Page 17

Chapter

Vivian

Despite all my bluster, I wanted to go to him, soothe him, but it was clear Lennon and his mom needed to talk. And I definitely needed a moment to work through my emotions. Lola waved her hand toward a short hallway. “The guest room I set up is the second door on the right. The bathroom is a jack and jill, so you’ll find it without a problem. If you need anything to drink or eat, you come get it. I won’t have you hungry, querida.”

I nodded and gathered my suitcase.

Lennon swayed on his feet, his face pale. “How bad, Mom?”

She hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting mine. “It’s not a good prognosis, but I can beat it.” Her eyes pleaded with me, and I wasn’t sure if it was because she wanted her statement to be true or because she didn’t want me to tell Lennon that her doctor had given her a year to live.

I took a shower, then dressed in clothes better suited to the weather. I’d just finished braiding my hair, unable to stand the idea of blowing it dry, when there was a knock on my door.

I opened it and stared up at Lennon. “Mom said to tell you she made dinner. She then practically ran out the door and jumped into my sister’s car.”

I studied him. “How are you doing?”

“I…” His lips completely disappeared into his beard. “Today’s been a lot.”

“Understatement.”

Belladonna appeared at Lennon’s side. She pushed her way forward to nuzzle my leg. I petted her head, and she sighed happily.

“Will you eat with me? I could use a friend.”

I smiled. “Sure.”

We headed to the kitchen, which had Mexican tile countertops and backsplash, along with Saltillo tile floors. The appliances were all stainless. There wasn’t a dish in the undermount sink or a spill on the counters. Clearly, Lola Cruz was like my mother—ruthless when it came to running a household.

Belladonna headed to the far side of the room where a heavy wooden table sat with thick, tall-backed wooden chairs. She picked up a large bone from the corner and flopped on her bed with a soft grunt, eyeing us as she gnawed her treat.

“Mom made her enchiladas, beans, rice, and calabazas. I hope that’s okay.”

My stomach gurgled, responding before my mouth. Cruz’s lips quirked up a little. “Guess so. Tea?”

“Water,” I said. “I can’t drink caffeine this late in the day.”

“You got it. The plates are there.” He pointed next to the stove, where the pots and a large pan waited. “Help yourself.”

I plated my food while Lennon got us drinks. Then he served himself quickly and joined me at the table. He stared down at his plate, and I waited. Even before he asked the question, I was gearing up for the answer.

“How serious is it?” he finally said.

“Serious. But I think she has a better shot than the doctor told her. And that isn’t false hope I’m trying to give you. Your mom has a lot to live for, and that means she has a lot of fight in her. But I won’t lie, Lennon. She’s going to need it.”

“Okay.” He picked up his fork, but instead of taking a bite, he drew designs across his plate. “And you don’t mind being here? It sounds a bit like my mother used emotional arm-twisting.”

I took a bite of enchilada, mainly so I had another minute to form my answer. The flavors hit my tongue, and I moaned. “So good.”

“Yeah, it always is.” He took a bite while I had another.

Once I’d gotten through the first flurry of hunger, I set my fork on my plate and answered his question. “I’m glad to be here—as long as that’s okay with you. I needed a change from UCSF, and Hana’s begged me to visit, so… Yeah, I’m glad to be here.”

“Good.” He met my gaze, his eyes vulnerable. “You’ll treat her well, right? I mean…”

I reached over and rested my hand over his. “Yes, Lennon. That’s why I’m here. I want your mother to have every possible chance.”

“Thank you.” The words came from deep inside.

“You’re welcome.” I patted his hand a couple times, then returned to my meal. We ate in companionable silence for a while. “I thought about what you told me,” I said.

He hummed questioningly since his mouth was full.

“I believe you.”

He patted his lips with his napkin. “I’m glad. I won’t lie to you, Vivi. I promise.”

“And I’ll always be honest with you—about your mom but also about how I’m feeling.” I rubbed my finger across the smooth wood of the table, enjoying the satiny feel. “I’m scared to trust you,” I told him. “I’m scared you’ll change your mind, and I’ll be hurt. But I’m scared not to try because I’ll be hurt.” I lifted my gaze to his. “Please don’t hurt me, Lennon.”

“Maybe we could try a date or two,” he suggested. “You can see how that feels.”

“I kind of get the sense we’re on one now.” I glanced around the homey kitchen, smiling because it reminded me of my mother’s place.

“I’ll take you on all the dates, Vivi. Anywhere you want to go.”

My breath stuttered as I inhaled. “One day at a time, Lennon. A bit more trust each day, that’s how you can prove you’re serious about me. I don’t want a grand gesture. I want to know, in my bones and heart, that what you’re telling me is true.”

He nodded. “I respect that.”

“Guess we’ll see.”

“You will.” He hesitated. “And I want you to know, I’m not sucking up to ensure you give my mother better care. I know you’ll do that, no matter what happens between us.”

“You’re right, I will. I guess I’m glad you realize that.”

He stared deeply into my eyes. “I remember everything we ever talked about, Vivian. I know how important your patients are to you. Thank you for allowing my mother to be one of them. Thank you for getting past your anger with me to care for her.”

My heart, the one that had been Lennon’s since he’d handed me my hat, melted. “I want to trust you, Lennon Cruz. Don’t blow it, because I won’t give a third attempt.”

He gave a sharp nod. “Understood.”