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“Well,” Mom said, looking around. “The house is very nice.”
“Thanks. I like it.”
“How long do you think you’ll be here?”
“That’s a good question. For the foreseeable future, I guess.”
She wandered back into the living room, showing herself around. Evidence of Josiah was everywhere, but she didn’t comment on any of it. I wasn’t worried about what she’d think, but I decided to address what could become the elephant in the room.
“You’ve probably noticed Josiah’s stuff. He doesn’t officially live here, but he might as well.”
“Things are serious, then?”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah. Things are serious.”
She smiled back. “I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’m happy for me too. He’s a great guy.”
“Is he?” There was something odd in her voice—a wistfulness. It didn’t sound like she doubted me. It was more like she was hopeful that I was right.
“Yeah, he really is. He’s very serious, or maybe stoic is the right word. That might put some people off, but to me, that’s part of his charm. He’s honest. You always know where you stand with him.”
“That’s priceless.”
“It really is.” I got a few boxes of tea out of the cupboard so she could choose what she wanted. “I’m kind of crazy about him, I have to be honest.”
“You’re in love.”
“I really am. But why do you sound sad?”
“Do I?” She perked up and I recognized hereverything is fineface. “I’m not sad in the least. I’m thrilled for you.”
I believed her, but I also sensed that something else was on her mind. “Are you sure?”
“Of course. All a mother wants is to see her child happy.”
I wasn’t sure I believed that—at least not coming from her—but I let it go. “I’m definitely happy with Josiah. Very happy.”
“Good.”
The water came to a boil. She chose jasmine tea and I made a cup of the same for myself. I put a few cookies on a plate and set them on the table, then we each took a seat.
“So,” Mom said, “how is life here in Tilikum? I’ve always liked this town.”
“It’s nice. I like it here a lot, actually. I didn’t think I would, but it’s grown on me.”
“I dated a boy from Tilikum when I was younger.”
“Did you really?” I knew next to nothing about my mom’s life before she was married to my dad. Nothing specific, at least, particularly about her dating life. “Who was he?”
“A young man named Daniel. I was in high school at the time. We didn’t see each other for very long. Just a few dates, really.”
“What happened?”
Her expression shifted, becoming neutral, like she was trying to hide her emotions. “Your father happened.”
“Oh. I guess the other one wasn’t meant to be.”
