I nodded like she could see me and made a right-hand turn onto the interstate. “Yeah, I didn’t go over my business plan, but she offered me the position and reminded me I shouldn’t accept something just to run away from my problems at home.”
“Smart lady.”
“No joke, Mom. Then Dr. Duvall called and dropped a bombshell. He’s been insufferable because Lily had cancer. Had, as in doesn’t, anymore. He wants me to buy him out. He’s retiring.”
“Holy shit, Jenna.”
“Understatement of the year, Mom.”
“What are you going to do?”
“In the ten minutes since I’ve found out? I’m going to hope you have the good vodka in the freezer.”
“Two bottles. And copious amounts of ice cream and Oreos, but even the good vodka isn’t going to help the decisions you’re going to have to make.”
“I know, but it will make me feel better. I don’t think I have the funds to buy him out, and I don’t even know if I want to do that. It’s not like I’m rolling in the collateral to put down to own the practice.”
“Well, don’t worry about all that tonight. You just focus on getting home, and we’ll drink on it.”
“You’re a wonderful mom. You know that, right?”
“Yep.”
“Good, I’ll see you soon. Love you.”
“Love you too, Jenna.”
“Okay, Jenna-Bean, time to rise and shine. I’m making French toast,” Dad said, sounding way too chipper for whatever ungodly hour it was on Sunday morning. I groaned and turned the other way, wishing my twin bed with the frilly pink comforter was my queen-sized mattress in my own house with memory foam.
“Come on,” he said, pulling the pillow out from under me in that same chipper voice. “I don’t have all day. For posterity, I recorded you and mom singingI Get By With A Little Help From My Friendslast night while Annaleigh, Addison, and Olivia were backup dancers over Skype. I have no problem calling your brother over to help me hook it up to the big screen.”
“Oh my god, I thought that was a dream,” I said, sitting up and putting one hand on my head.
“Nope, not a dream. Not with the amount of vodka the two of you put away. There’s ibuprofen with coconut water by your bed. Take that, then a shower and head down.”
I nodded and slumped back down on the bed, groaning as the night started to come back. After Mom and I finished the first drink and I gave her the whole story about Kelli’s offer and Dr. Duvall, we called the girls, and my dad and brother joined in on the fun.
At one time, I think I remembered Max and Edward on Skype arguing about who would win an arm-wrestling match, but by that time, my head was swimming. I know I poured my heart out about Mark, and my dad and Caleb covertly left, then appeared back when Addison propped her phone on something and started singing. Pretty soon, Mom and I were arm in arm, dancing and singing off-key at the top of our lungs.
The shower helped a little, and by the time I made it downstairs, my head at least felt like it was only one size too big. Dad pushed a plate piled high with French toast and bacon toward me with orange juice and coffee, and Mom was sitting across from me with her head on the kitchen table.
“Where’s Caleb?” I asked, taking a bite of bacon and pulling the coffee and creamer closer.
“He headed home about a half-hour ago,” Mom said, raising her head and giving me a tired smile. “I guess your dad and brother were more innocent bystanders last night.”
“Yep,” Dad said, leaning down and placing a kiss on Mom’s head, then turning around to refill her coffee.
“I’m probably going to get on the road after breakfast. Thanks again for talking through everything with me last night, even if it got a little crazy.”
I speared a piece of French toast with my fork and bit into it, savoring the syrupy goodness as it melted in my mouth. I felt a little better, a little clearer-headed, and leaning a little more toward a decision with every bite I took.
“Jenna-Bean, Mom and I were talking this morning. We will, of course, support you with whatever you decide, but if you want to stay in Charleston and need a little help, we’ll be glad to step in. You’re young, and we don’t want you going broke doing this.”
I was speechless. I looked between them with my mouth hanging open and a piece of bacon hanging limply in my hand. If I stayed in Charleston, the amount of money, time, and work it would take to convertAMCwould be insane. I still wasn’t sure I was in the right mindset to take on a project like that. I didn’t know anything about interior design.
“Close your mouth and eat your bacon. Why wouldn’t we help you? Caleb lived here through law school and after failing the bar exam the first time. Who do you think paid for him to retake it? You’re our children, and we’re here to help. You are both hardworking, and you don’t take advantage. We’d kick your asses if you did.”
“Wow, Mom. If things were different, you and Mark’s mom would either be best friends or mortal enemies,” I said, stabbing another piece of French toast and putting it on my plate.
