I’m lucky to afford this in the city.
“I need to go, lovies,” my mom says, heading toward me with her arms outstretched. “Tomorrow will be here far too quickly for my liking.” Pulling me into a tight hug, she places a kiss on my temple. “Good luck tomorrow. You make me proud.”
I inhale, taking in the scent that is all Teresa Bennett. Jasmine with a hint of citrus and cedar wood. I squeeze her back, wishing she’d stay but knowing I’ll need to get to bed soon myself.
My mom is home.
She’s my comfort, and it’s always hard to let go, even when I know I’ll see her soon.
After experiencing the loss of my dad, the reality that life isn’t promised is a dark cloud that hovers above, spoiling even the best of days.
“Love you, Mom.”
“Love you, baby girl.” She wipes a tear from under my eye. “Why the sad face?”
“I just wish Daddy were here.”
Her sharp intake of breath always comes at the mention of him. The hurt from his absence never quite abated. I doubt it ever will. He was her soul mate, and love like that doesn’t come around twice in a lifetime.
Or so she says.
“He’s so proud of you. You know that, right?”
I nod, unable to form words, emotion threatening to tug me under.
This is a happy time, and I refuse to have it spoiled because I’m unable to celebrate what I do have. A mom who loves me fiercely and a friend that’s willing to give up her one day off to help me organize my messy apartment.
I stand tall, take a deep breath, and offer a genuine smile. “Thanks for dinner.”
Her hands rise to my shoulders, squeezing. “I’m glad I got to spend the afternoon with you two.”
I walk her to the door and offer one last hug and smile before shutting the door and turning on a sigh.
When my eyes meet Lily’s, she’s staring at me with a look I can’t quite place.
“What?”
She shrugs. “You’ve been a bit off today. And I know it’s not just about your father. Care to tell me why?”
I walk past her, heading to the chair, and swipe the carton of lo mein from her hands.
“Hey! I wasn’t done with that,” she whines.
“Calm down, killer. I just want a small forkful.”
I scoop one small pile onto my paper plate and pass the carton back to her.
“Okay, you have your lo mein... now spill,” she snaps.
I take a bite, ignoring her words and averting my gaze.
“I’m not letting this drop,” she presses. “Where were you for almost twenty minutes last night? You came back looking like you were in shock and slammed two shots of tequila.”
Okay, so she did notice.
I blow out a breath and decide there’s no reason to hide what occurred from Lily.
“Remember that guy you saw looking at me?”