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She rubs my back, just like I do with Isabel. “Let it all out, honey. It’s okay.”
Cody and Kiara slip out of the room, granting us a moment of privacy.
I’m not sure how long I bawl like a baby in my mother’s arms, but eventually my chokes turn into sniffles and my body relaxes.
She pulls back a little and brushes the hair off my face, before cradling my chin. “Oh, my sweet girl.” She wipes away the wetness from my cheeks, just like moms do.
“Thank you for coming so soon,” I hiccup, gaining composure.
“Of course, Mae.” Her eyes glaze with emotion. “Thank you for calling.”
I swallow the ball of shame forming in my throat. “I’m sorry for not calling sooner.”
“Oh, honey. You never have to apologize to me.” She wraps me up again, and I let her. It feels nice to lean on someone.
“I know it’s under strange circumstances, but I want you to meet Remi.” We walk over to his bed, where he’s peacefully sleeping.
“My, my. Handsome and a superhero.” She turns toward me, smiling. “You’ve done well, Mae.”
“Yeah.” My cheeks heat. I’m not sure why I’m so coy about it. Maybe it’s the compliment or that I finally stopped criticizing the things I’m failing at and focused on the things going well.
My daughter is safe. Jay and I have job security, as do our employees. Remi is awake, and I will have the means to take care of him, just like he’s always done for me. And best of all, I’m in love. Turns out I’m pretty good at it, regardless of what Brad did.
After a while, Cody and Kiara come back, and I introduce them to Charlotte. We all sit around, getting to know each other better through whispered stories of childhood memories and life in general. It’s not long before visiting hours are over, and we all have to leave.
Kiara must see the longing written all over my face when I kiss Remi goodbye because she makes a difficult concession. “Mae, do you want to stay tonight?”
My head swivels in her direction. “Is that okay? I know how close you both are.”
“Yeah, but I bet he’d rather wake up to you than my resting bitch face.” She laughs.
“I don’t think it would matter, but…” The thought of sleeping by him all night gives me a sense of comfort. Like we’ll never have to sleep apart again.
But then there is Isabel. I’ve already been away from her more than I ever have in the past. As much as Remi needs me, she needs me more.
“Isabel needs me. She’s been staying at Jay’s.” I scrape my fingers through my hair. “I don’t know.”
“Baby, how about I go to Jay’s and stay with Isabel?” Charlotte comes to me and rubs my arm. “Or I could bring her home. Either way, we can video call you. You can tell her that Remi woke up and you are staying to help him get better.”
My nose stings at her tempting offer. I turn to Remi and contemplate my decision. It’s like I’m being ripped in half.
“It’s okay, Mae. Isabel is cared for by people who love her. Sure, she’s missing you, but she’ll be okay for one night.” Charlotte sounds so reasonable, it’s a wonder I never spared her an ear before.
Isabel is probably having the time of her life. She’ll have three people doting on her. And I’ll get to say goodnight.
Will this mother’s guilt ever subside?
“Yeah, okay. For tonight.” I turn to Charlotte as I pick up my bag and hand her my keys. “You can stay wherever, but I know she would love to spend time with her grammy.” Grabbing my phone, I send a quick text to Jay, giving them a heads-up that she’s coming.
With a beaming grin, she nods and puts my keys in her purse. “Do you have a toiletry bag you want me to bring you in the morning?”
I explain where my stuff is, and I’m so much lighter having her to lean on.
We all hug in goodbye, and I’m left alone with my hot manny.
The man in question wakes up twenty minutes later.
“Hey, sleepyhead.”
