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11
Valentina
New York City is dark and dreary as I join Ryder on the elevator to meet Max.
“You have your passport? Don’t lose it. Stay near your dad and always be aware of your surroundings.”
He puts his arm around me. “I’m gonna be fine.”
Isn’t that what every fifteen-year-old would say? They all seem to think they’re invincible.
“Keep your phone charged so I can call, and no matter the time difference, call me if you need me or if you just want to talk. I put a battery pack in your backpack just in case.”
He laughs and turns me toward him, placing his hands on my shoulders. I stare up at him and try to remember exactly when the little boy who called me Mama left. “Stop watching the news.”
This time I laugh. “You should try watching the news and not ESPN all the time.”
“ESPN is the sports news.”
I can’t argue with that.
“I’ll be back in six weeks, Mom.”
The elevator dings and the doors open.
Max is waiting for us. “Stop with the tears, Val. This trip is going to be shorter than your kitchen remodel.”
I roll my eyes as we step out the door of my building. A black sedan waits outside for them. I hand Ryder’s big duffle bag to Max.
“What did you pack? Jesus. I’ll let the two of you say goodbye. Don’t drag it out, Val, we have a flight to catch.”
“Come here.” I hug Ryder and flip off Max behind Ryder’s back. No need for him to see our animosity. “I love you and I’ll miss you, but I want you to have fun. Just not too much.”
He chuckles. “I love you too. If you need company or anything—”
I draw back from our hug because I am going to break down if we don’t make this snappy. “Stop.”
He smiles. His gorgeous wide smile full of perfectly white teeth that cost me a fortune.
“I’m good. I have a lot of reading to do.”
He nods, rocking back on his heels.
“Go.” I move in for one more quick hug then step back, sucking back the tears that want to fall.
He walks toward the car, looking back at me every second step. Max packs the last bag, and right before Ryder ducks into the sedan, he waves. How did we produce such a great kid? I wave back as the car pulls away from the curb into the New York streets.
“Always sad to say goodbye,” Ben says from behind his desk when I go back inside the building.
“He’s gone for six weeks,” I say, remembering that I need to discuss me leaving with him.
“Sounds like a great adventure for a father and son.”
I shrug. I’m sure it will be an adventure. I just want the adventure to end with my son safe at home. “Hey, Ben, I’m going to be staying with a friend for a little while. I’ll pop by for my mail once a week, but in case anything should seem suspicious, could you give me a call?”
“Of course, Ms. Sommerland.”
“Thanks.” I step over to the elevator and press the up button.
