A flare of nervous anticipation coursed through her veins, and she had to concentrate on passing her mom the cup of coffee without spilling it.
“I could ask him.”
“Good,” she heard the smile in her mother’s voice as she took down the task list for today and started to go through it.
“I like him a lot.”she blushed, saying the words out loud.
“I know, honey.You haven’t stopped smiling since you started seeing him.I still have concerns.”
“Mom, I think we’re getting serious.”
But even as she said it, other than the talk about the goldendoodle playing in the yard, nothing had been promised.Did she need a promise?Wasn’t the way Ares looked at her, as if he wanted to devour every inch of her, enough?It was until she mentioned her relationship to her mother that doubts started clawing at her belief that this thing between her and Ares was solid.
“I think you’re overreacting.”
“Maybe.But you thought Ethan was the one.”
“I think I wanted him to be.I didn’t think I was going to find someone because of my disability.”
“Josie!That’s not true.”
Josie kept her back to her mom, forcing herself to read today’s prep list.“I know you think that, but you know what Ethan told me stayed in my head.I kept saying no to Ares because I didn’t know what he saw in me.He makes me laugh.He doesn’t bring up how I walk.”
“I don’t like that Ethan made you feel that way about yourself.You’re smart and kind and funny and whoever you choose is lucky to have you.”
“Thanks mom.I think Carlos is lucky too.He’s coming for Christmas Eve dinner?”
“Yes, and then he’s taking two weeks off and wants to take me to Montreal to celebrate New Year’s Eve.”
“I knew you had plans!”Spinning to look at the smile on her mother’s face, Josie broke out in laughter and every time they caught each other’s eye they couldn’t contain their giggles.
The chime on the door rang as Avery breezed into the kitchen.“Good morning!”
“Morning Avery!We have so much to do today.”
“I’m on it.Hi, Fleur.”
“Great timing, I’ll make my meeting.”
“Have a good day,” Josie kissed her mom’s cheek.
“You too, girls.Bye.”Fleur gave a wave on her way out.
“Your mom’s so sweet.”
“She’s kind of overbearing.”
“It could be worse.”
“I know, I’m lucky.”
Avery grabbed an apron and took out the veggies for the soup.“I’m good to work Christmas Eve.”
“It’s only for a few hours.I want you and Nancy to be gone by four.I thought of being here on Christmas Eve, but not enough customers said they would pick up.”
“Maybe they think you need a break too,” Avery said.
“Possibly!You guys can take the week off and I’ll be here on Boxing Day.”
