Page 101 of Perfect Enough
“Okay, okay! Let’s all get back up and do some ballet, shall we?”
I started the class again, only to have my mother peek her head in and motion for me to join her while Renee, the other instructor, skipped in with a huge smile.
“Girls, Ms. Renee will be taking over while I go talk to someone. Be sure your eyes are on her and your ears are wide open!”
Quickly making my way to my mother, I followed her down the hall and to her office. Once inside, I shut the door. The familiar smell of vanilla soothed me. My mother loved those plug-in things from Bath & Body; vanilla was her go-to scent. It always reminded me of Christmas and such happy memories.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
She had a massive smile on her face. “Nothing at all! I signed the papers this morning, and the deal will be done in three weeks if everything clears at the title company. And—I got an offer on the house!”
Sinking into a chair, I stared at her. “Already?”
“Yes! And David agreed to go to Banff with me.”
Surprised, I asked, “David is going with you?”
Nodding, she replied, “Yes. He loves to travel, and he said he’d go with me on my first trip since I’ve never really traveled much.”
My brows shot up. My mother had always wanted to visit Banff, but my father hated to travel very far from home, unless of course it was for work. Not even when I was little. The only reason I ever went to Disney World was because I had a dance competition there.
“Mom, this is all happening so fast.”
Her smile faded. “I know, sweetheart, but I thought you were onboard. You said you wanted a change.”
“I do, it’s just…”
“What is it? Does this have anything to do with Josh? I have to admit, I was surprised to see you this morning. I figured you’d be with him still.”
I blinked rapidly to keep my emotions in check. “He, um…well, he didn’t want me there, and he made it very clear.”
My mother stood and made her way around the desk. Sitting on the surface, she took my hand and held it. “I remember when you didn’t want anyone around either, after your father passed. You locked yourself away for far too long. But in the end, you were glad Chloe forced you to get out of your apartment. Do you remember that?”
I nodded. “I remember. But I didn’t tell anyone to their face that I wanted them to leave, that they weren’t welcome. I promised his mother I wouldn’t let him push me away, but at the same time, I can’t let him treat me like a punching bag.”
“Was hethatcruel?” she asked, her voice showing how surprised she was.
“He wasn’t exactly cruel, but he wasn’t the same man I’ve known the last couple of months.”
Her eyes shone with understanding. “Oh, Sophia. You have to know he’s hurting. Has he ever lost anyone in his life before?”
I shrugged. “I’m not sure. I don’t think so. Both sets of grandparents are—were…alive, but he isn’t close to his mother’s parents. I get the impression he’s hardly ever seen them. His grandfather was like his best friend. I was supposed to meet himlastweekend. He wanted to introduce me to him before even introducing me to his parents.”
“Give him time, and don’t give up. I know it’s hard, and I don’t want you to let anyone treat you badly, but understand his grief is not letting him think clearly.”
I nodded.
“Why don’t you let Renee finish up this class and your tap class? Take the rest of the day off.”
Sighing, I stood, and my mother did the same. “I guess I need to start considering my living options in Hamilton. I don’t want to commute.”
“You wouldn’t stay with Josh?”
“I don’t knowwhatwill happen, if I’m being honest. I think it’s best to look for my own place, just in case.”
Pulling me into a hug, my mother held me in her arms, and I felt the sting of tears. “Don’t give up on the relationship, Sophia. If the boy wants space, then give it to him.”
Stepping back, I wiped my tears away. “I will. It’s just…the way he spoke to me yesterday. It was like he couldn’t stand that I was even there. I think I made him mad by denying him something.”