Love Her - Andrea Johnston Page 0,68
even big eyes watching, he kisses me once then twice.
“Go on inside. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Okay. Goodnight.”
Stepping out of his embrace, I move to the door. With my hand on the knob, I peer over my shoulder and catch him standing at the bottom of the steps. I wish he didn’t have to leave. That we could sit together on the porch swing enjoying the silence every night.
Chapter 26
Felicity
In the days since our family date with Connor, the kids have been relentless to do something fun again. Each night before bed, Clem has told me how much happier I’ve been. How much she loves seeing me laugh and smile. She attributes it to Connor. While he has been a shining light in my new life, I know it’s everything else good in our new life. It’s finding my footing at a job I enjoy and discovering a kindred spirit in Gigi. But, most of all because my children are prospering. Both have had hurdles along the way, Clementine most of all, but still they’ve both grown into amazing little humans. Seeing them flourish has grounded me and brought balance to my soul in ways I never knew were missing.
As I gather my things for a shower, there’s a soft knock on my door before it opens. Poking her head inside, my mom rasps a good morning. I notice the color of her skin is off. It isn’t gray but it certainly isn’t her normal peaches and cream color. Add in the dark circles under her eyes. And she looks weak and fragile.
“Mom? What’s wrong?”
“I’m not sure but I think it’s the flu.”
Dropping my things on the bed, I move quickly to her, touching the back of my hand to her cheek.
“You’re burning up. Did you take anything?”
“About an hour ago. I hate to ask this honey, but is there any way you can go in late today? I need someone to be at the store by nine.”
“Why are you worrying about the store? Dad can run by and put a sign on the door that you’re closed today.”
Coughing into her elbow, she looks back to me, and I want to force her back to bed. She looks awful. It isn’t lost on me that we’ll all probably catch whatever it is she’s battling. In my head I’m compiling a shopping list for supplies to hydrate and sanitize.
“I have a big order being delivered this morning. The summer collection I’ve been advertising. I just need someone there to greet the delivery guy and make sure he puts everything in the stockroom.”
“Let me text Brian. You go back to bed. Do you want some tea?”
Guiding her down the hall back to her room, she coughs a few more times before nodding her head. I leave her to settle in and return to my own bedroom, grab my cell phone, and wake the kids.
Once both kids are in somewhat of an awake state, I shoot off a quick text to Brian that my mom needs me. Because he’s the nicest boss ever, he tells me to take the day to help my mom. Mostly, I think he wants to keep the germs away from the office. I don’t blame him at all.
Dad and I agree to divide and conquer. He’ll get the kids to school and stop at the market to help prepare for the plague that is about to hit our house. Meanwhile, I’ll settle Mom in with tea and a light breakfast before heading over to the store and the delivery she’s expecting. It’s been years since I’ve had to open The Closet, but since my mom lives by the old adage “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” the process is pretty simple. I doubt even I can screw it up.
The morning is a blur. After meeting the delivery guy, I searched my mom’s desk and found her seasonal transition list. It’s the same style of list I grew up watching her compile. In her familiar handwriting, I assessed what items I could easily do but not screw up. Thankfully, weekday mornings are relatively slow, and I have only had to attempt the new payment system twice.
As I’m pulling the items that will be marked down for clearance, my phone vibrates in my back pocket. Grabbing the last few hangers of clothing, I place them on the rolling rack I’ve set up behind the counter and pull out my phone.
Connor: Brian said you called in sick.
Connor: Do you need