The Inn At Seagrove - Rachel Hanna Page 0,8

Why does this have to be a whole big thing?"

"I think you're a wonderful mother. But, I do think you need some help right now. Some support. You have family that wants to do that for you if you will let us."

A stray tear rolled down Meg’s cheek. "I'm asking you nicely to leave. Please. I cannot do this right now."

Julie, wanting to burst into tears herself, refrained. She hugged Christian and then tried to hug her daughter, although Meg’s arms never left her side. As she walked over to the door, she turned around one more time.

"Meg, you know I love you. I'm here for you, whatever you need. Just don't forget that."

As Julie shut the door behind her, she never felt more helpless in her life. Her daughter’s mental health and her granddaughter's first months of life were hanging in the balance, and she had to do something to help them both. She stepped into the elevator, dropped her purse on the floor and burst into tears.

Chapter Three

Janine sat on the sofa, the remote control in her hand. After her lunch with William and a full schedule of classes, she needed some downtime. Her plan was to stare mindlessly at the television until her eyes wouldn't stay open any longer. Then she would fall into her bed and try to forget this day ever happened.

A part of her felt immature and ridiculous for getting upset with William for being offered a new opportunity. But the other part of her, which was unfortunately larger, felt betrayed by him even thinking about it.

Of course, he’d said he hadn't decided what he was going to do yet, but if there was even a question then it meant he didn't feel the same way about her that she felt about him. There would be no way that she would ever leave him behind to take another job, so if he was even considering that, she had obviously misunderstood the depth of their relationship.

She dug her hand into the potato chip bag, taking out another handful. If she kept this up, they would have to roll her into the yoga studio. But right now, her appearance just didn't matter to her. There was nothing better than a big bag full of carbs to help with the blues.

Just as she was crunching on the last one and about to put her hand right back into the bag, she heard a knock at the door.

"Oh, good Lord. Who could be here at this hour?" she grumbled as she made her way to open it. She hoped it wasn't anyone important because they were about to see her standing there in her pajamas with a messy bun on top of her head and streaks of mascara down her face. It wasn't that she had been crying, but she hadn't taken the time to wash off her make up before rubbing her eyes.

"Hey," William stood there, hands hanging by his side, like he’d been defeated.

"Oh. Hello." She left the door standing open and turned back to the sofa, plopping down and picking up the potato chip bag once again.

A moment later, William finally walked inside and shut the door, looking at her carefully before sitting down in the chair next to the sofa.

"You look… comfortable," he said.

She glared at him. “Tread lightly."

He sighed. "Janine, I don't feel good about what happened today at lunch. I think you took everything the wrong way."

"Oh, really? Let me see if I can summarize. Your boss has offered you a cushy new job in a totally different state, and you're considering it. You have a girlfriend here who you claim to love, but you're willing to leave her behind for some extra cash. What am I missing?"

His eyes opened wide. "So that's how you see it?"

“That's how I see it." She dug her hand back into the bag and crunched a chip while glaring at him. She wasn't sure why she did it, except for emphasis.

"You know, I have supported you in your quest to open the yoga studio and make it successful."

"And I have told you a million times how much I appreciate it."

"But now here I am with a huge opportunity, and at the very mention of me even thinking of taking said opportunity, you're willing to just walk away."

She stared at him before slamming the bag down on the sofa next to her. "Excuse me but I'm not the one wanting to walk away. How in the world