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“You’ve got to let me be happy on my own. I know it’s taking me longer than either of you would like, but I’m figuring things out as I go. The things I thought I wanted… the marriage, the kids, the whole package… I don’t know if I want them anymore. I’m trying to figure that out, and I don’t want to run back home just because figuring it out has been a little scary sometimes.”
“I can respect that. But what your dad and brother were saying about you having someone following or harassing you—you have to know that as your mom, that’s different. I just want you close where we could keep you safe.”
“I don’t even know that they’re after me. I think it’s Cooper they’re more concerned about. A fan of his that doesn’t like that he’s dating.”
She pauses for a moment, taking another sip of her drink before she speaks again, and I can tell from the tone, I’m about to get a dose of reality from her.
“So to preface… I support you whatever choice you make, Beatrix. But this guy you’re seeing is your ex-boyfriend’s brother who you likely don’t have much of a future with beyond the summer. And just to date him, you’re enduring harassment from some unknown person who’s made you fearful enough that you’re taking your father’s security recommendations seriously. Are you sure that’s worth it?” She turns a skeptical look on me.
I take a deep breath and then swallow the rest of my champagne.
“So far, it’s been the best summer of my life, despite all of that.”
Her flatlined lips curl just slightly at the corner, enough that you might call it a partial smile, and she tilts her head.
“Well. Then listen to your father. If you won’t come home, at least make sure you’re safe where you are.”
“I will, Mom.”
She hugs me from the side one last time.
“All right. I’m back into the fray. Don’t hide in here too long. It’s not fair to leave your guy with the lions.”
I grin at her, and then she disappears through the rows of plants.
27
Beatrix
When we get back from Seattle, Lizzy is back from summer camp, and Cooper’s headed to the stadium for some of the OTAs. This leaves the two of us to our own devices most days this week, and that’s meant a lot of pool and video game time when I’m finished with my half days working for Madison on Quentin’s projects. I’m just winding up some emails to inquire about some local business partnerships when Lizzy meanders into the room.
“Hey. You getting hungry?” I ask as I hit send and close my laptop.
“Starving. Are there snacks?”
“There’s some fruit in the fridge and some of the little baby cheeses your dad picked up from the grocery, but I was going to start making dinner. I was about to ask what you’d like—tacos, spaghetti, curry… Any of that sound good?”
“All of it, but tacos sound amazing. Do we have guacamole?”
“No, but I think we have the stuff to make it if you want to help me.” We make our way to the kitchen.
“Sure. What time is Dad getting home? Do you know?”
“In about an hour, so I think we can time it perfectly.” I smile at her, and we both start pulling ingredients from the pantry and fridge.
“So…” Lizzy starts. “My birthday is coming up soon, and I was thinking it would be amazing if you could make some of your signature cupcakes that you always used to make.”
“I can do that. But aren’t you and your dad going to the lake house for your birthday? I thought he said your grandparents had some special stuff planned for you down there.”
“We are, and they do. Which is why I was hoping you’d go with us…” She gives me a mischievous grin, and when I open my mouth to protest, she cuts me off at the pass. “And before you say no, I know that Uncle Rob will be there, but it’s a big house. You’ll be spending all of your time with me and Dad, and we can be out on the lake and doing our own thing. So besides a dinner or two, you won’t even have to see him. Plus, when he sees how gorgeous you look this summer, he’ll be eating his heart out.”
“Exactly how long have you been planning this ambush?” I laugh at the way she’s thought out her whole argument on this.
“A while. I just really want you to come. It’s sucked without you there, and this time, there’s no reason you can’t go. It’ll just be with me and Dad instead.”
“I don’t know. I don’t have any hard feelings where your uncle is concerned, and I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s a big house, and we can both do our own thing, but it’s really a family thing for you all, and I feel like I’d be intruding on that.”
“I want you intruding. It’s my birthday. I should get some say—and I want Trix hangouts and cupcakes for my birthday.” Lizzy rolls her lower lip and makes a face that lays on all the guilt.
