Page 77 of Power Play

Crystal added shoes because the pair I already owned had a heel she considered too heavy.

Outside, my mother linked her arm through mine as we walked toward the waiting car.

“I had such a lovely day.”

I looked at her.

She meant it.

“So did I.”

“You seem tired.”

“Shopping is exhausting.”

She laughed softly. “You used to follow me anywhere if shoes were involved. Charlie lasted ten minutes before threatening mutiny.”

The ache returned quietly.

I looked toward her. “Do you miss him every day?”

The question slowed her steps.

Her hand tightened around my arm.

“Yes.”

The polished expression softened into something older.

“Every single day.”

My throat tightened. “Me too.”

Crystal touched my cheek. “I know.”

I wanted to tell her I didn’t know how to miss Charlie correctly anymore. Sometimes I was angry at him for dying and leaving behind a version of himself that could never disappoint anyone again. I wanted to ask whether she knew how often his name still became a measurement.

Instead, I smiled.

My mother kissed my forehead. “You’re all right, sweetheart?”

“Yeah.”

She studied me for another second before accepting it.

“Call your father about the paper.”

“I will.”

“And think about Pilates before the cotillion. Nothing excessive. Two or three sessions would make such a difference.”

My chest tightened. “I’ll look into it.”

“Perfect.”

She kissed my cheek before the driver opened the rear door.

“I love you.”