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Her mother read it, smiled, and nodded, before handing it back.
“Your young man, John, seems very kind.”
“He is.”
“Maybe next time he is here we can meet your friend, if you are still talking.”
“Why wouldn’t we be?”
“Long distance relationships are so hard, and it takes a lot of work, trust, and dedication for it to work out. I know you are touched by this sweet gift from him, but just take your time, sweetie,” her mother said gently. “Fall in love with him… don’t fall in love with love. Whatever you are feeling or thinking, it has to be enough to get through the rough times, just remember that.”
“Are you saying that I shouldn’t pursue a relationship with him?”
“No. I’m saying that you need to have open eyes, be my clever girl, and take your time getting to know this young man. Right now, everything is wonderful with all sorts of stars and rainbows… but someday there will be tough spots and you have to be able to rely on your person – like I do your father.”
“Did you have this same talk with Karen and Chase?”
“I wish I had with your brother… but he was too far gone down the rabbit hole with that wretched girl, Honey.”
“Right?” Emily sighed, remembering her reaction to the woman the first time she met her. Her underwear showed when she sat down on the couch because her dress was so short… and her brother’s eyes bugged out of his head. “And Karen?”
“No,” her mother admitted. “Jace was a good match for your sister and…”
“Wait a second,” Emily retorted in surprise. “Because you met Jace, he’s a good match… but because you haven’t met my guy, I need to go into this with open eyes?”
“I don’t want you to end up hurt.”
“Or do you think that I’m not enough to land someone decent?”
“I’ve never said that.”
“No, but there’s always a problem. My eyebrows, my clothes, my glasses… and I would think that you would be happy that I’m talking with someone.”
“I am.”
“Then let’s leave it at that… because I don’t know what I’m doing right now, where this is going, or what to say next… but I do know that I don’t want to get upset or angry enough to feel like I don’t have a shoulder to cry on when this all falls apart.”
“Of course, you have a shoulder to cry on, sweetie,” her mother protested. “I’m your mother, and you can tell me anything.”
“I’m scared to,” she whispered, not looking away from her. “I’m scared, because I can say ‘no’enough in my own head without hearing it from someone else… and I just need someone to tell me they are behind my decisions no matter what happens,” she choked out painfully, realizing it was the truth.
“Oh, Emily…”
“Mama, I’m going to make so many mistakes, so many screw ups, and when I finally find something or someone that I want with my whole being… I would rather you wish for it to succeed, instead of cross-examining him like you and Daddy did with Jace.”
“You like your young man that much already?” her mother said softly, touching her cheek.
“I really do…” Emily whispered, feeling a fresh set of tears threatening to begin. “He’s incredible to me and I feel so amazed at how perfect he is.”
“Then there won’t be any questions… except to ask him what he likes for dinner,” her mother promised, smiling tearfully. “Don’t be afraid to say something or speak up, but rather tell me what you need from me as your mother… because let me tell you? There are no guidebooks on how to be a parent to the most incredible child in the world – especially when she’s so much smarter and prettier than you ever were.”
“I love you, Mama…” Emily sobbed, hugging her.
“I love you, too, sweetie,” her mother whispered, holding her – as they both started laughing at the same time. “Look at us, a bunch of crying ninnies…”
“I know, right?”
“Put your pretty necklace on, grab your food, and let’s go see Nadine. You need to get away from the computer for a little bit and relax – and I just made a peanut butter pie yesterday. There’s a big wedge waiting for you at the house.”
