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“You are? Where to?” I think I already know the answer to my question, but I ask it anyway.
“Oh… I just thought I’d take your dad to visit Uncle David for a few days.”
That’s exactly what I expected Mom to say. My dad’s brother lives in Jackson, New Hampshire, along with his wife, Elizabeth and their two golden retrievers, in a lovely home that has views across the mountains. “That sounds perfect. And just what you both need.”
Every so often, Mom needs to get away. She says it’s so Dad can spend time with Uncle David, and it is. But it’s also so she can get a break, have some down-time, and let off steam at Aunt Elizabeth.
“That’s what I thought. But I realized I ought to check you didn’t have any plans to come for a visit.”
“No, I haven’t.” For a second, I wonder about telling her I’ve got a date, but I decide against it. I can tell her after the event… assuming there’s anything to tell. For now, I think I’ll just keep quiet.
“You’ll come up soon, though, won’t you?”
“Of course I will.”
I might even take Cole to meet them. Who knows?
Once we’ve finished the call, I go onto my banking app and transfer some money to my parents. I do this every so often, when I can afford it, and on this occasion, my mom sends a text message within minutes.
— What’s the hundred dollars for? xx
— It’ll help pay for the gas to get to Uncle David’s. xx
— We can afford it. xx
— I know you can, but let me do this. I want to, and I can afford it, too. xx
There’s a pause before her next message.
— Thank you, Livia. Love you xxx
— Love you, too, Mom xxx
Just like yesterday, I’ve hardly seen Lucian all day. He’s had back-to-back meetings, and my presence hasn’t been required in any of them. I can’t say I’m sorry about that. My disappointment in him hasn’t diminished, and now I’m just relieved it’s Friday, which means I won’t have to even think about him for two whole days.
I haven’t had any more photographs, either, although what I’d do about them if I did, I really don’t know.
As it is, the phone and email are keeping me busy, and I’ve forwarded dozens of messages to him already. I’ve just pressed ‘send’ on the latest one when I get a tingly feeling down my spine, like someone’s watching me, and I look up to see Cole, leaning against the wall opposite my desk, his arms folded across his chest and his eyes fixed on me.
“Hello.” I smile at him, and he smiles back, unfolding his arms before he pushes himself off of the wall. He wanders slowly around my desk and gazes down at me.
“Hi.”
“Have you come to see me?”
“Of course. I wanted to make sure you’re still okay for tomorrow night.”
My smile widens. “I’m flattered you’ve taken the time, but you could’ve called, or texted me. You’ve got my number, remember?”
“I haven’t forgotten, but phoning or texting wouldn’t have worked for me.”
“Why not?”
He leans back on the edge of my desk, lowering his voice. “Because I wanted to see you.”
Oh… what a lovely thing to say. “That’s nice.”
He stares into my eyes. “Yes, it is… and while we’re on the subject of phoning and texting, I realized earlier that you don’t have my number.”
