Cupid's Mistake

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The week spent with my mother had been absolute bliss. I had the chance to soak up the sun and enjoy the warmth before returning to New York's cold snow. My mother enjoyed my company as well. We had time to talk about Naeem, who I discovered met her while she was taking a spontaneous trip to California. That also explained his accent or lack thereof. I also discovered that he had a house out in California, of which my mother had become a frequent visitor. He had a private plane that took her to and from. He had also just recently bought a house in Texas. Talk about attorney money.

My mother seemed happier than I had ever seen her, which made me happy too.

I had bumped into a couple old friends here and there, all of whom told me about how they had heard my song.

On Friday, 5 of my friends from high school and I met at the little diner we used to frequent. I felt different, newer. Everyone had decided to attend the local college, and I had missed out on their experiences. I felt like an outsider in their conversation, and it didn't help that they all spoke of their boyfriends and popular boys that they had crushes on. I once again felt ostracized. I pretended to enjoy their company anyway but ultimately was very grateful to take my leave.

Saturday morning, my mother helped me pack my belongings back into my suitcase, including a little Texas souvenir for Devin and Liam. My mom had been good about not mentioning Devin, it was something I wasn't quite ready to talk with her about, and she seemed to know and respect that.

"Are you ready to go?" She asked while zipping my final bag closed. I nodded solemnly.

"I'm going to miss you," I sighed and pulled her in for a long hug. She was holding back tears, I could tell.

"I'll miss you too. Call more." She demanded and pinched my side. I laughed and pulled away.

"I will," it was always sad saying goodbye, but I knew I'd be back for Thanksgiving break.

"Mom, what do you think about me, maybe, bringing Devin with me next time I visit?" I had a feeling I knew what she'd say, but I wanted to test it anyway.

"I'd love to meet her!" She practically started jumping. "Oh, I'm so excited!" I laughed and quickly took it back.

"I said maybe," I laughed but gave her one last hug.

"I'll ask her, tell Naeem I say goodbye and it was nice meeting him." I lugged my bags to the front door and into the car I had ordered to deliver me to the airport. My mother nodded and with one last hug, waved me off.

The ride back to New York felt impossibly longer than the ride to Texas. I was nervous to go back, but I wasn't sure why.

"Hey baby, make it back okay?" Her sweet voice could have brought tears to my eyes.

"Yeah, I'm home. Where are you?" I asked, hoping that she could come to get me from the airport, but that I needed a ride as much as I just needed to see her.

"I'm at work, do you need a ride?" She asked. I heard her stand, probably going to ask for the rest of the day off, but I didn't want to disrupt her work.

"No, I'm okay. I just miss you." We quickly wrapped up our conversation, which left a smile on my face as I found a cab to put my things in. I quickly gave the driver the address to my apartment. Devin had promised to see me soon, but I doubted it would be as soon as I wished.

My apartment looked the same as when I left it, yet somehow I thought I had cleaned more. I sighed and dumped my bags out into the bed. In exhaustion, I elected to clean up tomorrow and get caught up on homework today. I pulled my laptop out and opened my email. I had emailed the recording company, giving them my information and asking for a meeting, and they had finally gotten around to emailing me back. I quickly opened the email to see if they had scheduled our meeting for Monday. To say I was excited would be an understatement.