“I…I don’t know,” she said softly, probably in the same tone she’d used when Vivien asked how she planned to pay for that doll.
Vivien took a sip and listened as Lacey spelled out her dilemma, which was a classic. Did she choose her relationship or her career? Move or do long-distance? Trust a man she’d knownfor a few months or wait for a more traditional amount of time to pass?
Lacey shared bits of her conversation with Roman, giving the impression he’d been kind, respectful, but certain in what he wanted to do.
Also, he acknowledged it was a big ask.
A huge ask, Vivien thought, but remained quiet as Lacey laid out the true crossroads she faced and what might or might not be at the end of whatever path she chose.
Finally, Lacey stared at the wine in her glass. “He thinks we lost the apartment. And he’s…fine. Disappointed, but fine. He keeps saying it’s okay. That we can do long-distance. That he’s willing to wait.”
“So, the ball’s in your court—or end zone, if we’re keeping the sports analogy right.”
She didn’t smile. “He keeps talking about howfunit would be if I lived there. Like—reallylived there. Jacksonville. The season.”
“Feels very…finite,” Vivien said. “Like it has an ending.”
Angling her head, Lacey sighed. “I guess that’s good and bad. If it ends, then…it was just a season of football and life. If it doesn’t…”
“Then this could be…forever.” Vivien leaned in, her breath tight. “Do you think he’s the man you want to spend the rest of your life with?”
Because, whoa, it was fast.
Lacey stared at her. “I…think. I don’t know. I need your advice, Mom.”
Vivien’s mind flickered to the diary entry she’d read the night before—remembering the look on Tessa’s face that night she was trying to decide whether or not to sneak out with some boy.
That’s what Lacey looked like—earnest and scared and wanting to take a risk but rightfully self-protective.
Vivien had counseled her young friend not to break the rules for something half-offered because she was worth more than secrecy, more than crumbs.
Different stakes. Same truth.
She kept her face neutral, her voice calm. This was not the moment to be a Mama Bear. She had to give careful, honest guidance and keep Lacey’s eyes wide open. But she certainly didn’t want to put a stop to the great love of her daughter’s life.
“So,” Vivien said slowly, “he’s not asking you to marry him.”
“No,” Lacey said immediately. “He was very clear about that.”
Vivien nodded, filing that away. “And you’ve been dating…what, two months?”
“A little more.”
“And he’s wonderful,” Vivien said, because that was obvious. “And you love him.”
Lacey’s eyes grew misty. “Yes. I do. Very much. More than anyone, but I know, I know. I’m young. It’s fast.” Lacey sniffed. “I just don’t know how this went from a summer romance with a dream guy to a life choice with major implications.”
“Well, you are young enough that decisions like this might feel bigger than they really are.” At Lacey’s “are you kidding” look, Vivien laughed. “I’m not trivializing this. It’s big and important. But it’s also…all good.”
“Doesn’t feel that way.”
“You have a fantastic man who loves you and a great job that showcases your natural talent.”
She made a face. “He’s fantastic and hesayshe loves me. And the job? I wasn’t that impressive today.”
Vivien leaned in, snagging hold of one word she had said.Says. “Do you doubt him?”
“No…” She drew the word out. “But…”
