“That’s great! Your editor will be thrilled. I take it the change of scenery is helping?”
“Something like that,” I murmur, biting back a smile. “It’s definitely been... inspiring.”
“You sound different,” she says, her mom-radar kicking in.
I pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh. “Just tired from writing all day.”
“Mmm-hmm.” She doesn’t sound convinced. “Well, I was calling to see if you wanted some company this weekend. I thought I might drive up, bring some of those cookies you love.”
My heart jumps into my throat. “This weekend? Um, actually, Sasha’s coming to visit. She’ll be here Friday.”
“Perfect! I can come on Saturday. I’d love to see Sasha too.”
Panic flutters in my chest. “Mom, I don’t think?—”
“Nonsense. It’s been too long since I’ve seen my baby girl. Besides, I want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself after... well, you know.”
“I’m fine, Mom. Really. Maybe another weekend, okay?”
“Oh, honey,” she says, voice gentle. “I know you’re still hurting from what Eric did, but hiding isn’t going to?—”
“I’m not hiding,” I interrupt, voice sharp. Wincing, I soften my tone. “I’m working. And I’m... I’m actually doing really good.”
There’s a pause on the other end, and I can practically hear her processing the abrupt change in my tone.
“Mom.” I take a deep breath. “I love you, and I appreciate you wanting to check on me. But I need you to trust that I’m okay. Better than okay, actually.”
Another pause. “What aren’t you telling me? Have you met someone?”
Jesus, mother’s intuition is no joke.
My cheeks start to burn. “What makes you ask that?”
“Like I said, you sound… different, that’s all.”
Tears prick my eyes unexpectedly. “I’m just figuring some things out.”
“Good things,I hope?”
I glance toward the door again, hearing Ryder’s low chuckle from downstairs as he talks to Goonie. “Yeah, Mom. Really good things.”
“Well, then I suppose I can wait to hear about them. But Noia? When you’re ready to share, you know I’m here.”
“I know. I love you.”
“Love you too, sweetheart. And honey? Whatever else it is that’s happening, don’t let fear talk you out of it. You deserve to be happy, too.”
After we hang up, I sit staring at my phone until a soft knock at my door makes me look up.
“Come in.”
Ryder pushes the door open, holding two mugs. “Thought you might want some tea.”
“Thanks.” I accept the mug gratefully, wrapping my hands around its warmth.
“Who were you just talking to?”
“My mom.”
