I think for a moment.
“Well, no.” It surprises me to realize that I never really had that intense certainty about Marky.
“Hmm. Well, maybe that’s not a bad thing, Cora. Because if this relationship was supposed to have worked out, I know you would be more upset about the break-up.” My mom stands up. “Some more tea?”
“Sure.” I sit there and ponder what my mom just said.
She’s right. I was full of doubts the entire relationship – especially why he never wanted to be intimate with me.
“You know Cora,” my mom says from the stove, her back to me. “I think you should take some time away from here, from everything and everyone. To really clear your head and get a fresh start. And to avoid the busybodies who are bound to ask about you two.”
“Mom, I can’t, you know that. Hearts and Heroes has several shipments coming in this week and plus I’m trying to get that author to commit to a book-signing next month.”
Running a business is hard. She just doesn’t get it.
My mom comes back to the table with the mugs full of hot water and sits next to me, considering her next words. I steady myself, unsure if I can handle any more of this conversation tonight.
“Sweetie. I can only imagine the stress you feel at work, and everyday I’m grateful that your dad and I can provide at least some financial relief for you. But this – ” she gestures around the room, searching for the right words – “event is life-changing. It’s a huge development; it’s going to affect you for, well, forever. It’s not just heartbreak, sweetheart, it’s that your trust was broken.”
I nod, agreeing with her assessment of my situation. God she’s good.
“And,” my mom continues after blowing on her hot tea, “you’re numb to the pain. But it will hit you, at some point. And when it does, I want you to be in a safe place, to feel like you can go through all of that without everyone trying to butt in with their opinions or pity.”
“I guess you might be right,” I offer reluctantly.
“Good, it’s settled then. You should go up to the cabin for a week, maybe two. The fresh air will be good, and it should have everything set up aside from groceries. You can shop in the morning, and take whatever you want with you from here, too.”
“That’s a good idea, Mom, but what about my job?” I shake my head, unsure how to just up and vanish for two weeks.
Marcia’s ready with an answer.
“Hadley can run things. You hired her for a reason, and it’s not just because she’s your best friend. She’s a great assistant manager. She can handle the store while you’re away.”
“And what about the engagement? When am I supposed to tell everyone? What do I tell everyone?” I lay my head in my hands again, overwhelmed by the thought of having to share my mortifying news.
“I’ll handle it. I’ll keep it short and private. It’s no one’s business why you two ended things,” my mom says decidedly.
“I don’t know, Mom…”
“Cora, please just trust me on this. Take a couple of weeks to process everything. Okay?”
I nod, adjusting to the idea and hoping that my mom’s advice will help me through this next step.
“Okay Mom, I’ll go.”
“Good.” She stands up. “Alright kiddo, let’s get to bed.”
I stand up and hug Marcia again, already feeling relieved at the idea of escaping my real life, if only for a little bit.
Upstairs in my bedroom, I still can’t sleep, so I decide to pack. I grab my duffel bag from its spot in the closet and try to distract myself with the task at hand.
It’s only the second week of March, and the cabin is located in the mountains, so it’ll be colder up there, I think. I grab a stack of sweaters, a few lighter flannel shirts, several leggings and sweatpants, thick socks, and some beanies. Then, I stuff everything into the duffel. Next, I grab my underwear and bras and place them into a side pocket. Finally, I grab several romance novels off the bookshelf and place them on top of the mess of clothes.
My life might not be a romance novel, but at least I can pretend for a little.
Saddened by the thought, I sit down heavily on my bed and ask myself if getting out of town for a while really is the best idea.
You’ve got to do something, I scold myself. It might not help, but going to the cabin is something different.
I toss my duffel bag onto the floor and climb into my bed, opting to pack everything else in the morning.
For now, I just want to sleep and start fresh, so I dream of mountain air in my lungs and maybe a few bottles of wine to keep me company.