Ian’s mom shakes her head, her eyes filled with sorrow. “No, but he threatened it. I was scared, so I begged Ian to get out of Providence, to assume a new identity,” she explains, her voice heavy with regret.
Nina’s gaze drops, guilt weighing heavily on her shoulders.
“Don’t do that. Don’t blame yourself, Nina. This is all on Richard. That bastard ruined all our lives.” She huffs a humorless laugh. “At least he tried. Ian’s smart. He’s fine.”
“You know where he is.” It’s not a question. It’s clear from the way Angela said it that she does.
Angela shrugs, feigning obliviousness. “If I had to guess, New Orleans. But I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to him in years because he was trying to keep me safe,” she confesses, her voice choked with emotion.
“This is all my fault. I should’ve stood my ground years ago.”
Tears well up in Angela’s eyes as she reaches out to comfort Nina. “No, sweet girl. He would’ve only made all our lives worse. You did nothing wrong aside from falling in love far too young,” she reassures her, words filled with compassion. “Now. Let’s spend some time together. It’s been too long.”
Nina smiles, nodding her head in agreement.
We settle into a game of gin rummy, our cards clicking softly against the table as the sun casts its golden glow upon us, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. With each passing moment, the air grows cooler, a gentle breeze sweeping through the patio as the sun dips below the horizon. Despite the cooling temperatures, the warmth of our companionship envelops us, offering comfort in the midst of uncertainty.
Ian is out there. The only hint that Angela will provide is New Orleans. What will happen if Nina pops up out of nowhere? Will he be as open to seeing her as his mom has been? Or will he turn her away, blaming her for all the hurt that Richard has caused?
As Nina prepares to leave, Ian’s mom offers her a final piece of advice.
“If you find him, don’t let him stay hidden.” Her eyes bore into Nina’s. “If Richard has gotten himself into trouble, Ian will be the last thing on his mind. It’s time to stop running. Time to stop hiding,” she urges, her words resonating with conviction. “I’m not getting any younger. I want time with my son before I go.”
A strangled cry bursts from Nina, tears streaming down her face as she moves toward Angela, pulling her into her chest. Both women cling to each other desperately, like two lost souls grasping onto a glimmer of hope. Hope of being reunited with someone they both have love for.
“I will do everything in my power to bring him home to you,” Nina vows.
With a heavy heart and renewed determination, Nina says goodbye to Angela. My mind is racing with thoughts of Ian and the life they once shared. Could they have a second chance at love after all this time?
It’s clear that no matter how long has passed, Nina has carried a torch for Ian Whalen. It seems that torch still burns brightly.
As I drive away, I can’t shake the feeling that the time for hiding is over for all of us. We all have our dragons to slay. Perhaps it’s time to face our demons head-on.
My phone pings from the cup holder, and I pick it up to see Lanie’s name lighting up the screen.
Lanie
Nina won’t answer her phone.
What’s the address to the condo?
I just got off the plane and I need the address.
I glance over at Nina, who appears lost in thought. “Did you know Lanie was coming here?”
Her eyes narrow as she turns toward me. “No. Not a clue. Why?”
“She’s here and asking for the condo address.”
Another text comes in.
Lanie
I’m tired and in need of a drink.
Address…
I quickly type out the address and hit Send, turning to Nina.
