Page 79 of Perfect Enough
My mother drew in a deep breath. “A lot has changed in the last six months.”
Glancing down to the picture of my parents on my desk, I softly replied, “It has.”
“This might be the perfect time to tell you something I’ve decided on.”
Lifting my gaze from the picture to her, I asked, “What is it?”
She sat back in her chair. “I, too, have realized a few things. One is that I’ve been…oh, what do the kids say? All up in your business way more than I should be.”
I smiled. “I don’t think they say that anymore, but your statement is true.”
“Are you happy with Josh? Or did you start dating him because I was pressuring you?”
Chewing on my lower lip, I quickly weighed my options before answering. I could be honest with her, but I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, so I talked around the truth a bit.
“Do you know how I met Josh?”
“No, how?”
“I sent a text to Dad’s phone number during a very low moment, and Josh replied. We struck up a friendship before we even met one another. And to answer your question, I’m dating Josh because I like him, Mom.”
Her eyes lit up, and she smiled. “You do?”
Nodding, I said, “I do. He’s not like any other guy I’ve ever gone out with. There’s something…differentabout him that I just adore. His heart is so full of kindness, he’s a gentleman, he’s supportive. And the way he looks at me, Mom…it makes my heart feel like it’s floating in my chest.”
She reached across the desk and took my hand. “I’m so happy, sweetheart. I know your past relationships have been…difficult, for lack of a better word. It makes me happy to know you’ve found someone who makes you feel the way you do.”
“I can see myself falling head over heels in love with him.”
“By that smile on your face, you might already be.”
I let out a soft chuckle.
“Well, my news might make dating him even easier.”
Frowning, I asked, “What is it?”
Looking down at our clasped hands, she closed her eyes. It was almost like she was trying to find the strength to say what she wanted to tell me.
“Mom, it’s okay. Whatever it is, you can tell me.”
Her face lifted, and our eyes met. At that moment, I knew our lives were about to change significantly.
“I’ve decided to sell the dance studio.”
I heard the words, but they took a few extra moments to sink in.
“You’re selling the dance studio? Why?”
“It was always a shared dream with your father, and now that he isn’t here…something’s missing. We had talked about selling and traveling, and sometimes I wonder had I let go of this place sooner, if he might still be here. But at least I’ll be able to travel after I sell the studio.”
“Mom,” I said, squeezing her hand, “we don’t knowwhyDad did what he did.”
Tears filled her eyes, and she let out a long, shaky breath. “Sweetheart, that’s the thing…I know why.”
I jerked back, taking my hand with me as I stared at her. “What do you mean, you know why?”
She stood and started to pace my small office. “I didn’t want to tell you because I knew it would break your heart if you ever found out the truth, Sophia.”