AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You sure?” Her hazel eyes scanned my face. Her body was waging a war, but she was as sharp as ever. “Because it sounds like you’ve given it a lot of thought.”
“I’m sure,” I said, wanting to put an end to the matter. “Now, can we please talk about something else?”
Mom grinned. “Like the placement?”
I groaned and stared at the ceiling. She was tenacious. Always had been.
“You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“Nope. Not until you accept the job.”
“Are you sure?” I asked. “Is this what you really want?”
“It’s not just what I want. It’s what I need—what both of us need.”
“What?” I jerked my head back. “Are you trying to tell me you’re sick of me?” I teased.
“I could never be sick of you. But if this experience has taught me anything, it’s that you should seize opportunities. I don’t want us to miss out on any more of life than we already have.”
“I’m not missing out,” I said, hating the defensive tone to my voice. When she tilted her head, eyes narrowed, I added, “I’mnot. Spending time with you is more important than anything.”
“I know.” She smiled, placing her hand over mine. “And I’m grateful for all the time we’ve had together. But, honey, you need to start living again.”
“I am.”
“No.” She shook her head slowly. “And that binder—” She eyed my trusty blue binder warily. It was where I kept all her schedules, prescription details, doctor contact information. “Says otherwise.”
“Hey! That binder keeps us organized.”
“It does. And taking care of me has been a full-time job. Now it’s time to take care of you.”
I wasn’t even sure I knew how to do that anymore.
“Call Hartwell,” she said. “Tell them you’ll take the position.”
“Are you sure you’re okay with it?” I asked once more, needing confirmation.
“More than okay. I want this for you. For us. And don’t worry, I plan to visit.”
“Oh.” I straightened, an idea occurring to me. “Maybe you could live with me.”
She shook her head, patting my hand. “A little space will be good for both of us.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me so you can spend more time with Joe?”
“Joe?” She laughed, but I didn’t miss the way her cheeks blushed at the mention of him. “From my support group?”
“I see the way you two look at each other.”
“That’s the way Jude used to look at you,” she said, clearly trying to sidestep the issue. “You should give him a call.”
I shook my head. I wasn’t interested in calling Jude, and my mom needed to realize it was over. “That ship has sailed.”
“Fine. But will you at least go out with friends? Consider going on a date? Hell, have a fling.”
“Mom!” I shot a furtive glance around the space, grateful the other patients seemed absorbed in their tasks.
“What? When I was your age…”
