“Mom, look!” I showed it to her, and she looked as surprised as I felt.
“They were very generous.” She didn’t say a lot about my father’s parents, not a good or a bad word, so I didn’t know a lot about them.
“Very,” I whispered and put the money in my wallet before I lost it. The letter went in too. I could see it wasn’t long; more a hand-written note than a letter, but it was the first words I’d have from them in years.
“I guess, when your father passed away, it was very hard on them, Nicolette.” She leaned against my car which made the bright blue dress she had on go tight a little around her slim waist. It was her face I was watching though, not her body. She looked like she wanted to say things very carefully. “I’ve never lost a child, so I can’t blame them for their actions. But I’m glad they’ve contacted you. You deserve to have more people that love you in your life.”
“Aw, thanks, Mom.” I hugged her and looked at her. “Do you need gas money?”
“No, baby. Dr. Lerner gave me some extra hours this week to help me out.” Mom mentioned the dentist she’d worked for over the last few years, stars in her eyes.
“Has he asked you out yet?” I’d been to work with her one day over the winter break, and I’d noticed the sparks that flew between them.
It had been years since my father passed, and she deserved a happy life. I didn’t resent the good dentist at all. I wanted her to have a nice man to spend her life with and he seemed like a great guy. Plus, he was handsome, for an older guy.
“Yes!” Mom whispered to me and looked around to make sure we were alone. “It’s just too bad he asked me to go out with him tomorrow night. He’s only free on Sundays and Mondays, so I told him maybe Monday. I should spend tomorrow with you.”
“No, Mom. You call him back and tell him you’ll be seeing him tomorrow. I’ve got plans. I’m, uh, taking a little trip to Vegas. My own celebration present to myself.”
“Wow, that sounds great! You deserve it, baby. Alright, I’ll call him before I leave then.”
“Go call him then, I’ll pull my car around to your spot. Love you, Mom.” I hugged her, put the card in my bag, and got in the car.
The drive home took an hour and then we were back in Hickory. When I saw the oh-so-familiar giant American flag flying at the car dealership, along with the pitted roads, I smiled. I was home. Mom pulled off an exit and we stopped together at the restaurant.
It was a fun night, filled with laughter and love. For a little while, I forgot about the Rome brothers and Amanda as Mom and I talked. I told her about Brooklyn’s pregnancy and how she would be in Charlotte by the end of the week. Mom had met Brook more than once over the years and loved her like another daughter. She even had a graduation present to give to Brooklyn.
She was as surprised as I was about the very careful Brooklyn slipping up and getting pregnant but said she’d be there to help too. That made me love my mom even more. We were ordering dessert when we both got a surprise.
Dr. Lerner walked into the restaurant and greeted Mom. “I’m sorry, I knew you were coming here and I have to admit, I couldn’t help but crash the party. I wanted to say congratulations to Nicolette and to see you, Milly.”
My mom blushed and pointed at the spot beside her in the booth where she sat. I sat on the other side of the table and grinned like a kid that’s just found out a naughty secret. I’m fairly certain Dr. Lerner is in love with my mother, and that suited me just fine.
“Hi there,” I said with a bright smile in place. “Nice to see you again.”
“And you, Nicolette. Congratulations by the way.” He handed me a card and when I looked inside, I saw gift certificates for free cleanings and other treatments. “I thought, as you’ll be in the job market, or new to a job, you might want to, ahem, well, I didn’t want to assume anything, you have very nice teeth, it’s just…”
“It’s great, actually. Thank you.” It was a thoughtful gift, even if he’d managed to wrap himself up in embarrassment. I didn’t want him to feel that way so took the present graciously. “It’s really thoughtful of you.”
“My pleasure.” He answered and looked around. “So, you’re ordering dessert?”
“Yes, a molten brownie for us both. Would you like anything?” Mom looked up at the very tall man even though she was sitting down. He towered over her and I thought it was cute. He had blond hair turning to gray at the temples, hazel eyes, and a clean-shaven face. He wore a nice watch, and a single ring, a tiger eye jewel in a gold band, on his right hand.