Determined to put the past behind her and keep it there, she got out of bed.It was time to get on with her day.She had her new—or was it her old—job?Either way, she wanted to show up early to work on those boxes of books.
As she gathered her things to take with her to the shower, she found herself smiling.It was only then she realized how much pressure she’d been under in New York at her former job.She’d literally done everything in her power to get that promotion.It had gotten to the point where she’d hated going to work.And when she was there, she would get intense headaches.
But not today.
Today, she was anxious to go to work.Her head wasn’t bothering her in the least.She was a little bit sleepy, but some coffee would fix that.
When she stepped into the hallway, she noticed her mother’s bedroom door was closed.She tiptoed to the bathroom, which was next to her room.As she rushed through the shower, she found that she couldn’t wait to immerse herself in the shelves of books.Hopefully, while she was there, she’d get to see a lot of familiar faces.
The hot shower felt good.It eased her tense muscles.After dressing, she put on some foundation, powder, and mascara.Dressed in jeans and a red sweater, she dried her long hair.She pulled it back in a ponytail and she was ready for whatever the day threw at her.
As her thoughts wandered, Justin’s image came to mind.She wondered if he was happy being married.She hadn’t given marriage and kids a lot thought.
Would she be planning her own wedding now if Gary had popped the question?Would she have said yes?She honestly didn’t know.That should have told her everything she needed to know.
After putting her things back into her bedroom, she headed to the kitchen to make some coffee before heading out.As she waited for her coffee, she looked around.Now that the shock of learning her mother had sold her childhood home had somewhat worn off, she looked around.
The apartment was nice.Small.But nice.
And then she realized there were no Christmas decorations anywhere.Was her mother late putting them up?Or had she gotten rid of them when she got rid of the house?A frown pulled at her lips.
She remembered the holidays at the house.Her mother would decorate the entire downstairs.The decorations would start on the front porch with a light-up Rudolph.There would be a wreath on the front door.A wave of homesickness came over her.
In the living room would be a fresh-cut tree.The scent of pine would fill the room.She closed her eyes, and for a moment, she was back there.She could smell the evergreen, and her imagination let her see the white twinkle lights wrapped around the tree and feel the warmth of the crackling logs in the fireplace.And her father would be on the recliner in his stocking feet as he read a book.
Tears stung the backs of her eyes.None of those things were ever going to take place again.The house was gone.He was gone.Everything was gone.
She opened her eyes and blinked repeatedly.Giving herself a mental shake to chase away the memories, she moved into the kitchen.She needed to stay focused on working toward her future.
The coffeemaker just finished filling her mug when she heard footsteps.She turned to find her mother entering the kitchen in her old pink robe and fuzzy slippers.“I’m sorry.I tried to be quiet so I didn’t wake you.”
Her mother waved off her worry.“I have a lot to do today.I’m volunteering at the community center.We’re creating stockings for Santa to deliver to the kids in the hospital.”
Felicity was surprised.She didn’t recall her mother doing these things when she was a kid.Realizing she should say something, she said, “It sounds really nice.”
“You could join me if you like.”Her mother moved past her in the small kitchen to get herself a coffee mug.“I mean, you obviously don’t have to.I just don’t want you bored, sitting around the apartment.”
“I won’t be.”
Her mother turned to her and arched a brow.“You have plans already?”
Felicity grabbed her mug.After adding a couple of ice cubes, she moved to one of the stools at the island.“Actually, I stopped by the bookshop yesterday.Connie needs some help and I volunteered.”
“Oh.That’s nice of you.”She turned her back to Felicity as she picked out a pod to put in the coffeemaker.
Was it Felicity’s imagination or did her mother look disappointed?Or was it something else?She couldn’t be sure.And she wasn’t exactly sure how to bring up the subject.
She looked at the coffee and found the ice cubes had already melted.She took a sip of her still-hot coffee.“I didn’t think you’d mind, since I surprised you with this visit.”
Her mother kept her back to her.“No.Of course not.It’s totally fine.You don’t have to explain anything to me.”
Okay.That was a little strange.She wanted to fix things with her mother, but she had absolutely no idea where to start.Maybe she should start at the beginning.
“Mom, why did you sell the house?If it was money, I could have tried to help you out.”
Her mother turned to her.“It wasn’t money.”
“Then why?”She just couldn’t figure it out.“I thought you loved that house.”
