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I nod in understanding. “He told me he worked hard at it—his relationship with her. That he didn’t want to have regrets when he walked away, and hearing that meant the world to me. To hear he’s the type who doesn’t walk when things get hard.”
“Because of personal experience?” she asks.
I know Hendrix didn’t tell Rory about my mom. I’ve not asked him to keep it secret, but I know he’d never share those details. Just as I’d never share the personal stuff he confides in me.
“My mom abandoned me when I was two.”
“Your dad told me he raised you, but he didn’t say anything about your mom.”
“That’s because he’s a morally upright person. My dad despises my mom, but he’ll never talk bad about her to someone who doesn’t know her personally and has seen the bad things she’s done. He believes people should be judged on their merits.”
“I already judge your mom for abandoning you,” Rory says. “I don’t see how a mother could do that.”
“That’s a conversation we need alcohol for, but suffice it to say, she’s back in my life, and we’re attempting a relationship. But she’s not a strong woman. She doesn’t know how to do the hard work, as evidenced by the fact she threw her arms up when raising a kid got tough. She’s sort of gotten herself into a pickle and needs me to bail her out. As such, whatever we become to each other probably won’t have much substance to it. It’ll sit on a tissue paper base and will be easily torn by disappointments she’s sure to hand out.”
“Sounds like you’ve got everything figured out. You’re a smart cookie, I can see that.”
“I don’t know about that, but I’m trying.”
Our breakfast comes and we chat about Rory’s life. She slides in surreptitious questions about me, but they’re really roundabout ways of learning more about my dad. She likes him, I can tell. I could tell my dad liked her back. In fact, I’m pretty sure had Hendrix not whisked her out as the evening ended, my dad would’ve made a move, but I keep that to myself.
“I read one of your books,” I say after my plate is clean and my coffee’s been refilled. I reach into my tote sitting beside me. “Will you sign it for me?”
“Oh, sweet girl… of course. I’m honored and flattered.” She takes the book and studies the cover. “My very first one.”
“It was so good. I’ve never read mysteries before, but I got so sucked in.”
Rory pulls out a Sharpie from her purse, and I watch as she scribbles something on the first page before handing the book back to me.
Stevie,
I’m so happy to have met you and even happier you’re in Hendrix’s life.
XOXO,
Rory Valentine
“Thank you,” I whisper, pulling the book into my chest. “I’ll always treasure this.”
“You keep my boy happy, and I’ll keep you in signed books, okay? I’ll leave the next one at his house for you since I’ll be leaving later today.”
“Oh, you should stay longer.” I twist to put the book in my tote.
She waves her hand. “I’ve impeded enough.”
“No way,” I assert. “Please stay.”
“I totally appreciate it, but no… I’m going to head out.” She raises a hand to signal for our waitress, miming she wants the check. When her eyes come back to me, she says, “But seriously… I’m thrilled for Hendrix. You are absolutely lovely and just what he needs.”
I frown at her. “What exactly does he need?”
“You,” she replies.
I grin. “But why? He seems to have everything. He’s got an amazing life without me.”
The waitress arrives, hands Rory the check, and I pull out my wallet.
“This is my treat,” Rory says.
“But—”
“You can buy our next breakfast, and I’ve no doubt there will be another. But you asked why Hendrix needs you?”
I nod, slipping my wallet back into my purse.
“Because you’re exactly what he’s been searching for, and trust me… he’s been looking.”
“What does that mean?” I ask, thinking it’s all far too vague to have any significance.
“What do you know about professional athletes?”
I ponder, then shrug. “They’re wealthy?”
“Yes, and most of them are young… straight out of college or even younger. Thrown into the limelight with lots of money, loads of adoring fans that pump up their egos, and scores of women just waiting to get into their pants.”
I wince. “That’s not making me feel good.”
“And it shouldn’t, if you were interested in Hendrix a few years ago. Trust me… that boy had his fancy sports cars and went through women like—”
I hold up my hand. “I can imagine.”
Rory laughs. “Sorry. Anyway, that’s not who he is now. He’s been ready to settle down, and that’s why he was trying so hard with Tracy. He’s ready to find his life partner.”
“Which is all the more reason I’m easily confused as to why he’s interested in me. Tracy and I—from what little I’ve heard—are like night and day.”
