re. “I’m so sorry. I know you’ll get the best treatment here. If there’s anything I can do…” she stopped. “There is a lot I can help with. I hope you’ll let me do that.”
My mother reached out and patted her arm. “Thank you, Lora. You’re very kind.” She glanced at me like she expected me to do something.
“I appreciate that, Lora. I suspect we’ll need all the support we can get.”
“Of course. I understand you’re living in North Dakota now,” she said.
“Yes. I’ve got a security consulting business there.”
“It’s doing really well,” my mother gushed smiling up at me.
“Who’d of thought there was so much to secure in North Dakota,” Lora laughed.
I wasn’t sure if she was making fun of North Dakota or not. “Actually, we have clients in other locations as well.”
“Their reputation is growing,” again my mother beamed.
I laughed. “I should hire you for all our PR mom.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re doing well, Cy,” Lora said. I suppose it alleviated her guilt if I wasn’t feeling the sting of her rejection anymore. The truth was, I wasn’t. It hit me in that moment that this conversation wasn’t awkward at all. Surely that was a sign that I’d moved on.
“Thank you. I wasn’t sure how I’d adjust to civilian life, but I’ve got a solid business and good friends.”
“Are you seeing anyone?” Lora asked. I wasn’t sure if it was because she was interested in me, as my mother had suggested, or again, just wanted to make sure she hadn’t permanently fucked me up.
I thought of Petal and her sweet smile. But she was my friend. “No. I’m too busy with work and fixing up my house.”
“When it’s done, Cy said he’s going to have me visit.” A shadow crossed my mother’s face when she finished. “I hope I can go.”
My heart dropped to my gut. The doctor seemed to say that her prognosis for remission was good, but there was no guarantee, which my mother clearly understood.
“You’ll come mom.” Whatever I had to do, I’d make sure she beat this fucker and came to visit me. “I should get her home to rest,” I said to Lora.
“Yes, of course. Please, call me if you need anything. Really.”
I nodded, putting my hand on my mom’s lower back to urge her out.
“Lora is such a nice girl,” my mother said when we’d gotten in the car and started home.
“Hmm.”
“She’s still gorgeous. She could have been a model.”
I glanced over at my mother. “There’s more to a woman than good looks.”
“Oh, I know. She’s smart and kind…I mean I know she hurt you, but I think she was lonely.”
I rolled my eyes. “She could have gotten a dog. Or visited you.”
My mother turned her stare out the window.
“Is this really about Lora?” I asked. My mom had never really been one to meddle in my love life.
“I just want you to be happy Cyrus.”
“I am, mom. Really. I’ve got great friends. A growing business.”
“But who will take care of you? Who will love you if—”