Page 115 of One Bossy Date
“It wasn’t my idea, Mom.”
“No, I know it wasn’t, but nevertheless, you helped him over the last few weeks. You opened his eyes and encouraged him, knowingly or not. You pushed him in the right direction, and he grew from that. You have always had his back, and he knew inside he could rely on you, and now he’s ready to grab life by its horns.” She grabbed a tissue, dabbed her tears away, and quickly shrugged it off. “And with you leaving, he’s had to step up. Of course, I wish you weren’t leaving, but I wonder about fate and destiny at times like these, when things work out in funny ways.”
“Funny,” I said. “Sure feels like it sometimes.”
She gave me a sad smile. “I’ll miss you, Anderson, dear. But I know this is what you want for yourself. Please know that all is forgiven. As long as you and Daxton are happy.”
Saying goodbye to Mom and my brother was harder than I’d imagined.
I thought about the past year with them and the few months with Zoe. I’d been truly happy. Hell, I still was. I’d been happy overseas, as well, but was it the same kind of happiness? Once I arrived in South America, I’d be able to establish a better perspective.
“Thanks, Mom. I appreciate that, and of course, I’ll be in touch all the time. I’ll arrange for you to come visit soon.”
She beamed. “That would be wonderful.”
“Okay, I need to get going.” I returned her smile and got to my feet. My hand patted my pockets out of habit, checking if I had my phone, then remembered the small box I’d stuffed inside. “Oh, right. I wanted to return this to you.”
I held the ring box out to her, but she shook her head and gently shoved it back. “Keep that, young man. Despite everything, I doubt Daxton will ever settle, and I’m confident that you’ll give this ring to the girl of your dreams, sooner or later. Hopefully sooner.”
I couldn’t be so sure, but I slipped it back in my pocket to appease her. Anything to make the goodbye easier for her. “Thanks, Mom.”
She walked me to the door and hung onto my arm, asking about my travels and when I should be arriving.
“There’s one more thing.”
She lifted her brows in question. “Dear?”
“Don’t you have a friend named Mrs. Loughty? A lady from Britain?”
I’d been meaning to ask her this for some time now, ever since that Christmas Eve dinner when Zoe had mentioned all her new customers.
“Yes, I do. Why?”
My mouth lifted at the corner. “I know what you did, Mom. Zoe mentioned a certain customer named Mrs. Loughty, among other new customers who had recently popped up.”
She smiled, shrugging a shoulder. “I did nothing. Just caught up with some friends.”
I knew I recognized that name, and I now knew that my mom had been recommending Zoe’s business and sending all her friends with cats to the boutique. It meant a lot, knowing that Zoe and my mom got on so well. But Zoe was gone, out of my life.
Damnit. I hated feeling this way.
If only she’d have spoken to me and heard my apology, or let me try to change her mind. Maybe then I wouldn’t be leaving on such bad terms with her at the very least.
“Thanks, Mom, you’re the best. I love you.”
“Love you too, dearest.”
I hugged her, kissed her cheek, and closed the door before strolling down to the car waiting for me.
Sitting in the car, I let my head fall against the headrest. There, I closed my eyes, listening to the heavy winter rain pounding against the roof of the car. How I wished she were here, next to me. Holding onto me. Standing by me. Choosing me.
I grabbed my cell and dialed her number.
One more chance, just one last time.
Pick up. Pick up.
She knew I was leaving today, and there wouldn’t be any more chances to see me.