Page 28 of Secret Love (The Single Dad Playbook #2)

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

THAT AGE-OLD QUESTION

TRU

It's hard to tear myself away from Henley, but I finally manage to get out of bed. I clean the house a little bit, put clean sheets on the guest bed, and check to see what I need to pick up from the grocery store. Henley is being helpful too, vacuuming the living room.

I gave Jacklyn a vague idea about what's going on and she said to just take the day off. I had offered to come in for a little while and leave early to pick up my mom, but she knew I would probably need to get ready for her. I'm grateful for the time. When Henley's done vacuuming, he asks what he can do next.

“You're so good,” I tell him. “I’m not used to a man like you. It's going to take me a while to get acclimated.”

He laughs. “Okay, I'll be around. Do you want me to mop the kitchen?”

“Are you for real?”

“Yep. You remember I’ve got three kids and kids are messy…”

“But so are men, right?” I say, laughing.

“Some are, for sure. Tell me what you need.”

“I would love for you to mop and then I can run to the store, pick up a few things, and head to the airport.”

“Or you could let me run to the store and I could even take you to the airport.”

“Don't you need to take the girls to dance?” I ask.

“Bree had already offered to take them. She had some shopping to do on Jupiter. I'll see the girls later today.”

“Well, I might just keep cleaning a little bit. I need to take care of Earl's litter box…” I stop and look at him apologetically. “I feel bad taking you from the girls. You don't need to go to the store or the airport, but thank you.”

“Are you sure? Don't say what you think I want to hear.”

“No, I'm sure. I think it will be good for my mom and me to have some time together when she gets here. I can't wait for you to meet her…but today is probably not the day.”

“Yeah, I understand. Okay, mopping it is. And then I will get going.”

I walk over and kiss him and he shakes his head. “Nope, none of that, or we won't get anything done.”

I laugh and smack his bum. “Good point.”

I'm waiting for my mom at the first possible spot when she gets through the gate.

I hardly recognize her at first. She's normally so put together that it's hard to see her like this. She looks so thin and weary. Her hair is going everywhere. She collapses into my arms and doesn't cry, but it feels like she needs help even standing.

“Oh, Mom, I'm so glad you're here, and I'm so sorry this has happened.”

She nods and studies my face, her hands on my cheeks.

“You look beautiful,” she says. “I am so glad to see you.”

“Let's get you home. Did you check anything?”

She nods and we move toward baggage claim where her bag is already waiting.

“Just one bag?” I ask.

“Yeah, I didn't bring much. I got out of there as fast as I could.”

“We can pick up whatever you need. Or go to the storage unit whenever you want.”

“I’m just glad to be here,” she says, her shoulders straightening. “I didn't feel the need to bring much of anything. Fresh start.” Her shoulders lift as she takes a deep breath. She tries to smile, but it's wobbly.

“I hate the reasons for it, but your being here is making me so happy. The thought of you being here in Silver Hills with me for more than just a visit—I don't want to jump ahead of things—but I want you to know you could stay forever and I would be thrilled.”

“Thank you, honey.”

I can tell she’s at a loss for what to even say and it breaks my heart to see her so sad.

“Well, let’s get you home.”

She smiles and it almost reaches her eyes.

My mom dozes on the ride home and perks up when she sees my little house and Earl.

“Well, hello,” she says to Earl.

I pick him up and she pets him.

“He is so cute. And your place is darling, Tru. You’ve got it decorated so cute. I love the architecture. It’s so whimsical.”

“Thank you. Whimsical is a good word for everything in this town. Definitely the theme. Your bedroom is back this way.” I show her to the room and then the rest of the house, taking her upstairs to my room last.

It’s a small house with two bedrooms downstairs and one up, but I didn’t need much room with it being just me. Now I’m really glad that it’s as big as it is. I think we can both be comfortable here.

Her phone is buzzing when we come back downstairs and she goes to pick it up, checks it, and turns the sound off. I can tell by the way her jaw clenches that it’s Dad, but she doesn’t say anything.

“You must be so exhausted,” I say. “Are you hungry?”

“I am exhausted, yes. But I'm hungry too, and I feel better just seeing you.”

“Why don't you take a long bath while I make us some food?”

“That sounds perfect. Thank you, honey.”

When she comes out, she looks human again. Her long dark hair is wet and brushed, and she’s wearing a soft matching sweat suit.

I’ve made soup and sandwiches for us, and we sit down at the table to eat. Earl purrs down by my feet. I look at my mom out of the corner of my eye, wondering whether I should bring up Dad or to just let her talk about it when she's ready.

But she starts talking about it right away.

“I'm just so glad that I saw him kiss her,” she says.

I look at her in surprise.

“If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I might have come up with excuses like I have for everything else about him.” She sips her soup and shakes her head. “You must think I'm so weak.”

“I don't. I don’t, Mom. You're the strongest person I know. I haven't understood why you’ve stayed with him, but I’ve never thought it's because you're weak. It’s been more that you want so badly to see the best in him.”

