How could she stay if he didn’t want her there? She was now doubting everything they had shared, starting with that first day in the barn. Although she never claimed to be an expert in relationships, she knew one simple thing: If he wanted to work it out, he would.
She wanted to call Kara too. But after last night, she couldn’t. She should never have told Kara the truth about Aunt Cathy trying to keep Dahlia and Kara apart.
The truth was, there was a small part of Dahlia that was so used to grieving alone, and in some sick and twisted way, she felt like she deserved it.
The clock read 8:46. Fourteen minutes until she could finally piece together the remains of her complex family tree.
A ringing sound came from her seat cushion. She quickly glanced at the number, and her stomach dropped. It was a FaceTime from Daisy. She couldn’t see her like this. There were too many questions Dahlia still couldn’t answer. She rubbed her forehead and debated letting it go, but instead threw on her sunglasses and ran her fingers through her unkempt hair.
“Hi, Daisy girl,” Dahlia said, moving her face toward the light.
“Mom.” Daisy looked serious.
“Yes.” Dahlia felt the blood drain from her face.
“Are you dating Noah Sterling fromHamptons House?”
“What?” Dahlia stuttered. “Where did you …?”
“From Page Six.” Daisy’s eyes widened.
“How? You’re in France?”
“My friends sent me the link. The internet is everywhere, Mom.” Daisy sighed with exaggeration. “How could you think I wouldn’t see it?’
“I don’t know. I didn’t think about it, Daisy. I’m just trying to live my life and be happy for a change.”
“Does Dad know?” Daisy’s voice lowered to a slow, incriminating tone.
“He does.” Dahlia cleared her already raw throat. “But the papers are signed, and it’s officially none of his business,” she said calmly. “I’m sorry. I should have told you about Noah myself.”
Daisy huffed and looked off.
“Say something,” Dahlia said, wishing deeply that she could reach through the phone and hug her daughter. “Please.”
“I’m happy for you. You deserve to find someone who treats you with the respect you deserve. Dad was a horrible husband. But for the love of God, could you find someone your own age?” She shook her head, causing her bun to fall over. “I’ve been in panic mode all morning.”
“Daisy, we’ve just been spending time together. Last I checked, that was okay.”
“Well, if I’m being honest, it’s kind of embarrassing,” Daisy grumbled. “Plus, he’s a reality star. I mean, Mom, you don’t even watch that stuff. What could you possibly see in him or have in common?”
Everything, absolutely everything, she thought. There was a dagger now piercing her heart. Being misunderstood was her Achilles heel. “He lives next door, and he’s been helping me with the house. Listen, I’m not going to argue with you. You have every right to feel the way you do. But I’m a grown woman, Daisy. And I’ve taken care of everyone else through the years but myself. This is my time. And if he makes me happy, then so be it.” Dahlia pursed her lips, owning her words for the first time. She didn’t want to drag Daisy into the mess, which ironically was about her. “I wasn’t looking. Trust me, finding a boyfriend was the last thing on my mind. I mean, heck, I took the job in Charleston.”
“Boyfriend? Job? What?” Daisy’s eyes widened.
Dahlia inhaled before answering. “I told you I was looking for a job.”
“Yeah.”
“Well, I found one at an upscale gallery off King Street. Are you okay with that?”
“I don’t know. I mean, what, is he going to move with you?”
“God, no. I don’t know.” Dahlia’s posture shifted. “I haven’t thought that far ahead.”
“Then you’re just going to leave him?” Daisy flailed her hands.
“I don’t know.” Dahlia shook her head. “It’s complicated. I don’t even know what he wants past the summer. I’m just having fun. And all I know is I deserve to have a little.”
