Wardell jumped in with “It’d be all right either way. She already knows the quality of my work.”
Anya smile politely. “I’ll let myself out, if that’s okay.”
“Sure thing,” I said. “And you take care of yourself, young lady. Do more of what makes you smile, you hear?”
“Yes, ma’am.” My house-worries walked out the door with her.
“Looks like you’re not going anywhere, Auntie Joyce,” Gabriella said, grabbing a cookie for herself.
I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in years. “Looks like it.”
But before I could say anything else, Richard stepped closer, his eyes meeting mine in a way that made my heart skip a beat. He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek, and for a moment, everything went still.
I blinked, caught off guard by the tenderness of it. Without thinking, I turned and kissed him back—on the lips.
The room went silent, and when I pulled away, I could see the surprise in everyone’s eyes, and I felt my own eyes bugging out. But instead of feeling awkward or embarrassed, I felt…joy.
“I see you, Auntie Joyce!” Gabriella teased, her eyes wide with playful shock. “Going for it, huh?”
I grinned, shaking my head at her antics, but inside, I knew she was right. I wasn’t just surviving—I was living.
Joyce Hicks was back and better than ever…even if I was a little late to my own life’s show.
Chapter 31
Wednesday morning, I walked into the office with a newfound sense of peace, feeling like a different person. The fiasco of the house, the repairs, the APS drama—it was all behind me. My coworkers must have noticed the change, because more than one of them commented on my smile, asking what had me so happy. “Just life,” I responded, and I meant it.
The week flew by in a blur of good news and smiles that I couldn’t seem to wipe off my face. Anya’s inspection had gone better than I could have hoped for, and it felt like crossing the finish line after a long race.
Richard and I had been texting back and forth all week, making plans for a Friday-night date. It felt strange but exciting to be planning a date again after all these years.
Gabriella was equally thrilled—she was preparing to head out to Houston for her meeting with the chef she’d met after winning the contest.
Friday came faster than expected. I dropped Gabriella off at the airport early that morning. When we finally pulled up to the Departures curb, Gabriella hopped out and yanked her suitcase from the back seat. She was so full of nerves!
I parked and put on my emergency lights to give her a hug that would hopefully calm her down.
“This is it, huh?” she said, her voice shaking slightly. “I still can’t believe I’m doing this.”
“You’re more than ready,” I said, standing back to look her square in the eye. “You’ve earned this, Gabriella. And when you come back, you’ll be better than ever. They’re lucky to have you this week in Houston, and that little bed-and-breakfast downtown is lucky to have you as head chef when you return. Not sure how long you’ll be there, though, at the rate you’re learning.”
She gave me a wide smile. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without you. You’ve been…everything. I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You already have,” I said. “You’ve been such a light in the house, Gabriella. You’re going to do great things, and I’m so proud of you.”
We hugged tightly, and for a moment, neither of us moved. When we finally let go, Gabriella wiped her eyes and gave me one last, determined nod.
“When I get back, we’re going to celebrate,” she said, grinning through the tears.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I said, feeling the pride thrum through my heart. Gabriella’s success might mean I’d need to work full-time for the next two years, of course. But I’d always been a hard worker; what else was new?
She grabbed the handle of her bag and headed inside the airport, glancing back one more time to wave. And just like that, she was off. The next chapter of her life had officially begun, and I knew that whatever happened, Gabriella’s future was bright. I was glad to bask in the light with her.
I headed off to work. By the time I got home from working a full shift that day—I was granted some extra hours on our busy Fridays—I was ready to settle into the evening and get ready for my date with Richard. I opened the door to my house, already thinking about what I’d wear and whether I should text him to confirm the time. But before I could even set down my things good, the doorbell rang.
I frowned, glancing at the clock. Richard couldn’t be here this early—he had said he’d pick me up at six, an hour from now. I opened the door, expecting maybe a neighbor or someone selling something. But instead, there they were—Terri and Elijah, standing on my doorstep like a blast from the past.
“Grandma!” Elijah shouted, running straight into my arms, hugging me so tightly I could barely breathe. The warmth of his little body against mine made my heart burst with joy, and for a moment, I didn’t care about the surprise visit.
