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“I think you’re making a breakthrough, Wyatt. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks. Now, how much is this unscheduled session gonna cost me? Because my insurance kind of sucks.”
Dr. Allen laughs again and I feel my chest loosen. I know I have a lot of work to do. But for the first time in a long time, I feel good. I feel at peace.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Lucy
Thesunisshiningin my eyes when I wake up. I stretch and yawn as I sit up, wondering why my back hurts. Then I remember where I am.
It’s almost eight-thirty on Friday morning and I fell asleep on the couch late last night. I don’t even remember falling asleep. I sit all the way up and run a hand over my face, still a little disoriented. I never got my bag out of the car last night so I walk outside and down the stairs to grab it.
It’s July, and even with the hurricane a few weeks ago most of the rental houses are booked. There are cars parked in almost all of the house driveways. I know in a few hours the beach will be full of families on summer vacation. I shoulder my bag and walk back inside.
Grabbing my toiletry bag and a fresh pair of underwear I walk into the downstairs bathroom for a shower. My hair is a mess, my eyes are bloodshot, and my cheeks are blotchy. I sigh and turn the water on as hot as I can stand it.
My stomach growls when I get out, opting to french braid my hair instead of blow drying it. My phone rings from its charger on the end table by the couch. At least I remembered to do that last night.
“Hello?” I answer.
“Lucy? How’re things going?” Mom’s voice sounds hesitant on the other line.
“They’re going. I’m getting ready to head to meet Amanda at the rental company to sign the paperwork. Is everything okay at home?”
“Yeah, honey, everything is fine. I just wanted to check on you, it’s quiet without you here.”
“You could always come up here with me.”
I know she won’t, but I never really asked her before.
“I don’t think I can do that yet, honey. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, I understand. It was a lot harder for me than I thought it would be.”
“I hate that you’re there alone.”
“I don’t mind actually. It’s kind of nice, getting some time by myself. Hey, can I ask you a question?”
“Of course, ask away.”
“How did I get my name? You guys had something else picked out before I was born, didn’t you?”
“We did. I wanted to name you Veronica Anne, I’ve always loved that name. But the second they put you in your father’s arms, and you looked up at him with those beautiful, big eyes of yours he asked me if we could change your name. He wanted to name you Lucy, because every time you smiled at him it reminded him what it feels like to see a sunrise.”
I sit down in a chair by the door as I slide my feet into my Birkenstocks. I’m in jean cutoffs and an old Oak Island T-shirt I found in my closet. It’s faded and soft and baggy and I love it.
“He told me that story once, when I was little and he brought me out on the deck to watch a sunrise with him. I forgot all about it until I walked in the door last night.”
Mom’s quiet for a minute before she says softly, “You’re my sunshine too, Lucy. I’m sorry I don’t tell you that as much as he used to.”
“I know, Mom. I’ll call you a little later, okay?”
“Okay, sweetie.”
“Oh, and Mom?”
“Yes?”
