you like this man?”
Providence grew silent while she thought about the question.
“I’m not asking if he’s the one,” Megan continued. “I’m simply asking if you like spending time with him? Does he push a button or two?”
That made Providence smile.He pushes a lot of buttons.“I guess,” she replied, wanting to keep things on the down-low. “I struggle with letting myself be happy.”
“Have you talked to Mom about this?”
“Years ago, but not lately.”
“For what it’s worth, you deserve happiness. Annabel’s passing was the worst thing, but it wasn’t your fault.” She put her hand on Providence’s shoulder. “Bad things happen that have the power to ruin us if we let them. Annabel wouldn’t want that for you. She would want her mommy to thrive, if for no other reason than to honor her memory. Be the best you can beforyour child.”
Fighting back the tears, Providence nodded. After a few seconds, she got control of her emotions. “Thanks for being such an awesome sis. Please don’t say anything to Mom or Dad.”
Megan crossed her heart. “Not a word. Oh, I sent you a text earlier, but never heard back. Leigh and I made brunch for tomorrow. We’ve been concerned and want to check on Mom and Dad. Can you swing by?”
“Sure. What time?”
“Around eleven.”
“What can I bring?”
“Just your beautiful self.” Megan leaned over and hugged her. “I hope I helped. You helped me find my happy when I was struggling with coming out. I want you to find yours.”
“I love you, Meg.” Providence grabbed her computer bag and made her way to her car.
The two women drove out of the parking lot toward their respective homes.
When Providence got into bed, she checked her phone. She found herself smiling as she read the text from Dakota. “Sammy asked if we could invite you over for another movie night. Having you here meant a lot to me, too. What should I tell her?”
She could shut him down and keep things professional. But this was her opportunity to take a chance, like Megan had suggested. Was she willing to put herself out there and let herself feel again?I might not find joy. This could turn into heartache and loss all over again.
Even though she didn’t believe she deserved a second chance at happiness, she couldn’t disappoint the child. “Tell her I’d love to,” she replied.
“I’m not sure who’s happier. Sammy or me,” he texted. “Sleep well, Miss Rhode Island.”
He was doing everything possible to break down her walls. If they came tumbling down, would she?
AT ELEVEN TWENTY, Providence entered her mom and dad’s house. Megan and Leigh were busy in the kitchen. Their puppy was crashed out in the family room. Through the window, she spotted Randy mowing the backyard. But her mom and dad were noticeably absent.
“Hey.” Her sister-in-law, Leigh, broke from setting the table to hug her.
After a moment of small talk, Providence asked where everyone was.
“Randy is mowing,” Leigh said. “Lizzie ran to the liquor store.”
“Mom’s not doing well,” Megan said. “She’s upstairs and Dad is with her.”
Providence found her dad sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor. Her stomach dropped. He didn’t look so good, either. “Hey, Dad.”
