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CHAPTER 14
Cash
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
It was the fourth time that she’d asked that question in the two hours we’d been on the road, and my answer was always the same.
“Yes.”
And for good reasons. One, because I did not want her driving the ten hours to Tennessee alone. And two, because I needed to answer the question that had been niggling in my mind since she’d told me that James Comfort was not her father.
The music that had been playing softly in the background cut off and the console lit up indicating a call was coming in. I’d planned to ignore it until I saw who was calling.
“Sorry, I need to answer this. Hey Mom, you’re on speaker.”
“Hi, dumplin’. I saw you called.”
“Did you listen to my message?” It was a stupid question to ask because I already knew the answer. While Cheyenne was finishing up packing I’d left a message for my mom explaining that there’d been a change in plans, but I should’ve just texted.
For as long as I could remember, my mother had had an aversion to voicemails. Even back in the day when we had landlines and an answering machine, we’d come home to find the red light blinking to indicate that someone had left a voicemail and my mom would ignore it stating, “If it’s important they’ll call back.”
“Why would I listen to that thing when I can just call you?”
Fair enough.
“And why am I on speaker?”
“Because I’m drivin’.”
“Oh good, ya hit the road! I told Mitch to leave the back door open for ya since you know I can’t keep my eyes open past nine o’clock. Now Mitch, he’s a night owl, so he’ll probably be up—”
“I’m not coming tonight.”
Cheyenne’s hair fanned out as she whipped around and glared at me as she and my mother simultaneously chorused, “What?!”
When I’d called my mom earlier today to make sure that she was going to be in town for her birthday, I’d tried to keep my visit a secret, but my mom had a way of worming things out of me. My plan had been to be on the road hours ago and drive straight through, so I’d arrive around three in the morning.
But that was before I flipped a u-ey and my plans changed. I still would’ve been on the road hours ago, but Cheyenne hadn’t been quite as ready to walk out the door as she’d claimed when I’d shown up. We didn’t end up leaving for another three hours after she agreed to let me tag along on her road trip.
Snacks had to be purchased. Playlists had to be made. Instructional care notes had to be written for each of her cats. Toiletries had to be packed. Lists had to be checked off.
It amazed me how much time people could take to get ready. I threw a few things in a bag and walked out the door.
“Something came up and I’m not going to be able to get up there for a couple of days,” I started to explain.
“No!” Cheyenne stage whispered. Out of the corner of my eye I could see her head shaking as she held her finger in the air and made a circular motion. “Turn around.”
“Who’s that? I hear someone whisperin’.”
I cut a quick look over at Cheyenne who was staring at me like a deer in headlights. I didn’t want to put her on the spot, but my mama was not a woman to be ignored.
“I’m with Cheyenne.”
“Cheyenne! Oh, my days, sweetie pie! How are you?”
“I’m fine Mrs. Malone.”
“It’s Mrs. Cramston now, but I’m Colleen to you. Oh my goodness, this is the best birthday present ever! I can’t believe that you’re coming to see me! And you’re going to be at my party!” my mom exclaimed. “Mitch! Sabrina’s little girl is coming to see—”
