I lock eyes with the woman in question as I respond. “Yes. Claire’s still here, Dolly. She hasn’t left yet.”
Claire’s brows raise in question and probably confusion since she can only hear half of the conversation.
I’m puzzled too; why is my daughter so concerned about Claire?
“Put Mimi back on the phone, please.”
“Are you going to come get me?” she presses.
“I’ll see what I can do. I love you.”
“M’kay.” She sniffles, then there’s a muffling noise, and my mom comes back on the line.
“I’ve never seen her so inconsolable before,” she says. “You know I wouldn’t call you unless…”
“I know, Mom.” I rub my eyes while I flip through my options, none of which are good. “It’s okay. I, uh. But I’m not sure what to do. I’ve had a couple of drinks, and?—”
“I’ll go get her.” The couch cushion dips as Claire sits beside me.
I peer over at her, taking in the concern painted across her face.
“What?” I say to her. “No. It’s a long drive to the city and back.”
She pats my thigh gently. “I don’t mind. Unless you don’t trust me to?—”
“No. No. Of course I trust you.” I set my hand on top of hers and squeeze.
“And I’ve literally only had one sip of wine.” She nods to the dining table.
That pinch in my chest returns. “It’s not that.”
“Then what’s the problem?” Zion interjects from the table.
When I zero in on him, his eyes are narrowed in challenge.
The problem is that this feels like a very “mom” thing to do, and that scares the shit out of me. But I can’t admit that out loud.
I swing back to Claire, finding her honey eyes dripping with distress.
“You sure? It’ll make for a long night.”
“Ash, I wouldn’t offer if I wasn’t certain. Make me a coffee to-go and I’ll be fine. Please. Let me do this for you.”
Let me do this for you.
Such a simple phrase, and yet it’s flooded with complexity, and it swamps me with a whole host ofemotions.
“Hey, Mom?” I say into the phone. “Let Bea know that Claire will come get her tonight.”
“Of course, honey. Tell her to drive safe and we’ll see her soon.”
I hang up, then rise and offer my hand to help her stand. “I’ll start the coffee.”
Before I can walk away, she loops her arms around my waist in a grounding hug.
“Thanks, baby,” I whisper, my lips brushing the top of her head.
“Don’t mention it. Have fun with your boys. I’ll be back with your girl before you know it.”
