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“I love you too, princess. Here’s Mom to say goodbye.” A few seconds later, Mom came back on the line.
“We’re going to end the call because you’re on the plane, and this must cost a fortune.”
“Okay, Mom. But can I ask you something first?”
“What is it, honey?”
“It’s about Nora.”
“Oh, honey. That’s a long conversation to have.”
That was the second time she used that excuse to not tell me about Nora. Mom knows something, and it must be bad. Otherwise, she would’ve told me already.
I tensed and gripped the phone tighter. “Just tell me if she’s alive.”
Even if Nora neglected and abandoned me, I wanted her to be okay.
“The last time I heard from her, she was in jail. She’d been exploited and used. I felt sorry for her. Nora asked me for money for the commissary so she could get toiletries, and we helped her. Unfortunately, I think she had to stay for a while. She didn’t contact me again after that, but….”
“But what, Mom?”
“I asked her if she’d like to see you, but she refused. Honey, Nora’s life was a mess. I understand why she wanted to block out all she had lost.”
Mom was being kind, and Nora sounded even more selfish. I imagined her mugshot or that she would resurface one day. Why had she gone to jail? Had it been for prostitution or worse?
“Can I find out where?”
“She was at the one in Fox Lake, but that was years ago. She loved to travel. I doubt she stayed in Wisconsin or around here, or someone would have told me. But, you know, she could have turned her life around. Are you worried people will find out?”
I shifted to my back on the bed and sighed. “A little. I don’t want a relationship with her, I just want to have information, so if the press comes at me about her, I don’t look like a deer dazed in headlights for their amusement.”
“But you’ll need publicity for your design career. So I guess you’ll have to learn balance. Don’t go about it with a negative approach. You’ll end up looking bad to the public.”
Mom was wise as always. I’d missed her advice. I’d missed her. And our phone call was exactly what I needed. She didn’t sound angry or disappointed; I was thankful for that.
“You’re right, Mom. I just want this to work.”
“I know you do. I’m glad Paul’s decided to do right by you. We’ll enjoy Texas and the break, but we’re fine returning to brats, squash, and custard. Our small-town life is big enough for us. Okay?” Mom remained unaffected by the wealth around her. She was happy with the life she built with Dad in Wisconsin. I love it too, but I wanted Paul.
“I understand. But Mom, I love him.” My voice was hoarse.
“I know you do.”
“I love you, Mom.”
“We love you, too. Talk to you later.”
I put the phone away and lay down on the bed to watch Fellini’sLa Dolce Vitabecause I always wanted to see the film. I’d thought it would prep me for what it would be like in Rome, but life rarely imitates movies.I’m not going to play around in the Trevi fountain, anyway.I read there was a massive fine. Still, the actress looked sexy doing it. I imagined seducing Paul that way and was too horny to finish the thought. My eyes grew heavy, and I moved under the blanket and dozed off. Sometime later, I woke alone. Glancing around the bedroom, I saw no sign that Paul had ever returned.But we have the whole trip together.
After cleaning up and putting on another T-shirt and shorts, I brushed my hair and returned to the bedroom. Paul was there and had taken his suit jacket off, remaining in his button-down shirt and slacks. He also appeared bleary-eyed; his shoulders slumped. He needed rest.
He cocked a brow. “Are we playing naughty co-ed?”
“Do you want to?” I went over to him and placed my palms on his chest. “What can I do to earn an A, professor?”
He groaned. “Damn, I didn’t expect you to have a role-play ready. I’m exhausted. Come lie next to me.”
We lay back on the bed, and I placed my head on his chest, inhaling his intoxicating scent as I hugged his waist. He put his arm around me and kissed my forehead but fell fast asleep.
