AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Emotionally, I’m in a better place now.” She waved around the lawn and house. “And, of course, financially stable, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t wanted a do-over where you’re concerned.” She snuggled her hands into her coat. “Surprised?”
Mom’s transparency stole Vi’s breath away and upended years of preconceived notions. She deliberately inhaled through her nose, then exhaled.
Mom frowned at Cyrus, then continued, “I’ve made horrendous mistakes. We’ve both paid the price. Especially you. If I were in your place, I wouldn’t want anything to do with me either, but I do love you.” Her mouth tweaked in a wry grin. “Our mutual love for you was the only thing your dad and I agreed on without question.”
Vi swallowed hard. Rory had pegged it right. Mom loved her. Another jagged edge of her soul wove together in a seamless stitch. “Thanks for telling me … everything.” However welcome the news, she didn’t want Mom to assume anything. “I’m still not living in Houston.”
Mom’s nose wrinkled. “First your father, now you. Well, maybe I’ll drive to Valiant more often. I hear they have a stellar gym with a to-die-for massage therapist. And who is this Rory who’s remodeling the house?”
Vi shot her a warning look. “You know perfectly well who Rory is, Mom.”
“Those earrings you’re wearing. Did he pick them out?”
“Mom!” Vi stood, stamping her feet to revive circulation.
“It’s time we went inside, Violet. I’m freezing.” Chin high, Mom brushed past her to the front door. “The man appears to have excellent taste—in jewelry … and women.” Laughter lurked in the depths of her blue eyes.
Rory couldn’t let Christmas pass without a word from Vi.
Are you home? Awake?
His fingers had itched to text her all day. Not knowing her circumstances, he’d held back, though it had required monumental effort.
Yes and yes. Too much coffee.
How did your day go?
Part aggravation. Part healing. And yours?
Mostly boring. I’ve been thinking about our date.
No response.
He might as well share his idea.
What if we have a prequel first?
What’s a prequel?
His thumbs flowed over the keys.
A little pre-date.
Cyrus is snorting at you again.
This Wed. evening. A prequel.
Nite, Rory.
At least she didn’t say no.
I’m missing you, Red.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“How do I look?” Vi stood in the kitchen doorway. She’d dressed for a casual date, and even applied makeup. Glancing down at her black jeans and cable-knit sweater, she touched her matching tam. Would her outfit please Rory? Should she even care?
“Where are you off to?” Brenna paused from slicing tomatoes at the counter.
