Page 62 of Not Mine To Love

Do you ever think she’ll talk to me again?” she sobbed harder.

I thought about it. “Sure, on Christmas and maybe your birthday.”

“She’s all I have, Becca. She’s everything to me.”

“Then tell Ana that.”

“She won’t listen to me.”

“You can’t blame her for that. If I were in her shoes, I wouldn’t want to hear anything you have to say.”

“Thanks.”

“I’m just being honest. You were pretty nasty the other day.”

“I will admit, I was a bit unkind.”

“A bit? You were terrible.”

“I was,” she said, sobbing again. “I’ve lost her. I’m a terrible mom, a terrible person.”

I kept quiet. She already felt bad enough, there was no point in making her feel worse.

“What should I do?”

“Apologize.”

“Okay.”

“And then give her space.”

“What if she doesn’t accept my apology? What if she truly doesn’t want anything to do with me anymore?”

“Ana loves you. Loves you so much that she’ll do anything to please you, even making up a fake fiancé to do it. I don’t think she’ll ever cut you out of her life, but I think you do need to give her some space to think. She’ll forgive you, just in her own time.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Yep.” I got up then and said, “Now, can you leave?”

She stood and stuck the tissue in her pocket. “Thank you for being so kind. I’ve been terrible toward you, and I’m sorry.” The way her voice quivered made me think that apologizing wasn’t exactly her forte.

“Don’t worry about the money,” she continued, “You earned that plus more just putting up with me.”

Oh yeah, I had totally forgot that she wanted the money back. As if that was ever going to happen. Yeah right.

“I know I said a lot of harsh things, but I was wrong for saying those things. I know you’re a good person. Better than most people I know. You’re definitely a better person than I. I’m sorry for making your relationship with Julius seem…”

“Dirty?”

“Yes, I’m sorry for making you look like a—"

“Whore?”

She swallowed hard. “I… yes. I’m sorry.”

I sighed. I was still angry with her, but that anger was misplaced. The person I was really mad at was myself, but I wasn’t letting Claire know that.

“Thanks…”