"Jo? Are you home?" I hear Hanna's voice before I see her. "Oh. You're painting. Again." She forces a smile.
"What's up?" I ask looking at my wall again.
"We had lunch plans." She states.
"Right. That was today. Give me a sec." I state putting the paint away and heading for the bathroom.
I shower in under five minutes and get dressed before applying make up and meeting her in the car.
"Ready?" She asks.
"Yes." I nod buckling my seat belt.
The rides quiet. We go to our usual spot on Main Street. A small diner with outdoor seating. Ordering a burger and fries we take a seat.
"How's work?" She asks me gingerly.
"Slow right now." I sigh.
"Don't give up Jo."
She says taking my hand.
"I'm trying not too. You know, Reid said the strangest thing to me the other night."
"Oh boy. What is it now?"
"He gave me permission to date." I state making her choke on her fry.
"Are you ready for that?" She asks eyeing me.
"I don't think I'll ever be ready again honestly Han. 17 years with someone." I blow out a breath and shrug.
"You focus on one thing at a time right now babe." She smiles.
"Emma wants to come home again."
"Oh just let her. She's miserable with everything going on here and not being able to do anything."
"You've spoken to her?" I ask incredulously.
"You haven't? You can't keep avoiding her or she will come back Jo!"
"She will when she speaks to me. Do you forget how well my daughter knows me?" I arch a brow.
"Call her. Right now so I know you've done it."
Rolling my eyes I take my phone from my purse and call my daughter. Setting the phone on the table and pressing the speaker button.
"Mom? Is everything alright?" She asks sounding out of breath.
"Yes, darling." I smart.
"I've been so worried. You've been avoiding me."
"Yes. I have. But I'm fine. We're adjusting well."
"Oh don't give me that. You're an awful liar."
Hanna nods in agreement making me roll my eyes again.
"Honey I promise I'm alright. How are you?"
"Fine mom. I'm an adult. And it's not like I never saw this coming. I was always a smart child."
Her words sting and I nod slowly. Hannah covers my hand with hers again and I smile in thanks.
"Yes you were. Alright I'll let you get back to work. I love you sweetie."
"I love you mom."
I hang up and shake my head sitting back. Something about how matter of fact knew this is how our life would end up doesn't sit right with me.
YOU ARE READING
Remembering Us
Romance"I blame the fairytales." I tell him sipping my margarita. "The fairytales?" He asks me. "Yes. The fairytales we're read as children. About the damsel in distress and the white knight on his obedient steed." Now he's looking at me like I'm nuts. M...
