“Absolutely not. I can fight my own battles. That has nothing to do with you.”
“She said she wants to be more present in MJ’s life, so you’ll have to be around her in the future too. I willnotstand by and let her…”
“In the future?” I asked, trying to take in what he was saying.
Nodding, he said, “Well, yes. I wanted to talk to you last night. Say things that need to be said. Talk about us. I’d really like to talk tonight.”
As I pulled away completely, he looked at me with hurt in his eyes. “Yes, I know we need to talk, but, like you said, she’s MJ’s mother. Someone MJ has missed and wants to be a part of her life. Don’t you owe it to her to at least try with Katy?”
Miles rubbed his forehead vigorously.
“I don’t want to do this out in the front yard, but listen to me. I don’twantKaty. I want…”
“Daddy, Mom wants to know where the pancake mix is,” MJ yelledfrom the front door. When she saw me, she smiled and ran toward me. “Vicky! You’re here.”
She grabbed me around the waist with a tight hug that I reciprocated. “Hey, MJ. Yeah, I’m here to finish up a few things in your room unless today isn’t a good day.”
“Is that it?” she whispered, pointing to the package.
I smiled widely. “Yep.”
Miles’ growl at having been interrupted again morphed into a smile as he watched us. “What are you two conspiring about?” he asked.
“Can’t tell you. It’s a surprise,” she answered, eyes wide. “Come on, Vicky. You can have breakfast with us.”
The thought of sitting across the table from that woman made my blood boil.
Not a chance. Not even for MJ.
“Oh, no. I’m going to finish up in your room while you guys eat. I’ll call you when we’re ready for the big reveal. Besides, I’ve already eaten. But thanks for the invite.”
“Okay then. I’ll hurry so we can work together. Daddy, Mom wants to see if we can go to the zoo together today. I’d love it so much. Please, please?”
I could see his thoughts as his eyes blinked and his lips pursed. “Ah, well. Sure, kiddo. Let me check with Susan to make sure I can be home today. Head inside. Be there in a minute.”
When she ran back to the house, my heart sank as I thought about losing some of my time with her. But that was selfish. Katy was her mother, and she was here, at least trying.
“Do you mind helping me bring that in, please?” I said, intent on getting in and out of there quickly.
Miles held out his hand, blocking me from moving. “Yes, I will. Looks like we will have to wait for that talk a little longer. But please don’t push me away.”
He was so sincere that I couldn’t deny him. Nodding my head, I said, “I promise. We will talk. But please consider it. Pray about it. For MJ’s sake.”
He didn’t answer me but picked up the frame and walked behind me to the door. Ignoring the scowl on Katy’s face as I passed, I walked to MJ’s room. At least she’d changed clothes, so there was that.
I closed the bedroom door and got to work. There wasn’t a lot that still needed to be done, so I worked quickly with the intent of leaving as soon as possible.
The music MJ and Miles always seemed to have on filtered throughthe closed door, Katy singing along with several of them. I mimicked her like a five-year old with exaggerated gestures like I was on a talent show.
Be nice, Vicky.
I thought about his tattoo and so many other things we’d shared over the five weeks. As I set out the Erector Set Miles had me purchase as a surprise for MJ, I thought about how it had seemed more like months than weeks since I’d arrived.
Signing six clients, including Miles, boosted my confidence and career quickly. Anna was thrilled, and any worries about Miles and me seemed gone. The other five projects were smaller, but I gave my best to each, with ideas loved by all the couples. Furniture and art were ordered for everyone, and I just needed to finish the last three homes.
In my limited spare time, I explored San Diego, keeping my promise. I ate breakfast at cafés near the office, especially enjoying one with Turkish influence that inspired me so much I filled my notebook. Right in the middle of the café was a large tree with colorful scraps of ribbon hanging down.
When I asked about it, the owners told me that in Turkish tradition, people would tie a ribbon to a tree to symbolize their wishes and prayers. Strips of every color of ribbon hung down, making it look like a Christmas tree. I loved it so much, I made a point of passing by it every chance I got. Each time I stepped in, I added another ribbon of my own with wishes and prayers for my family, my friends, my career and for Miles and MJ.
