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Luke pulled me into his arms, and I wrapped myself around his middle. I felt like I was at the edge of the earth about to fall over. He clutched me tighter, as though sensing my unsteadiness.
Water filled my eyes and I squeezed them shut. I’d just let go of a little part of myself. The part that had always held me back, afraid to step out of line. I was scared, but I was going to Paris.
17
Grace
Luke walked me to my apartment door and, as promised, spoke to Theo and Laura in the hallway as I stepped inside. They had told me that my mother was asleep, but I couldn’t leave for Paris tomorrow without speaking to her.
A soft creak sounded as I opened her door, but she didn’t wake up. The wheelchair sat empty beside her bed and it made me sad as I’d never thought of getting one for her. I just kept believing she would get better soon and wouldn’t need it.
Sitting on the bed, I ran my hand up her white cotton sleeve. Her frail arm was thinner than ever. She didn’t stir. She must have had a very tiring night.
“Mom,” I whispered. A soft murmur escaped her lips as though she had heard me, but her eyes remained closed.
“Mom,” I said louder and closer to her ear.
Her eyes fluttered and she looked straight ahead before fixing her gaze on me.
“Grace? What’s the matter, honey?”
“Nothing. How did it go tonight?”
“Wonderful. But can we talk about this in the morning?” she said, closing her eyes again. “I’m a little tired.”
I hated disrupting her sleep, but I couldn’t leave without telling her.
“Mom?”
“Yes,” she slurred.
“I’m leaving for Paris tomorrow.”
Her eyes opened wide. “What?”
I giggled. “I thought that would wake you up.”
She blinked twice. “Are you serious?”
“I am. But if you’re not comfortable staying with Theo and Laura, just say so. I haven’t bought tickets or anything. Luke is taking us on his private plane so I can always say no.”
“If you say no, I’ll never speak to you again.”
My heart ached at the command in her voice. My mother hadn’t ordered me to do anything since… Well, I couldn’t remember the last time.
“Okay, Mom. I’ll go. But I’ll be back on Monday after work.”
“Don’t rush on my account,” she said and closed her eyes again. I knew her exhaustion was too deep to stay awake. I was glad I spoke to her, though.
“I love you, Mom,” I said, but she didn’t respond. She had fallen back asleep.
I ran my fingers along her salt and pepper hair, then bent down and kissed her cool cheek.
I closed her door softly behind me and found Luke waiting in the foyer.
“Is she all right?” he asked.
“Yeah. Just tired. She gave me her blessing to leave for Paris.”
