Page 92 of Every Now and Then

No problem. So, what else is new?

Grace

Mom said she thinks we’re going to have to rent Mr. Dave’s house for a few months before we buy something, but she’s a little worried he might be a curve. But Aunt Laura says he’s not a curve.

A curve? What the hell does that mean? A curve?

Wait.

Could Grace mean aperv? Like Annabelle's co-worker might be a pervert?

Oh, hell no. That's not happening.

Tell me more about this curve, Grace.

Having no willpower, I may as well use Grace to obtain information about Annabelle. It’s kind of a chump move, but with states separating us, I’ll use whatever informational sources I can.

At least that’s how I rationalize pumping a kid for intel.

Grace

IDK. Aunt Laura says he has a crush on Mom, but Mom's worried he might be a weirdo.

Your mom told you all that?

Grace

No way. I eavesdrop.

I grin. Yep, that tracks.

How's your mom handling everything?

Bubbles hop across the phone screen, showing that Grace is responding, but I’m surprised when she takes a couple of minutes to formulate her response.

Grace

Mom’s okay, just really stressed about moving and stuff. She’s frustrated because she can’t find a house she likes, and she’s worried about getting the house all packed up for the movers.

A tough therapy session on top of the stress of moving has been a double-whammy for Annabelle. Shit, add in Sloane's article and it's a triple-whammy. My work trip couldn’t have come at a worse time. I want to be in Nashville with her, offering aid and support.

I hate feeling helpless.

When I let that thought sink in, I realize this situation brings me back to the feelings of helplessness I often felt as a child because I couldn't do more to help my mom out.

Mulling over Grace’s messages, I have a few ideas of ways to help Annabelle, though.

We’ve already discussed the idea of them staying in the condo until she finds a place, but after hearing that Annabelle doesn’t feel entirely comfortable renting her co-worker’s house, my resolution grows stronger. Now, I just need to convince Annabelle to take the idea seriously.