Page 51 of Hate to Love You
My eyes widen. “He did?” I’m so shocked by this information that I feel like I’m going to fall right off my stool. I had no idea they were still in contact.
She nods. “He said you were pretty upset about it. That you walked out of the restaurant.”
The air hisses from my lungs. “You guys aren’t even divorced yet and he’s already asking someone else to marry him?” Even thinking about it pisses me off. “Who does that?”
She reaches over and rubs my arm. “The paperwork has been filed, Natalie. It’s going to happen, and you need to make your peace with it.”
This conversation hurts my heart. It also strikes me as odd that I’m more upset about their divorce than either one of my parents are. I was afraid that Mom would be devastated when she found out about the engagement. I take a closer look at her. She certainly doesn’t seem upset.
“I just didn’t expect him to move on so quickly.” My lip curls with disgust. “And with her, no less.”
“I know. And I understand you’re still hurt and angry. But this is what your father wants.” She pulls her hand away from me and folds both of them in her lap before sitting up straighter. “I don’t want to be with a man who doesn’t want to be married to me.”
“Mom…”
“I’m fine,” she says quickly. “I really am. I found a career that I enjoy and I’m taking better care of myself. I haven’t done that for a long time. And,” she pauses, “I’ve started dating again.”
I blink, shocked by her announcement.
“You’re dating?” I wasn’t expecting this at all. Of course, I want her to be happy. I don’t want her sitting home alone on a Friday night, drowning her sorrows in a bottle of pinot grigio. At some point, I fully expected her to get back out there again.
Just not yet.
She nods. A smile simmers on her lips. “In fact, I had plans to go out tonight.”
“You cancelled your date? Why?”
“I’d rather spend time with you. I thought we could rent a movie, maybe do a little spa night.” She wiggles her brows. “I have a new charcoal face mask I want to try out. We can do mani pedis on each other. All the stuff we used to do.”
“That sounds great, Mom.” I chew my lower lip, feeling guilty that I’m getting in the way of her budding social life. When I decided to come home, it never occurred to me that she might have plans. I run a hand over my face. I’m not ready for this. Dad is engaged and Mom is dating. “I don’t want you cancelling your date for me. We can always watch a movie and do a spa night tomorrow.”
“I don’t mind.” Growing more serious, she says, “You come first. Always.”
One side of my mouth hitches. She doesn’t have to tell me that. “I know. But still, don’t cancel your date. I’m pretty tired and was planning to hit the sack early.”
Uncertainty flickers across her face. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” Reaching over, I give her fingers a little squeeze and search her face. “You seem a lot more Zen. I was afraid to tell you about Dad and Bridgette. I was worried that it might push you over the edge.”
Like it did me.
Her expression turns thoughtful. “I haven’t mentioned it before, but I’ve been working with a therapist for about a month, and it’s really helped me to see things with more clarity. Our marriage didn’t just fall apart overnight. It had been slowly eroding for years, and I chose not to repair it.” She searches my eyes and adds, “He may have been the one who walked away, but I’m not sure I blame him for that anymore. I think he did us both a favor.”
Her admission catches me completely off guard. I’ve always blamed my father for leaving. Not once did I ever think she brought this on. He fell in love with someone else and left us. I’m happy for her and glad she’s moving on, but I’m not at that point yet.
And I’m not sure when I’ll get there either.
“I’ve also started practicing yoga and meditation.”
When I just stare, she cracks a smile. I’m having a difficult time imagining her meditating. Or doing the downward dog.
“In fact, there’s a seven o’clock class tomorrow morning.” Her smile widens. “You’re welcome to join me.”
“That sounds interesting, but I’m going to take a hard pass on that. I plan on sleeping in until at least ten.”
She shrugs. “Maybe another time.”
“Definitely.” I’ve avoided yoga like the plague. I like high-energy cardio like kickboxing and Zumba. The thought of sitting quietly and holding poses doesn’t appeal to me. Although, for Mom, I’d give it a try.