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“I suppose you’re right. He was nice and everything. I really did like him. I’m just not ready for a serious relationship.”
“Not ready? Mom, Dad’s been dead for over fifteen years now. And before that, he was in prison. Did you forget you filed for divorce as soon as you found out about the money?”
“I didn’t forget. But remember, I never did go through with finalizing it. It was the alcohol acting. In the end, when he stole the money, he wasn’t really the man I married. The man I married was considerate, kind, responsible, and passionate and loving and, yes, he was a great dad to you, too. Despite everything he did, I loved him more than I’ve ever loved any man, or ever will. I can’t just replace that kind of love with the likes of Stan Martinhope.”
Alessandra looked at her mom with a mixture of pity and anger. “How can you defend him, Mom? He was a professional gambler who used you, stole from your bank, nearly ruined your career, and decimated my—his own daughter’s—savings account. He was in and out of rehab, in and out of debt, always making promises and always letting us down. I’m surprised you didn’t divorce him well before he went to prison. You had a normal nine-to-five career, and that alone didn’t mesh with his profession, even when he wasn’t six-figures in debt.”
“I’m so sorry he let you down, sweetie,” Claire murmured, her voice low with regret. “I know how painful it was to watch from your point of view. And I can see that because of him, you don’t want to let any man in that close. I feel bad I couldn’t protect you from that disappointment. Remember when you were younger, how happy he made us both? He always made sure he was home for your recitals. He was the loudest fan cheering you on at your volleyball games. For six years, before you ever made a varsity team, he never missed one of your early afternoon games. Those other dads who worked in offices, were they there? Nope. Before you judge his career, and before you judge how I feel about him, just think about how wonderful it was before he lost his fight with alcohol.”
“I’m not judging you, Mom. I’m just saying I don’t know how you can still feel so strongly about him that you won’t have any other men in your life. I don’t think he’s worth it. You said it yourself. He was so wonderful, and you believed in him, and he broke that trust. Why continue to love him the way you do?”
Claire peered at Alessandra. “Because I do. Because what we had between us was so special, so electric, and so unique that every other relationship I’ve been in pales by comparison. And even at my age, I’m holding out for that again. Because I’ve loved so much, I know what it’s like. And if I found it again, I’d even be willing to chance having my heart broken another time. Because that type of love is something that transcends logic—it’s worth having, no matter the risk.”
Alessandra thought about Beau. “Worth the risk? I’m not sure it is, Mom.”
“My lovely daughter, how would you even know? You’ve been so focused on avoiding the risk that you’ve pushed away any man who might get close. And hey, you might avoid some heartache in the end, but what you’re missing out on is so muchmore. When will you let someone in?”
Alessandra felt her face blush, and she looked at her mom.
“Hold on… Have you found someone?”
“I don’t know, Mom. It’s been so confusing at the resort with the possible sale. I’m not even sure what I feel about him. It’s Beau Brooks. And before you ask, yes, the one who got me fired. Fast forward twenty years, and now he’s the high-roller we thought could get us to target. But he won too much! On the other hand, he also helped us bring in a bunch of other players. So now we think we’re going to hit the projections. We just have to run the final numbers after tonight to see.”
“He helped you?” Claire asked. “Seems like he’s quite a gentleman these days.”
Alessandra noticed Claire’s protective tone. “He does seem… different, more mature. He helped with the tournament, bringing in a lot of high-rollers. There’s definitely a change in him, and it’s for the better. But he travels all over. He’s a professional gambler. And although I hear what you’re saying about Dad, there are so many who cheat on their wives, go into debt. I’m just not sure if I can trust him. And besides, having a normal career is boring to those guys. They’re thrill-seekers and risk-takers. He’s not going to just hang around the office while I run a resort.”
Claire pursed her lips. “Have you even asked him what he wants? You’re making assumptions about him based on his past and based on what you’ve seen others do. Maybe that’s not him anymore. It’s been twenty years, sweetheart. Maybe that’s not what he wants now. Maybe he’s ready to settle down with the right woman. Maybe that’s you. Sweetheart, if you’re drawn to Beau Brooks as much as I was to your father, you can’t just ignore the feeling. You have to see if anything is still there between the two of you. And if it is, don’t be afraid. You’re forty-two years old. You can handle anything. Don’t avoid a man who might be the best love of your life, just to avoid a hurt you will, inevitably, get over. Trust me on this one.”
Alessandra smiled, then sighed. “We’ll see. We’re supposed to go on a date tonight. I promise I’ll give him a chance, or at least I’ll try.”
“That’s what you need to do. Keep yourself open to the possibilities. And let me know how it goes tonight.”
