Sitting in the kitchen, I stare at the beautiful tea set Augusto got for me before we were married. Feeling worried for their safety, I can’t stop thinking about everything that could go wrong.
“Yuki?” I hear Samantha call, and jumping up from the stool, I rush into the foyer.
Having used the back entrance, she comes out of the living room and smiles when she sees me.
I rush to her, and she quickly wraps me up in a warm hug. “Oh, sweetie. Everything is going to be okay. Try not to worry too much.”
“It’s so hard. What if–”
“No what ifs. You’ll drive yourself insane.” She pushes me back and gives me an encouraging smile. “We’re going to keep busy while Augusto is gone. Come. Let’s get coffee, and then you can tell me about Ryo and show me your pottery hobby.”
As she begins to walk toward the kitchen, I admit, “I never knew my mother.” Samantha stops and turns to look at me, but before she can reply, I continue, “You’re the best mother I’ve ever known and such a good friend to me.” Completely overwhelmed by all the big things that have been happening inmy life, I rush into her arms again and sob, “Thank you for being such an amazing person and accepting me into the family.”
“You’re so very welcome, my sweet girl, and I’d love it if you called me Mom. That’s if you’re comfortable with it.”
I nod fast, and looking at her, I grin while wiping the tears from my face. “I’d really like that.”
Keeping her arm wrapped around my shoulders as we walk to the kitchen, she says, “Let’s get our daily dose of caffeine, then you can tell me all about your brother.”
While I fix us each a mug of coffee, Mom looks at the flower arrangement. “This is stunning, Yuki. Which florist did you buy it from?”
“I made it myself.” Loving the attention she’s giving me, I quickly begin to feel better. “Would you like me to make you one?”
“Does a bear shit in the woods?” she gasps.
Not understanding what she’s saying, I give her a confused look. “Huh?”
“Yes! Oh my God, I’d pay good money for it.”
As I set her mug down in front of her and take a seat, I grin happily. “I’ll make you one today. What kind of flowers do you like?”
She gives me a list, and I place an urgent order online. When it’s confirmed the flowers will be delivered before five this afternoon, I ask, “Will you be able to stay for dinner? Otherwise, I can give you the arrangement tomorrow.”
“I’ll tell Franco to come over, and we can spend the evening with you.”
I drink some of my coffee while she sends him a message, and as soon as she sets her phone down on the island, she reminds me, “Tell me about Ryo.”
“It was such a shock. It was so good to see him and catch up. I used to write letters I couldn’t send to Ryo and finally got to givethem to him.” I take a deep breath before I continue, “I’m still processing all the emotions. So much has happened.”
Mom soothingly rubs my arm. “I can only imagine. If you ever need to talk, I’m here.”
“I’m just trying to get used to everything. It’s all good things, and I just feel a little overwhelmed. Having you over is already helping so much.”
Her phone beeps and she checks the incoming message, then says, “Franco and the girls are on their way.”
“Should we take something out of the freezer?” I ask as I get up to check what our options are.
“Do you have steaks or burgers? Franco can throw some on the grill for us, and we can fix a salad to go with it.”
Opening the door, I take out all the steaks and burger patties, and seeing there’s enough for a small army, I check what vegetables we have. “What kind of salad?”
“Potato. It’s Franco’s favorite.”
I leave the meat out so it can thaw, and as I drink the last of my coffee, I mention, “I think I should arrange the gathering for all the women during one of the poker nights?”
“That sounds good. Us girls can sit outside, and we can set up tables in the foyer for the men.”
“What do I need to do for the men?”
