Once the food was all away, Beverly hesitated near the stairs before sitting next to her mom on the couch.
"You came down because you want to talk, I take it."
"If you want to. I know how hard you're working, and it is hard work. Your father would often fall asleep when we would talk after shifts... There were times when I would fall asleep too. We were like an old married couple." Her mom smiled wistful.
"Just say what's on your mind," Beverly murmured, figuring her mom wanted to talk about her husband some more.
Her mom eyed the vase. "Such beautiful flowers." She grinned.
"I want to talk about Roy."
Beverly blinked."What about him?" she asked cautiously.
Her mom gave her a look that saidyou know what I'm talking about. "Roy... he seems like a good one." She paused. "What do you think of him?" her mom asked finally, her voice soft and hesitant.
Beverly bit her lower lip for a moment before answering. "I... I don't know yet," she admitted honestly.
Her mom nodded in understanding before patting Beverly's hand in support. "Give it time," she said gently. "He's kind, and he clearly cares for you deeply. He wants to be your friend... That may not seem like much now, but it might mean more when you find yourself again."
Beverly felt a wave of emotions wash over her, and she nodded before looking away to hide the tears in her eyes. She knew what her mother was trying to say, that friendship could turn into something more if it was meant to be. It seemed like such a distant possibility with all that had happened in the past few weeks, but maybe someday soon, she might be ready for something new and exciting in life.
"Even if you two only remain friends," her mom continues, "the two of you make a good team." Her mom put her hand on Beverly's arm and gave it a light squeeze. "Sometimes when life throws us curve balls, it takes time to figure out how we fit into each other's lives in more than just a work capacity. Roy is patient and kind enough to wait until you're ready. That's not something every man will do."
Beverly was stunned by this turn of events. She'd expected her mother to be against the idea of her getting close with anyone let alone Roy specifically, but here she was, supporting it.
"Thanks, Mom," Beverly said quietly.
Her mom smiled softly and hugged Beverly gently.
"It's just... I don't know. I haven't really been on many dates ever. I've always been so work oriented, and the few guys I dated, they didn't understand why I would want to work in construction. They thought I was just going it for my father, not because I truly wanted to do it, but here comes Roy, hiring me within blinking. But... that's just it. I work for him. The job will end eventually."
"You two can remain friends at the very least."
Beverly swallowed hard. "Yes, friends," she said, surprised by the bitterness in her voice.
"What's wrong, honey? Am I worn? I think I see something brewing between you two, but it's possible I just might want to see that. I don't want you to be alone."
"Mom, I have you," Beverly protested.
"Yes, but I won't live forever," her mom said softly.
"Can we not talk about that?" Beverly asked stiffly.
The last thing she wanted to think about was her mom dying anytime soon.
"I'm sorry, honey," her mom said.
"It's just... I don't want to think about losing you, and the thought of letting someone in... as more than a friend potentially... I don't want to get hurt again."
"I don't think Roy would hurt you."
"Yes, I know. I don't either... but the others I work... it wouldn't be easy to find a guy who is willing to tolerate all of that, and there are days when I come home and don't even eat dinner and just go to bed. I wouldn't even be up for a phone call. I'm talking after this job, after I've moved on..."
"Maybe you shouldn't focus on the negatives so much and focus on the positives."
"Mom..." Beverly bit her lower lip. "Can we talk some?"
"Of course. We can talk about anything you want?"