Page 109 of Rockstar Baby

“No. Okay, not really, in the logical part of my brain. But in the illogical part, I wonder if it’s so overwhelming because it was so fast. We haven’t spent much time together and distance makes it all more romantic.”

“There was a saying I loved. That distance extinguishes a small flame and inflames the great. Paraphrasing of course. Do you feel extinguished?” Her bland smile told me she knew my answer even before I voiced it.

“No, but her feelings matter too.”

“They do, aye. You should find out what they are then, shouldn’t you?”

I grinned. “Do you make house calls?”

“Absolutely. But you’ve never invited me to your home.”

My grin faded. “Surely I have—” Then I fell silent. “You’re probably right. It was an oversight. I would love for you to come. You and Da. And Thomas and Maureen and her…belly.”

My mum chuckled drily. “She has a fiancé now too.”

“Him too. You’re all invited. There’s room. Unless—”

I broke off. Frowned. Likely would’ve choked again if I had anything in my throat but air.

Even that threatened to kill me.

“Unless what?”

“What if I got a place in Crescent Cove? I mean, if it worked out. If she hasn’t found someone else. If she still wants to see me again.”

“A lot of what ifs and just plain ifs. Seems to me you need to start asking some questions and listening—really listening—to the answers.”

“Yes, I do.” I wiped my mouth with my napkin and sat back in my chair. “I suppose I need to do that with you and Da too. I always assumed he was glad I’d gone.”

“Oh, my sweet boy. You couldn’t be more wrong. He believes you were glad to be rid of us.” She pushed aside her half-eaten stew. I hoped I hadn’t been the cause of her lackluster appetite, but I had to wonder. “I have to admit, the thought has crossed my mind too.”

“Never. I swear.” I reached for her hand and cupped it between both of mine. “That was the other reason I came here. You’re right. I’ve focused on work to the exclusion of all else. And I’ve made great strides, but I’m alone.” The word felt like a razor against my vocal cords. I could barely get it out. “I always liked my solitude.”

“Until now.”

Wordlessly, I nodded.

“Love changes everything. Opens up your eyes to what you’ve deliberately looked away from.” She squeezed my hand. “Like how you never could catch a decent fish.”

I laughed softly and met her unwavering gaze. “I’m so glad I came, Ma.”

Her eyes dampened for just a second before they were clear and true once again. “I am too, sweetheart. Now tell me you’ll stay for more than a few days.”

I nodded. I hadn’t planned on staying long, but it looked as if I’d be extending my visit a bit.

Once I returned to the States, I would be going back to Ivy.

Whatever that meant.

Nineteen

Two weeks later

I didtwo things upon arriving in New York after my visit with my folks.

And Thomas, my smart-mouthed little brother who thought he was teachingmesomething when he offered to take me to some gentleman’s club he had discovered. And Maureen, my now sizable younger sister with her equally sizable rock on her hand and her far too smiley husband. And the town at large, meeting friends old and new.

Leaving had been surprisingly difficult. I’d never wanted to stay as much as I did this time. Partly because my village—my family—seemed more welcoming than I remembered. Partly because I didn’t want to deal with what might be waiting for me on the other side of the pond.