doesn’t come.
I’m nervous. Scared even. More than that, I’m free.
My time in Winter Valley taught me to see things through a fresh lens. I’m not letting that go to waste. I might even go on a date . . . eventually.
Something about that, though, doesn’t sit well. I push the cardboard tray of food away. I don’t want to go on a date with just anyone. I want . . . No, I won’t think about him or what we’ll never have.
My phone vibrates in the cupholder. I glance down, but the name on the caller ID isn’t who I expect.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Hey, sweetheart.” Her worried voice surrounds me over the car’s speakers.
“I’m okay.” That’s a lie. “I’m going to be okay,” I amend. Another lie.
“I know you will be.”
Her confidence in me gives a much-needed boost. After my last breakup, she seemed more concerned about Stan than me. I know now that wasn’t the truth, but at least she’s not telling me what a great guy Colin is. She wouldn’t be wrong except for the lying.
I’m also glad Mom doesn’t hold it against me that I left without her and didn’t even send a text telling her where I was going. Her forgiveness has been my daily balm since our first phone call when all I could do was cry.
“I actually thought you were Aurora calling.” I throw the car in reverse and back out of the parking spot.
A disgruntled noise comes through the phone. “What’s she up to now?” Mom doesn’t bother to hide the disgust in her voice.
“I wouldn’t know. I haven’t talked to her.”
“Thank goodness for small mercies,” she mutters.
I press my lips together to keep from laughing. She’s not wrong.
“I quit.”
Silence.
I check my phone to make sure we’re still connected before I turn onto the highway.
“I’m proud of you.”
She is?
“I don’t have another job—”
“You’ll find your way.” Her belief in me is so strong I feel it through the phone. “You took the power back and stopped letting that woman run all over you. That takes courage.”
Or stupidity. But I prefer her assessment. I already feel stronger with not one ounce of regret.
“I’m not sure what I want to do, but I have a few ideas.” The stirrings of excitement swirl in me. It doesn’t diminish the pain from the hole where Colin and Perry used to be, but it gives me hope.
“Don’t rush into anything. When the right thing comes along, you’ll know.”
I get the impression we aren’t talking about my career any longer. She’s been suspiciously silent about all things Bradford, even though I know she has the inside track. She’s still in Winter Valley.
“Have you decided when you’re coming back?” I ask carefully. I’m not ready to see my mom yet—I’m not ready to see anyone—but I’ll need the kind of hug only she can give soon.
“I’m not sure. I have some things to sort out myself.”
Like what? Instead of asking, I let it go. “Love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, sweetheart. Let me know when you’ve made it back safely.”
“I will.”
The minute she’s gone, loneliness surrounds me once more. I did the right thing by quitting. I deserve more.
I can’t be completely angry with Aurora. Because of her, I have a little thicker skin. She’s business savvy. I’ve witnessed tactics I’d like to carry forward . . . and ones I’ll leave behind. I’ve had a taste of different aspects of the hotel industry. Now I’m certain which ones appeal to me.
I have the skills to pursue my own adventure or take to a new career with another company. And I won’t put up with crap from another horrible boss. Ever.
What if I’m doing exactly what my mother says I always do? Burying myself in work.
This feels different.
She’s right. I’ve finally taken back power over my life. I’m controlling what I can.
It’s going to take a lot of time, but I’ll eventually learn how to deal with what I can’t control. Colin’s behavior and the lost opportunity for us to take a leap of faith with each other.
I pass a billboard with a unicorn on it and touch the pendant Perry and Colin gave me. The waterworks start all over again.
The late afternoon sun streaks across the parking lot of my apartment as I wheel in. There’s no blanket of snow on the ground. There’s no sparkle in the trees. Just a dark Mercedes with pitch-black windows in my spot?
I’d know that car anywhere.
I yank on the door handle. Why is she here?
Aurora