Page 68 of Meet Me on Love Street
“These developers aren’t the bad guys,” Mom says. “I liked their plans. Even Jenn likes them. They are one of thefew housing developers committed to providing medium-density, affordable housing for the city. The storefronts will all be modern and larger, and there will be fifty housing units above. There will even be units set aside for the rental market. One of the founders of the company used to be a planner for the city. They want to build a whole community—with commercial and residential together.”
“We alreadyhavea community.”
“Sana, it’s all falling apart. The land is worth more. And there’s a housing crisis in the city.”
“They are going togentrifyLove Street. They’re going to bring in chain stores and kick everyone out like Mrs. Kozlak, and the street will look like every ‘trendy’ new area with no unique charm.” I’m pouting and rambling, but I think I’m entitled.
Mom doesn’t say anything to that because she knows I’m right. I wipe away a tear. “I don’t get why you didn’t tell me. I’m not a kid. This is my life too.”
After a few moments of silence, Mom finally speaks. “I know. I’m sorry.” She sighs. “Ijustaccepted the offer. I haven’t even signed the final paperwork yet. You’ve been so focused on the festival; I didn’t want this news to get in your way. And I don’t want the other businesses on the street to know yet. I’m the first to sell.”
I don’t think that’s a good enough excuse. I know my mother still sees me as a little kid, and I hate proving her right, but in this moment all I want to do is throw a tantrum.
“I hate change,” I say. I wonder what people thought fifteen years ago when the old stores on this side of the street—where Cosmic Vintage and LoveBug are—weretorn down. Were they upset that Love Street was changing? Were they angry about new condos in the area?
Mom smiles sadly. “I know, sweetheart. But things are going to change whether we want them to or not. This way we can at least have some control of what the future will look like.”
The fact I can’t deny is that IknowMom’s been stressed. Iknowthe flower shop is struggling. Switching to an online shop is a smart idea. And being closer to Nani and Nana will make things easier for Mom. If she does nothing, then her flower shop could go under, and she’d lose everything she worked so hard for.
I exhale, uncrossing my arms. “So where will you live? With Nani and Nana? It would take me two hours to get to OCAD from their place.”
She shakes her head. “It wouldn’t be that bad. There’s a train into the city. Or…” She hesitates.
“Or what?”
Mom shrugs. “We’ll figure something out, Sana. Something that works for both of us. You won’t have to live with your father, but we don’t need to think about it now. The festival is only a few days away. I didn’t want to burden you with all this yet. And tonight you have a date with Miles, don’t you? You need to enjoy that.”
I shake my head. “Miles has been keeping this from me too,” I say. I tell Mom what the developer said about Miles interning with them.
Mom frowns. “He didn’t tell you that he took a job with them?”
“No. I knew he was looking for an internship, but I didn’t know he was applying atdevelopers. The man saidDadreferred him. Miles definitely didn’t tell me that.”
“How does your father even know Miles?”
I shrug. “I assume through Sarina.” I remember Dad mentioning that Miles was supposed to join them for dinner once. I knew I shouldn’t have attempted to set him up with my stepsister. “This seems like the kind of thing a guy should tell his girlfriend, don’t you think? He’s conspiring with the enemy.”
“I agree he should have told you, but Sana, these peoplearen’tthe enemy. Neither is your father. Miles wants what’s best for the city and the people who live here.”
That’s what Ithought. I think back to that streetcar ride. I can’t believe the person who talked passionately about all the things he loves about Toronto worked with developers to tear down my street. I don’t understand why he didn’t tell me. Why be secretive? Because he knew I wouldn’t be happy about him working there? Or… he didn’t see the need to really let a naive, idealistic romantic into the serious parts of his life.
“You warned me,” I say. “You said he was like Dad.”
Mom exhales but doesn’t say anything. I don’t think she wanted to be right about that.
“He lied to me, Mom,” I add. Withholding important information is lying. Mom knows firsthand what it’s like to be lied to by someone you love.
“This relationship is serious for you, isn’t it?” Mom asks.
I let out a shaky breath. “Itwas.” I wipe my eyes. “You were right, though. I ignored all the red flags. I feel so stupid… Ishouldknow what I’m doing. I mean, I read enough romance novels to have a PhD in romance, right?And yet here’s another relationship failure for me.”
Mom smiles sadly. “Real life isn’t like the books, Sana. Relationships are hard and messy and complicated. I don’t know what’s going to happen with you and Miles, but I do know that each of you should feel like you can share all the parts of yourself with the other. If you feel the need to hold something back… to hide part of who you are to keep your partner happy, then it’s not sustainable. It’s not worth it… Being single is preferable.” She chuckles. “Look at me, trying to give parental advice. What do I know about anything?”
I shake my head. “No, this is good advice, Mom. Thanks.” I finally lock eyes with her and give her a tearful smile. “Italmostmakes me forgive you,” I joke.
Mom huffs a small laugh.
I wonder how much of themselves my parents hid from each other. It also makes me think of what Miles told me weeks ago—that love changes people, and not for the better. Dad changed after he got with Noureen. He’s no longer the type to spend an aimless day at a festival with his daughter. And Cara even changed the way shedressedfor Hannah.
