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“Just about.And I’m so glad I moved here.It’s a wonderful little town.The people are very nice.I’ve started a new job.This is my last week at the preschool.”
“Oh?Will you be working with children or using your degree?”
“A little of both.I’m excited.The job is perfect for me.”I wish things weren’t like this.I love my mom and wish our relationship were different.
“It’s good to hear you happy.”Her voice cracks.“I’m sorry I couldn’t give you that.When you find a nice boy, make sure he treats you like you’re worth more than all the money in the world.Because you are.”
My eyes are definitely going to be red and puffy when I get to school.“Thank you, Mom.”
Before I can tell her that I’ve met him, a door slams on Mom’s end of the line.“He’s here.Bye.”The call ends, and she’s gone.
It was the realest conversation we’ve had in a long time.Maybe ever.And I’m thankful I called her.I think maybe it’s easier to give love because I feel loved.
When I getto the ranch, trucks fill the parking area near the main house.Daisy has talked about this place, but I’ve never ventured into the mess hall.I follow the footpath around the house to the entrance in the back.
The room is abuzz with guys heaping food onto their plates and others at the table laughing and talking.Tyler isn’t here, so I stand by the wall and wait.
“Howdy!”Mason is hurrying toward me, his boots clunking on the wood floor.“You are Tyler’s pretty friend, and you swam with me.”
“That’s right.My name is Jasmine.”
He closes his eyes and taps his head.“Jasmine.I think I can remember.”He reaches into his pockets.“I have something for you.Tyler said you like to collect bottle caps.I collect rocks.Special rocks.”He pulls out two handfuls of caps.“I’ve been picking them up when I see them.”
I hold open my purse.“Thank you.I love that you are helping me add to my collection.Did Tyler tell you what I do with the bottle caps?”
Mason’s head wags back and forth.
I squat down and hold out my phone so he can see my pictures.“I make art like this.”
“That’s so cool.”He reaches for my phone.“Can I show my dad?”
“Sure.”
Mason trots away, and I hope my screen survives the show-and-tell.
Arms wrap around me from behind, and I lean back against Tyler.“I like it here.”
“I’m glad to hear that.Did Mason tell you that he’s been hunting bottle caps for you?”
“I have a bunch of them in the bottom of my purse now.”
“Maybe one evening, I’ll help you sort them again.”
“That would be great.Also, the Grindles would like to have us over for dinner.You were specifically invited.”
“Just tell me when to be there.”His breath tickles my ear, and his voice is a whisper.“I want them to know that my intentions are honorable.”
“I think they know.”
Later, I’ll tell him about the conversation with my mom.Right now, I’m enjoying this moment with Tyler.The weeks when we only spoke on Wednesdays seem like ages ago.
“Let’s grab food.I’m starved.”Tyler leads me to the counter.“Ava, this is Jasmine.I think y’all met when we had the party by the pool.”
Ava wipes her hands on her apron.“We did.So nice to see you again.”She wraps me in a hug.“Tyler smiles more now or maybe just wider.He’s always been the happy sort.”
“That’s one of the things I love about him.”I rub his back before picking up a plate.
Ava’s face lights up.“That’s a word I like hearing.”
