Page 144 of Made Better Together

“I know, me too!” As much as it will be a bummer to be away from Connor for that long, I’m down for some time to veg and be spoiled by her and the rest of my San Diego family. “I’m sorry I’ll miss Thanksgiving.”

Given we’d talked about that when she was here, she’s nonplussed. “Totally fine. Aunt Celia is hosting, so I’ll be plenty occupied helping her.” Our family events often have thirty people in attendance, so she isn’t kidding.

“What else is new with everyone?”

“Nothing too major, except Sawyer won some big swim meet. Apparently, it’s the most competitive one in Southern California for ages ten and under.”

“Sheesh.” I had no idea everything got that intense so young in swimming, but given my own experience at travel soccer at her age, I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise.

“How are you? How’s school?”

“I’m feeling great about everything, to be honest.”

It’s the truth. I’m now coasting in Art History, the class proving to be a fun, easy elective after all. Jake’s notes don’t hurt either. Genetics and Advanced Sociology are theoretically more demanding, but I’m so interested in what we’re studying that they don’t feel difficult.

The fact that Connor doesn’t mind if I tackle homework when I’m with him is helpful as well. We’ve only been spending one night a week together since Halloween, given all the challenges with his living situation. But he’s officially moving into his own apartment in three days, so I’m hoping that frequency will increase. There’ll be times that I’ll need to do schoolwork at his place.

“How’s your capstone project coming along?”

“I’ve finished pulling most of the case studies I want to focus on. My professor loves the topic too.”

“You’re still sticking to the new subject? How EMDR compares to cognitive behavioral therapy in treating childhood trauma?”

“Yes!”

Yep, I’d pivoted to a new focus, driven by an emotional stake in the subject that was a million times deeper than studies of the gut-brain connection.

Connor knows, of course. He was moved when I told him, even offering to read my drafts. He’s had two more sessions with Deb, and reports that the new rounds of EMDR are working well.

“Proud of you. It’s a fascinating topic. Important too.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Particularly important to me, because of one special person in my life.

“You ready to take one for the team?” Bree asks later in the afternoon, as we meet in the common area of our suite.

It’s finally time for the Tolliver fundraising dinner. It feels like forever ago that they first asked me to speak.

“Is the Tolliver athletic scholarship fund considered the ‘team’ in this question?”

“Ha.” She looks me over. “Your dress is cute.”

My outfit is not one she’s seen before, because I’m not exactly drowning in occasions to wear a high-necked A-line dress.

“It felt right. Mom got it for me to wear at a women’s health leadership luncheon I attended with her this summer.”

“You nervous for tonight?”

“No, I’ve got my notes right here.” I raise my purse. “It’s an easy topic too.” The organizers had wanted me to speak about the importance of supporting women’s college sports programs. I can talk for hours without notes on that subject.

I’m more worried about being in proximity to Rori Reilly. Not because of her fame, as the top American tennis player over the last few years. I’ve watched a few of her bigger matches, and she has an intimidating aura on TV, but it’s nothing I’m not used to after being surrounded by star soccer players for years.

No, I’m nervous I’ll somehow mess things up if Connor comes up in a conversation. Accidentally reveal our secret. Why would that happen, though? Connor’s not the first subject that I’d expect Rori to raise at a Tolliver fundraiser.

Except, when we arrive at the dinner and Bree is shepherded off to a random table, I’m guided to the front to sit with not just Rori, but also Landon Battle.

Danger.