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That’s Regina Keller. One moment the image of elegance, the next as mischievous as a teenager.
I’ve missed her.
With the ease of travel, flights coming and going all the time, New Orleans shouldn’t feel far away. But I can’t help feeling panic that I’m missing precious time with my parents. During my childhood they traveled all over the world, and I always went with them. Now I’m lucky if we see each other twice a year.
Sometimes, when the homesickness of missing my parents hits hard, I’ll play through one of my mother’s albums, letting her voice lull me into believing she’s by my side. But I can only ever trick myself for so long.
Just like this visit will only last for a limited string of days. The thought sends a familiar spike of anxiety through me, and before examining the urge, I cross the few feet between me and my mother and scoop her up into a hug.
“Charlie?” Her tone is half-curious, half-worried, and all-loving. Her strong arms wrap around me, returning the hug. “What’s wrong, baby?”
“Nothing.” I set her down and make sure a reassuring smile is in place when she sees my face. “Just missed you is all.”
“Okay then.” Doubt sits heavy in her voice, and she cups my cheeks, the tips of her acrylics just brushing my skin as the familiar scent of cocoa butter surrounds me. The attention brings to mind the word she said earlier.
Love.
This is love. This is what my mother wants to gift to Paige. An embrace that shows all the support and affection and hope that the Kellers have for my friend.
“I thought of a gift.” The triumph in my voice has her lips twisting.
“You gonna share your insight with me or do I have to guess?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” No matter how much I missed her, the urge to wheedle her can never be eradicated.
“You sound like your father.Isn’t it obvious?” She affects a deep voice, mocking her husband in a way she’d be just as happy to do to his face. Mom steps back, planting fists on her hips and giving me a scorcher of a scowl. “No, it’s not obvious. Tell me already.”
I pause just a second longer, for dramatic effect. “Give her a song.”
“Charlie.” My mother speaks my name with surprise that morphs into a sweet dismissive expression. “She hears me sing all the time.”
“But notforher,” I insist. “You know Paige would like that more than a random item bought from her registry.”
Mom waves a hand as if my words buzz around her face. “They’re starting a life together. They need more than a song.”
Sometimes I want to grab my mother by the shoulders and shake her until she realizes how much her art can mean to a person. Sure, when Mom takes the stage, she knows how her talent can hold a room. At times, she’s proudly proclaimed her diva status. But around the people close to her, Regina Keller sinks into a humble state. As if she thinks her voice is a showy illusion, and the people who love her see right through it.
She’s wrong.
“Then give her a check along with the song. But I’m telling you, if you get on that stage and sing, Paige will feel every ounce of love you want her to.”
My mother doesn’t respond right away. She turns away, pretending to browse the bath towels. I follow behind, acting like the well-behaved son for the moment. After picking up a peach towel that Paige would be just as likely to use for her pit bull, Pumpkin, as she would for herself, my mother tosses the fabric to the side and strides toward the door.
“Fine. A song it is. But you’re picking it out and playing the guitar with me. And your father is going to dance with her. There we are—family gift. Plus, a check. A really big check.”
I hide my grin behind a hand, trying to smooth the cocky expression away before she sees.
“Paige will love that.”
My mother huffs as if frustrated with me, but the sound only makes me want to hug her again.
One more week.The internal countdown clock to my departure sucks away all the happiness of the moment.
What if I want to stay?
ChapterSeven
LUNA
