More Than Love (NG3)

17 - Family

When Davis texted he wanted to visit, Sasha couldn't convince herself to say, don't. Previously, she had always been content living alone. Her social calendar held events to look forward to and not just jewelry business. She had a friend she met at craft shows who enjoyed trying new restaurants. Once a month, she looked forward to the Coffee House at The Landing. She had joined a book group and often went to the movies or walked on the beach with her friends in her group.

Her social life hadn't changed, but she had. Meeting Laney reminded her of everything her life lacked. She was eternally grateful to have her child in her life, but her adult child had a life and parents and didn't need her. Sasha gave her an open invitation to visit, but Laney hadn't accepted. Summer officially started, so at least she would see Reed more.

Laney had met Jake and his family. Sasha wasn't keeping score, but feared Jake would convince Laney to hate her. For two decades, Sasha knew Jake would never forgive her, but the reality was worse. Sasha had held Jake and Laney in her heart; after their meeting, Jake's segment ached. She tried crafting a new heart pendant, but three segments didn't work.

She would be the first to admit she lacked male companionship, except for visits from Davis and Reed. Obviously, Davis was a different companion than his son. During his last visit, she asked Reed to let her know when he planned to come to the beach.

He eyed her suspiciously. "You said you weren't seeing anyone?"

"No. I just... This is always your home, but you show up without notice. Sometimes, I have nothing to feed you and no Coke. I um..."

"Sash, it's okay. I get it. I have kids showing up all the time. I'm just like them, except I drive a hundred miles to bitch to you."

"My job is to listen to you." She stood and rubbed his back. Where did the little boy go? "How's work?"

Reed raked his hand through his thick hair. "Nothing's changed. I always thought I'd love to be an architect, just like him."

She smiled. "You loved to design as a kid. Houses, castles."

"Not this boring stuff. I know work is not like a day at the beach, but it shouldn't feel like the chain gang."

Sasha snickered. "So dramatic. Talk to him, but there is no law saying you have to work for him."

"Easy for you to say. You divorced him. He's my father. He'll hate me. It was his dream too."

Sasha shook her head. "Only because it was yours. Your father could never hate you. A parent's love for a child can't be destroyed."

She would have loved her baby to her grave even if she had never met her again.

"Sash, you seem sad."

She shook her head. "Not sad. Just thinking of the past." Reed frowned. "Darling, just because I divorced your dad, it doesn't mean that I don't talk to him. I can talk to him about your feelings."

Sasha already had and hated to lie, but parents kept secrets. She and Davis kept more than most. Standing, she went to the refrigerator to retrieve the fruit salad she had for dessert. Reed liked to spray whipped cream on in. He liked whipped cream on almost anything.

As she dished the summer melons and berries into dishes, Reed sat back and said, "I got an estimate on painting, and the guy saw the wedding picture. He said he knew you in school."

Sasha's hands froze before they started shaking. Her throat felt constricted. "I knew a lot of people in school. It was a very long time ago."

"He kept staring at your picture. It wasn't creepy. He seemed like a nice guy. Don't you want to know his name?"