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The following morning, I don’t recall Samuel kissing me, something he does before he leaves for work. I don’t want to sound needy, yet I feel as though I’ve missed a step in my morning routine by not being woken by his lips.
My day is the same as the last few days with only a few hiccups in the pool construction. It’s running smoothly, and I wish I could say that about Samuel’s work. I can’t stop thinking about last night and why he was terse, yet I know better than to bring it up with him again because I’m choosing my battles, and the bigger fight is for his health.
During my lunch break, I head down to Glenelg shopping district and wander through the bookstore. I stop perusing when I stroll past a table full of journals. One cover catches my eye. It has green vines and palm leaves in a jungle theme. I tuck it under my arm and notice another vivid white cover with the word GRATEFUL embellished in gold.
These past months, and after being inspired by Gran’s journals, I decided to write anything that comes from my heart. And being grateful is a positive step. I purchase both journals before heading back to the office.
Ethan and Dana have other commitments after lunch, so I’m working alone in the office since Dad is at a meeting in the city.
Around three o’clock, I call it a day and head upstairs to see Mum and Rose.
After a quick cup of coffee with Mum, I set Rose in the stroller, and we head along the foreshore to inhale the fresh salted air. Steering the stroller down a path and onto the sand, I lift Rose out of the straps and let her feet touch the sand while I hold her hands. She smiles at me and stomps her little feet, giggling with the sensation. “This summer you’ll be a little beach baby,” I tell her.
She giggles again and looks up toward Monte’s white building. “Dad-da?”
“No, honey. Dad-da won’t be home early today.”
It turns out Samuel hasn’t made it home early all week and has not seen Rose since Sunday.TGIF is all I’m thinking. When Dad headed into the city for a meeting, he mentioned it would end up as dinner, and Mum would join them. With no idea what time Samuel will arrive home, I assume he won’t get time with Rose until tomorrow morning.
After Rose tires of the sand play, we head back. With Rose on my hip, we walk past Mum’s bedroom. The door is open, and she’s sitting at the dresser applying the finishing touches of makeup.
“You look beautiful,” I tell her.
She glances up at my reflection in the mirror. “Thank you, Eden.” Her gaze moves to Rose. “Did you have fun at the beach?”
Rose squeals, wanting to play with Mum’s makeup thinking it’s paint.
“Not a chance.” I reposition her on my hip to stop her squirming. “After I bathe Rose, I can drive you into the city. Then you’ll only have one car, and if Dad has a few extra drinks…” I smile at her, “… it’s one less car to worry about.”
“Oh, honey, thank you, but it’s unnecessary.” Mum stares back at the mirror and smacks her red lips together. “I can catch a cab.”
“Rose and I are visiting Aunty Yasmine anyway, so it’s halfway there. It’s the least I can do after what you have done for us. You deserve a fun night out.”
Mum smiles at me. “I appreciate it. I assumed you’d be wanting some alone time with Samuel?”
“I do, although I doubt he’ll be home early, so I’ve already messaged Yasmine to meet up with her.”
As a teenager, Amy always had my back. If I worried and struggled with decisions, Yasmine was the one we both spoke to. Yasmine has a worldly instinct—she simply knows things, and she can see problems from multiple angles and help work out a puzzle.
Mum meets my gaze in the mirror. “It will do you good to chat with Yasmine.”
She glances down at her nails. “Shoot. If your father gave me notice, I’d have had a manicure.”
“You know what Dad’s like with communicating his work schedule. I should have forewarned you.”
* * *
Just before sundown, I arrive at Yasmine’s apartment.
Yasmine answers the door in a pink and green boho maxi dress. It looks great on her. She takes Rose from my hip, and I follow her to the lounge area. A lemongrass scent fills the air, and as we pass through her small kitchen, I spy a candle burning on the counter. She dots kisses on Rose’s cheek, then places her on the beige carpet and empties a small box of toys in front of Rose. Toys she’s bought especially for my daughter.
“Thank you for letting us hang out here. I’m not sure when we’ll hear from Samuel. He’ll be relieved to find an empty house so he can go straight to bed.” I place my bag on the counter and turn at the sound of a pop. “Have I missed a celebration?”
“No.” She hands me a glass of sparkling wine. “You can have only one since you’re driving. I can have more, although as we get closer to the flight date, I’ll be abstaining from all alcohol.”
“The date?” I take the crystal flute and have a long sip. I’m still scared for my friend.
Yasmine and I sit cross-legged on the carpet alongside Rose while she plays. She takes a sip of her sparkling wine before placing the glass on the coffee table. She picks up a toy and puts it in front of Rose.
