"Hey, Colton," he begins. "Let's go for a walk and get some ice cream"
"Why can't Aunt Jo come?”
"Aunt Jo and grandma need to have a little talk. We will bring them some back." He helps Colton get his jacket on before putting on his own, and then, they are out the door.
Wanting to prolong this a bit, I ask, “Do you want some coffee?"
"Sure, that would be great."
I take my time, but it still doesn't seem to be quite long enough.
When I return, I hand her a steaming mug before taking a seat on the couch next to her with my own.
"So, Mom, did you come here to yell at me?" I ask.
"No. I heard Ronnie already did that."
"Yeah, you'd be proud. She gave a scolding exactly like one of yours.”
"It sounds like you needed it. Maybe it didn't work, though, because you're still here, crashing on your sister's couch."
"Maybe I just like hanging out with Colton. He and I have similar brains."
“Uh-huh.” She sips her coffee.
"Mom, why are you here?
Normally, you’d already be giving me some hell, but instead, you're just sitting there being way too quiet. I know you want to say something, so why don't you just spit it out?”
"Joanna, I came to talk to you about whatever you want to talk about. I know you're going through a hard time right now, and I thought maybe you could use a friend."
"Wow. Okay then.” I reply, unsure of whether or not I believe her.
We sit quietly for a few minutes because I honestly have no idea what to say. It's odd because when we first sat down, I was ready to stay tight lipped and not talk about anything at all. But as we sit here in a comfortable silence, I feel my defenses starting to lower.
I don't know how she does it. The woman is a mind wizard without even trying.
"Mom, what the hell is wrong with me?”
She sets her hand on my knee. "Sweetheart, nothing is wrong with you.”
“There clearly is. I finally have someone really good in my life, and I’m pretty sure I ran him off."
She takes a deep breath. "Look, I don't think you've run Beau off and if you have then he wasn't the one for you."
"You're just saying nice things because I'm your daughter!'
Her eyes narrow in on me. "You know damn well that's not my style. My child or not, I'm going to tell you what I think.”
I laugh. "I guess that's true. So, why don't you tell me what you think?"
She takes another sip. " I think you're exactly like me.”
"Is that a good thing or a bad?"
She smiles. "I guess it depends on the day.”
"Wait, l thought Ronnie was turning into you"
