Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 101622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
“It’s not like that. She wouldn’t even answer my questions. I was left to fill in the blanks after she left, and that didn’t do me any favors.”
Reaching over, she covers my hand with hers on the table. “It makes me wonder what the answers involve. She was smitten with you. You didn’t see it, but everyone else did. So playing devil’s advocate, maybe she was trying to protect you.”
“From what?”
“Yourself. If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that you are looking for reasons to close yourself off from the world.” Resting her hand on her chest, she says, “That’s my fault. It’s your father’s. You always had to deal with things yourself, so you learned that if the walls were strong enough and taller than anyone else, no one could scale them or hurt you inside. I’m sorry I wasn’t a better mother. I don’t have an excuse, but I will tell you that you are my greatest joy in life.”
I never expected to bond with my mom on a deeper level. But we have simply by spending more time together. I regret that we didn’t start doing this sooner. I look at her, the face that smiles every time she sees me, and smile right back. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, Warner.”
We eat some of our dinner before she adds, “You have a brilliant mind for business, but making more money won’t make you happier.”
I swallow the bite and ask, “What will?”
“You already know the answer.”
I do. She’s been the answer all along. I just refused to ask the question before now. “What if it’s too late and I’ve lost her for good?”
“It’s funny you knew exactly who I was speaking of.” She’s tricky, this one. I grin. “It’s never too late for true love. But you need to show her that she’ll always be safe with you. Love and security. The rest comes naturally.”
Loving Delaney is the easy part. Proving I deserve a second chance is more difficult. Words—lies and mistruths, bad mantras thrown out like they were meant when they weren’t—got us here. It’s going to take more than words to win her back. “Oh shit. What if Delaney is seeing someone else?”
“She’s not,” she says, raising her glass to take another sip. “Your old mom did the research her son should have done more than a month ago.”
It’s good to know she has my back.
I take the train home from dinner, wanting the detour into the city I never visit anymore. It gives me time to think about all that was said at dinner, and what’s happened since Delaney left. It’s not been good without her, but so much has improved because she was once a part of my life.
She’s not seeing anyone, according to my mom.
Maybe it’s a miracle or the sign I’ve been waiting for to spur me into action. Perhaps it’s learning that Delaney Bayetti hasn’t moved on. Like me.
CHAPTER 30
Delaney
It’s criminal to have teachers working in August without air-conditioning. Walking to the window to open it, I pluck at the front of my dress to cool off. A breeze sneaks in through the crack as soon as the window is lifted, giving quick relief and helping to clear the musty scent in the room after being closed up all summer.
Three-quarter sleeves were a mistake, but I wanted to wear something nice on the first day of my new job. I add fans to my never-ending list of supplies I need to buy to outfit the room before school starts in two weeks.
“Knock. Knock.” I look up to see an unfamiliar face. “Hi, I’m Art, but the kids call me Mr. Johnson. I teach in the science lab down the hall. Wanted to stop by and introduce myself.”
“Hi, come on in.” I stand to shake his hand. He’s older, older than Warner, which seems to be my baseline for comparison with men these days. “Delaney Bayetti.”
“Bayetti?” He walks to the window to look out, like he’s comparing my views to the ones from his room. “Like the restaurant? Great food. Have you ever been?”
“A lot.” I rest my hands on the back of the chair. “I was practically born in that kitchen. It’s my family’s restaurant.”
He looks back at me over his shoulder. “Whoa, we got a real-live celebrity working at Astor Elementary.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” Waffling my head, I laugh. “Okay, go ahead.”
Laughing, he scopes out the outside area again. “Nice view.”
Working at this elementary school was at the top of my list of schools when looking for a job. It’s tucked into a pocket of the city with a great neighborhood vibe, trees lining the street, and less traffic. “I like the trees.”
“I face the air-conditioning units. They’re loud, but I know how to project.” Coming back, he says, “You shouldn’t wear a necklace like that. It’s a safe neighborhood, but it could stir trouble.”