Summer of Second Chances - Andrea Hurst Page 0,115

needed was her mother’s signature. A feeling of dread pitted in her stomach at the thought of having to file for emancipation if Dana wouldn’t sign it. She shook off her worries and walked briskly home.

“Morning,” Alice said when Shelby returned. “Are you hungry? I’ll make whatever you like.”

“Not quite yet,” Shelby said. “But thanks. I’m going to take a quick shower and get dressed.”

The morning seemed to drag on as the time drew closer to her mother’s arrival. Shelby moved around the house looking for things to distract her racing mind.

As the day progressed and she knew her mother was due any time, Shelby’s nerves started to take over. The what ifs were racing through her mind faster than she could catch them. She'd never really been able to say no to her mother before, and she was anxious about saying it now. Theo had talked to her about setting healthy boundaries, something she’d never learned about before, and it made sense.

Theo arrived just before noon to join them for a light lunch. Shelby picked at her salad, her stomach rebelling at the thought of eating.

Alice busied herself clearing away the dishes and making a fresh pot of coffee. Scarlett followed her around hoping for a scrap. Almost three months ago she had been apprehensive to come here, but now she never wanted to leave. Shelby kept checking out the front window. Theo stayed steady at Shelby’s side and she gave him a grateful smile.

"Don't worry," Theo said in his reassuring voice. "Your grandmother and I are here to help in any way we can."

Her grandmother had just sat back down to join them when Gus's truck pulled along the curb outside. Shelby watched as they walked up the path to the house.

“I’ll get it,” Alice said, standing.

As Alice opened the door, Shelby immediately noticed how tanned and healthy they both looked. Her mother's hair was blonder than ever, trailing down her barebacked sundress. And Gus looked trimmer as well. She kept her seat, waiting to see how things unfolded.

"Hello, Mother," Dana said, stepping inside. "You remember Gus?"

"Of course I do. Gus, how are you?" Alice said.

"Very good. I hope you are too.”

“Just fine,” Alice said. "Come on in. I made some fresh coffee.”

Gus waved Dana in before him. "Just a quick cup for me,” he said. “I thought I'd leave you ladies alone." As he said that, his eyes darted to Theo.

Theo stood, introduced himself, and shook Gus's hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Theo, one of the neighbors here at the lake. You may have heard Shelby started a dog walking business. The club meets at my house."

"I’ve heard about that," Gus said, turning to Shelby. "What a great summer job for you."

“There you are,” Dana said. “Come over and give me a hug.”

Shelby hesitantly walked over and leaned in for a hug. She patted her mother's back, keeping some distance between them before pulling back.

"You look great,” Dana said. “Getting a lot of sun and fun?”

"Yes," Shelby said, "and dog walking."

Dana nodded. "Oh, right, right. I'm glad to hear that."

There was an awkward moment while everyone stood silently in place. Even Scarlett had retreated to her bed and was watching with one eye open.

“Why don’t we all go sit at the table?” Alice said. “I’ll bring the coffee.”

The minute they sat down, Dana launched into a gushing description of the house: the upgraded kitchen with a massive marble eating bar, four bedrooms, and their own swimming pool. Shelby listened, all the while tracking Dana’s expressions and Gus’s reactions. The two of them acted like happy newlyweds. At that moment, her mother reached out for the coffee creamer, and Shelby saw an engagement ring on her finger.

Flashing her hand around, Dana said, "We have even more news.” She beamed up at Gus. "We're engaged."

"Oh my,” Alice said. “Congratulations."

"Yes, congratulations," Theo echoed.

Shelby felt numb. Everything appeared to be stacking against what she hoped to accomplish today. When Dana looked to her for approval, Shelby forced a smile.

"Is there to be a wedding soon?" Alice asked, her voice sounding thin.

Gus placed Dana’s hand in his. "It's in the works. We'll let you know the date.”

The conversation lulled as people sipped their coffee. Shelby tried to compose her thoughts and figure out what to do next.

Gus took a last sip of coffee and laid down his cup. "Nice to see you all,” he said standing. "I'm going to go make myself scarce now. I know you ladies have a lot