Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 99921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
“I don’t know what I’m doing,” I said. “But…I’ve met someone.”
“Oh? Tell me more.”
I laid back on the grass and shut my eyes. “Well, he’s grumpy, hotheaded, hates change, and is probably the last person I would’ve ever thought I’d be a good match with.”
“I’m hoping there’s more to this description, honey…”
I laughed. “There is. While he’s all those things, he’s also thoughtful, protective, generous, respectful, and fiercely loyal.”
“Those qualities sound a lot better.”
“He’s also tall, broad, and devastatingly handsome.”
“Now you’re talking. You should have led with those. I like tall. Keep going…”
I chuckled. “Fox is really hard to explain. He used to be a professional hockey player, and now he owns a construction company. He’s exactly what you would picture when I say that—rugged and tough. Neither of us was looking for someone. I think it’s pretty safe to say Fox was fighting finding someone.”
“Do you think you’ll stay down there?”
“I don’t know. Things are so new. I haven’t had time to give it any serious consideration. But I have to be back at work in three weeks. Kolax and Hahm are growing impatient, and I’ve maxed out my leave.”
“Would this Fox ever consider moving to New York?”
I laughed out loud. “Definitely not. He’d be miserable.”
“You have a lot to think about, then. But you sound happy. How has your sleep been?”
“I can’t remember the last time I slept so well.”
“Probably all that fresh air.”
Or the orgasms. So much better than Ambien. “Maybe. But tell me about you. How are you feeling?”
Nilda and I talked for another ten minutes. After we caught up, she broached the subject she always did. “Have you spoken to your mother?”
“Not recently. How is she?”
“She’s doing well. You should give her a call. Maybe tell her about this new guy you’re seeing.”
That would definitely not be happening. “She would hate the thought of me spending time down here and dating a guy who does construction instead of neurosurgery. I think I’ll pass on that.”
“She misses you.”
Nilda meant well, so I didn’t argue.
“Before we hang up,” she said. “I need to talk to you about something. I’ve been putting it off, hoping to talk to you in person when you get back, but I’m afraid that’s not going to work out.”
That sounded ominous. “What’s going on?”
“I’m moving, honey.”
“Moving? You mean you aren’t going to live with Mom anymore?”
“No, sweetheart. I mean I’m moving to South Carolina. My sister Bessy doesn’t walk so well anymore, and I want to be closer to help out. Plus, the weather’s nicer, and I’m getting old.”
I sat up, feeling my chest grow tight. Nilda was in her late sixties now, but I was selfish when it came to her. “Oh my God, Nilda. You’ve been with me since I was a baby.”
“I know, sweetheart. But you don’t need to be taken care of anymore, and it’s time.”
“When are you leaving?”
“In a few weeks.”
The skin on my chest felt hot and itchy. No doubt I’d have a rash soon. I rubbed it. “I don’t know what to say. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
“Your life will never be without me, not as long as I’m breathing. You’ll come visit me, and I’ll come visit you. Charleston is only a few hours from Laurel Lake. If you wind up moving down there, we’ll be closer than if I was here with your mom.”
I sighed. “Does Mom already know?”
“She does. I gave her a few months’ notice. It just never seemed like the right time to tell you.”
“I’m sorry I don’t sound happy. I promise I will be. Just give me a little time to digest it. You’re my everything, Nilda.”
“And you’re mine, too, sweetheart. None of that is going to change. This is going to be good. For both of us.”
It sure as hell didn’t feel good at the moment, but I knew she was right. If my mom called and told me she was moving to Australia, I wouldn’t have been this upset. Nilda was the one person in the world who was always there for me. She was my rock.
“I’ll call you in a day or two. Okay?” I told her.
“I look forward to it.”
I sat on the lawn, staring out at the lake for the better part of an hour after we hung up, remembering all the good times I’d had with Nilda. After my little pity party was over, I texted her.
Josie: I’m sorry about how I acted. I’m happy for you. Really, I am.
As usual, she took hours to respond. Nilda only checked her phone a few times a day. She kept it turned off in her purse, because she didn’t want the battery to die.
Nilda: Thank you. Family is in your heart, so you’ll never be far from me, no matter where we are.
I smiled, feeling genuinely happy for her now.