Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
“Legally separated,” he insists like it means something different. And maybe it does. It’s a legitimate court agreement, and technically, they have nothing to do with each other.
“Maybe it’s time we all moved on,” I suggest.
June arches an eyebrow. “Says the guy who won’t just go for it with Aaron.”
“I went for it! I drove to his city and stayed at his place.”
And probably sowed a seed of doubt in him that long-distance is too hard. And that leaving your life behind for someone else has plenty of roadblocks.
My siblings exchange a look.
“For one night. Why not take more time?”
I hitch a shoulder. “Suppose I’m afraid…of caring even more.”
Maybe it’s finally time to put my money where my mouth is.
“You’re in love with him, and that’s okay.” June pats my knee. “This won’t be like last time. Aaron is a much better man.”
“He is.” I can’t stop the smile from stretching my lips whenever I think of him. “He’s a better man than I’ll ever be.”
“You both deserve happiness. Just wish you’d go for it.”
“I’m…working on it,” I confess. “And what’s your excuse?” I look at June, then Johnny.
“Mine is simple,” Johnny replies. “Laziness.”
“Oooh, good one.” June snickers. “I’ll use that excuse too.”
They high-five each other.
“Besides, I don’t feel like getting to know anyone all over again.” June’s eyes grow misty. “He was the love of my life. Cain too. I don’t think there will be anyone else for me.”
“Maybe not, but you could still have fun.” I playfully shove my brother. “Johnny certainly does.”
“No harm in that,” Johnny agrees but then averts his gaze. “Sometimes long-distance doesn’t work—can’t work—but sometimes it absolutely does.”
Just as I’m about to swing the conversation back to his ex, he abruptly stands.
“All right, enough of this conversation.”
June sighs. “Feed me that pizza you brought, and then we can get back to helping Jack.”
I shuffle toward the door. “I’ll open some wine.”
29
AARON
Mom and I drive in late Friday night after I tie up all the loose ends with my business dealings, including closing on a property. I wanted to feel unencumbered so I could enjoy our time in Aqua Vista. Plus, it’s a perfectly stealthy way to surprise Jack before the art fair tomorrow. Thankfully, we snagged the last room at the Hydrant Motel, and Mom is tickled pink about the name.
“Cute little area, though it’s hard to tell in the dark,” she says as we drive through the center of town. “Minnie will enjoy her walks.”
Mom brought her oxygen just in case, but I can tell she’s already breathing easier. Maybe it’s not so much the mountain air as it is simply getting away for the weekend.
Once we settle in our room, Mom takes Minnie out to do her business, and then it’s lights out. We’re both exhausted, but I plan to wake early and go see one particular part of the town.
I’m the first to get moving in the morning, and Mom seems well-rested as she shuffles to the shower. Soon enough, Minnie is fed, let out, and we’re back in the car. I use my GPS to find the cottage property for sale. It’s set away from the street and other houses, so it’s got a bit of land. As soon as we park, I have this sudden, visceral reaction I’m trying to comprehend. Part excitement, part deep-seated rightness. It was important to me to see the house for myself before speaking to Chuck again.
“It’s quaint,” Mom says. “Gonna need some work.”
“Yeah, but that’s exactly what I want.”
The paint is peeling in some areas, but it’s still an interesting shade of plum, with cream and light-green trim. The yard is smaller than I had anticipated, but given that I currently don’t have one at all, it’s good enough for me.
Mom and Minnie wait on the sidewalk while I circle the house, climb onto the porch, and glance through the windows. The cream-colored walls are dated, and the hardwood floors need sanding and staining, so it’s right up my alley. I can’t help smiling as I imagine what colors and styles I’ll choose.
“I can tell you like it,” Mom says.
“I do.” A thread of excitement pulses through me at the prospect of owning property here, even if I’m unsure on a couple of fronts. What if Jack wouldn’t want me to live here, even part-time? What if I’m wrong about how he feels? Would I still do this if he doesn’t approve or runs scared?
“So now what?” she asks once we’re back in the car.
“I don’t know. I need time to think.” It all feels overwhelming. “How about we grab some breakfast?”
She pats my hand, no doubt catching the panic in my expression. “Sounds good.”
We head back to the motel, where Mom places Minnie in a front carrier she uses for travel, and then we head into town on foot to grab breakfast at the diner. I offered to drive, but she insisted that a short, slow-paced walk would do her good. The doctor also recommended light exercise along with lowering her stress level, which would help with shortness of breath. Still, I can’t help worrying that she might overdo it.