She looks down at her plate and her eyes fill with tears. “That's true. It was almost like I was just determined to make our life be what I wanted it to be…all the while knowing it never would be. I don't know why I did that.”

“Because you loved him,” I say, softly.

“Yeah, I did. And I wasted thirty years on a man who has never really loved me back. That's a rude awakening.” She laughs and it sounds brittle and so unbearably sad.

I reach out and put my hand on her arm. “I wish more than anything that I could take away this pain…and I know it's too soon to say this, but I'm so glad you got out of there.”

I'm afraid to say too much because what if she goes back to him? But I can only hope that this has opened her eyes for good.

She talks about how it's been since they moved to Sydney. His late nights working, how abrasive and cold he's been, even more than usual. He's berated her over the smallest things and he’s never home.

“I’m not sure why he even wanted me to move there with him. But I'm done, Tru.” She looks me in the eyes and sets down her spoon, reaching for my hand. “I’m not going back to him. I know now that I can't live this way another second. It's killing me. I don't even recognize myself in the mirror anymore. And I don't want to be that kind of example to you… or to myself.”

“ I love you, Mom.” I bite my lip as the tears start falling down my cheeks. “I love you so much and I know you can do this. You can have a life without him and thrive.”

“I don't really know what I'm going to do with myself, but I'm going to do something,” she says, trying to laugh again.

“You’ve always been brilliant. Now it’s time to think about what you want.”

“I’d rather talk about you. But thanks for listening.” She leans in. “Now…tell me everything I’ve missed from living across the world from you.”

“Well, I’ve made some new friends. I told you about going to Sadie and Weston’s and then out with Sadie and her soon-to-be sister-in-law. Did I tell you about Elle and Calista yet?”

“No, you haven’t mentioned them.”

“Remember that cute bookstore we went in when we drove through here? Twinkle Tales? Calista works there. It was her aunt’s shop and now she’s running it. And Elle is her best friend…who’s also best friends with one of Henley’s best friends.” We both laugh at the way my hand is jumping with the imaginary arrows. “And I can’t wait for you to meet Clara from Luminary Coffeehouse. I think the two of you will hit it off. And Weston’s mom, Lane. She’s great too.”

“And then there’s Henley…” She lifts her eyebrows and grins.

I lean back in my chair and smile back at her.

“Yeah, Henley. He is…” I let out a loud sigh and we both laugh.

“When do I get to meet him?”

“He would’ve been here today to meet you if I hadn’t said let’s wait. I wanted you to get settled in and all that. And…we’re still going to keep things under wraps a while longer. Hopefully his daughters will have a chance to warm up to the idea.”

Images of the way he looked above me, his muscles straining, his hair over his forehead, the intensity in his eyes when he touched me…and then the conversations we’ve had on the phone and texting, in person too…where we’ve covered a lot of ground. It feels like we’ve gotten to know each other pretty well in a short amount of time.

“I can’t wait to meet him. I’ve never seen you light up about a guy before, but you do about him.” She pats my hand and I squeeze hers back.

That night after my mom has gone to bed and I’m getting in mine, my phone buzzes.

Henley

How’s it going over there?

She’s sad, but I think she’s going to be okay. She’s actually doing better than I expected her to be. A lot has been going on in Sydney between them and she says she’s done. She’s never said anything close to that about my dad before, but I believe she means it.

Henley

It sounds like a great first step. I’m glad, but I’m still sorry. Going through a divorce is never easy.

I can only imagine. I’m sorry you’ve dealt with that.

Henley

I’m all good. It was hard, but I feel very lucky that Bree and I remained friends throughout the process. And I feel even luckier about the night I had last night…with you…in case there was any doubt.

My cheeks flush. I lay back in my bed and grin at the phone.

Yeah?

Henley

I’ve been able to think of little else all day long. It’s a good thing it’s the offseason or I’d be a mess.

Well, we’re gonna have to figure that out before you start playing again. When is that again anyway?

Henley

Things are about to start picking up with more regulated workouts. But the mandatory minicamp isn’t until June, so there’s a little leeway until then for me. Coach Evans goes easier on me than a lot of the other players, but I still try not to miss.

I’m excited to see you play.

Henley

You are?

Yes! I hear you’re kinda all that.

Henley

Tiny dancer, on the field, I am definitely all that.

I shiver and laugh out loud, feeling the heat of his words like he’s in bed saying them in my ear.

I just might pass out from lust, seeing you in those tights.

Henley

LOL. You make me sound like Robin Hood. They’re pants though.

Mm-hmm, those things are leggings at most.

Henley

I guess this brings up that age-old question: Are leggings pants?

On females, yes. Especially if they’re dark enough to hide underwear, otherwise they just seem like tights. But on men…I’m not so sure.

Henley

Maybe it’ll take you seeing me on the field to believe.

I cannot wait.