Page 67 of Dancing on Air

Crystal’s husband, Rory, had sent her an online lease, which she and Max had looked over during the first half hour of the train trip. Then, when everything looked good, she digitally signed it and ordered a mimosa to celebrate.

He found it ironic that not once during this process did either of them think to check with their parents. Missy even warned him from saying anything to them once they returned.

“I want to have the place set up before they know. You know them, they’ll do everything in their power to get me to back out or change my mind,” Missy said. “When they find out about it, I want to be able to show them how successful I already am.”

“What are you going to tell them? I mean, aren’t you out of school. Officially?” Cora asked.

“They think I’m working in Boston for a friend.” Missy shrugged and avoided his eyes.

“The same friend who took off on you?” he asked.

By the look his sister gave him, he knew better than to ask any further questions and quickly changed the subject.

“You’re coming to New York in two weeks for opening night, right?” Cora asked Missy.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Missy said with a smile.

“How are you going to avoid your parents?” Cora asked.

Missy shrugged. “I know my parents. They’ll be far too busy to think about me. Especially since they’re fighting right now.” Missy glanced at him.

“Right.” He turned to Cora. “Just because my mother has claimed you too good to mess with doesn’t mean my father won’t try.”

“Even if it puts their business in jeopardy?” Cora asked with a frown.

“If there’s a way to get at my mother?” He nodded. “Money isn’t what they’re focused on. Trust me.”

Cora bit her lip and glanced out the window. He took her hand in his. “Nothing can get in our way now.” He kissed her fingers. “Three months of this show and then we’re free.”

She leaned against his shoulder and they talked about their future for the rest of the trip.

The last thing he expected when he walked into his place shortly before five that evening was to see his mother standing in his hallway surrounded by suitcases.

“What are you doing here, Mother?” he asked, dumping his overnight bag on the floor.

“I’ve left your father,” she said, and burst into tears.

His thought of a quiet evening to catch up on sleep was instantly ruined.

It wasn’t that he was selfish or unsupportive of his mother. The fact was, she’d shown up on his doorstep more than a half dozen times in years since his return.

At first, he’d believed it was so that she could get her hands on his great-aunt’s place. Finding out about his parents’ marriage problems had squashed those ideas.

Every time, his mother stayed a night or two with him and would return home and never speak of the incident again.

Something told him this time it was a lasting separation.

After letting her in and hauling all her bags into his guest room, she called a lawyer friend and told him to draw up the divorce papers.

He ordered delivery dinner and sent both Cora and Missy text messages, telling them of the latest development.

“What does this mean about Cora moving in with you?” Missy shot back. “I thought you two worked it out that you’d move her things in tomorrow?”

At the same time, Cora replied, “I’m sorry to hear that. We can delay me moving my things over there until things are worked out.”

He wanted to bang his head against the table. He wanted Cora there with him, not his mother.

He sent a reply to Missy telling her things would have to be delayed, then stepped into his room and called Cora.