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JOSIE
“Let me get that, dear. Go ahead and relax with your family.” Mary gestures for the plate in my hand as I pass it to her. The wordfamilyrings through my mind.
Sarah and Eric have already headed off to the airport to begin their honeymoon. And I need to go too. Gathering the bridal bouquet and a few other wedding items that I promised Sarah I’d drop off at her place, I stash them in my car and head upstairs. Thankfully there’s no sign of Ben, because I really don’t have the energy to fight him. Well, more like fight my feelings for him. Once my things are messily stashed in my bag, I think I’m in the clear when I hear a knock at the door.Damn it. Though, the knock came from the main bedroom door, not the one that leads to Ben’s room.
Steadying my nerves with a calming exhale, I open the door and am relieved when I see Ben’s mom standing there. “May I come in?” she says with a smile.
“Yes, ma’am.” I step aside, motioning for her to enter the room.
“Are you heading out?” she questions, noting my messily packed bag on the bed.
I nod. Not wanting to explain why my plans have changed, but she already seems to be a little more alert to the situation.
“You must’ve packed in a hurry. Or let Ben pack for you or something.” Her light tone doesn’t help my nerves, but I sense she’s not saying it in a bad way. But why would she assume Ben packed for me?
“I was in a hurry.”Take that, Ben. I might lie, but only to him. He’s the only one who wants more from me than I can handle.
“Well, I won’t keep you, but I just wanted to check on you after that surprise visit from your mom this morning.”
“Yes.” My eyes fall to the floor. “I’m so sorry she did that. I didn’t know she was going to show up here.”
“Josie Elizabeth.” The stern, motherly tone she used with me and her kids during our childhood catches my attention, and I look up to see her matching no-nonsense expression. “Why on earth would you be apologizing for that woman? You have no more control over her than I do. What I want to hear is how you’re doing.”
God, I love this woman. I’ve always wished my own was more like her. “I’m gonna be fine. She caught me off guard showing up here, but I’ll be fine. She’s leaving. Moving near my aunt.” I steady my mind as I say it aloud, because for some reason, speaking it feels more official than signing on the dotted line had earlier. “I signed over my portion of the acreage to her so she could sell it off.”
“Ah, I see.” She knowingly nods her head. “I’m sorry she put you in that position.”
A humorless laugh bubbles from my chest. “No, ma’am. Don’t apologize for her actions.”
“I’m not. I’m apologizing because you deserve better than that hussy.”
Thebadword said makes me laugh. “I already have better. I have you.”
“Yes, you do, sweetheart.” Janice wraps me in a warm hug, just like she’s done many times over the years and doesn’t let go until I do. “Well, I’ll see you in a few nights for pottery class.”
Even though I started out as Sarah’s tagalong, I soon was required to attend our weekly pottery classes whether Sarah was there or not because according to Janice, I was her daughter too.
She pats my arm, looking to the clothes hanging out of my suitcase. “Are you sure you don’t want to hang around until morning? We’re gonna stop at the little antique store on the way out, I’m sure there’s some good finds if you want to browse.”
“I really need to get back.” Truth. And I need away from the door that leads to Ben. Once I get home, things will go back to normal. Where we avoid each other.
“Okay. Well, tell Ben to call me so I know the two of you arrived home safely.”
“He’s riding with you. I thought he told you.” Now I am lying to her. Damn it.
“Oh.” Her confusion is warranted, but I don’t want to answer anymore questions. I can’t lie to her further.
“I’ll call when I get home though.” I move to grab my bag, but she doesn’t budge.
“I thought the two of you were getting along, but I’m sure y’all will work it out. That’s what you do when you love someone.”
“Love?” I repeat the word, not looking to her for a few seconds. “What if we can’t work it out?”
“What are you talking about, sweetheart? Is Ben giving you a hard time again?”
“No. It’s just, if we never figure out how to coexist, or if we do figure things out but everything falls apart, what then?” She looks as confused as I feel when I ask, “Will I still be allowed to attend pottery every Wednesday? Will Sarah still want me there too?”
“Of course she would want you there. And I would too. I do.” I’m guessing she’s finally understanding the true meaning beneath my question, if I break her son’s heart, will she still welcome me into hers. “There’s absolutely no circumstances that I’d not wantbothmy daughters by my side.”
