Page 95 of The Reluctant Roommate

“It’s okay. I love you, Mom.”

Her mom reached out across the table and took Morgan’s hands. “I love you too, honey.”

Next to her, Heidi placed her hands on the top of both of theirs. “I’m a loser who couldn’t settle on a career. My ex-girlfriend stole all my savings. I got them back, thanks to Morgan, but it was hard for a while. I miss my family in Australia.”

“But are you happy?” her mom asked.

“I am now. I’m going to start college in Denver to study something I hope will lead to a fulfilling career. In the meantime, I’ll get a better job. I have a girlfriend I love.” She rested her head on Morgan’s shoulder for a moment. “Who loves me back. I have friends. I like living in Denver. I’mhappy.”

Her mom nodded. “I’m glad.”

Morgan gazed at Linda. Here was her chance to say how it really was. Allow them to help her in practical ways, emotional support, maybe. Justhelpher.

Linda’s shoulders sagged, and she seemed to deflate. “I’m not okay. Not really. My surgeon is very optimistic about my prognosis. Scans are clear so far—the cancer hasn’t spread. But I’m still struggling. The pain is manageable except when I haveto raise my arm.” Her voice cracked. “So…so, driving is agony. Reaching anything above shoulder height is hard. I can’t change the sheets on the bed. But things are okay. They have to be. Ellie and Nathan are a huge help, but neither of them can drive a stick shift.”

“We’ll help while we’re here,” Morgan said. “The heavy stuff. Move things down to lower shelves for you.”

Her dad cleared his throat. “I can drive you anyplace you want. I wish you’d asked, Linda. I didn’t know how difficult it was for you.”

“I’ll help Morgan and Heidi,” her mom said. “Do Ellie and Nathan know how you’re struggling?”

Linda stared down at the table. “No. They think I’m doing great. I need to be strong for them. They help—they cook, vacuum, grocery shop, that sort of thing. But I don’t want them to see me being weak.”

“It’s okay to show weakness.” Heidi offered Linda a soft smile.

Linda sat silently for a moment.

Morgan gazed at the top of Linda’s head, where gray hairs twined with light brown. More gray than Morgan remembered.

“I feel like a failure,” Linda whispered. “I can’t do a fucking thing.”

Her mom gasped at the profanity, then she went around the table to hug her sister. “You’re doing so well. These things take time. You’re going to be okay.”

“I saw all of you.” Linda raised red eyes to gaze at each of them in turn. “Successful in everything you touch. Career, home, family, parenting. Even your hobbies. Or so I thought. Morgan’s right: It’s hard for me to admit I need help. My attempt at quilting wouldn’t be fit to line the dog’s bed.”

“Now that’s something I can help you with!” Her mom’s words raised a half smile from Linda. “But I’m sure there’s other more useful things I can do. If you’d like, I can drive you to yournext rehab appointment and sit in on it, and we can talk about what you most need?”

“I’d like that—if you don’t mind.”

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”

“January 11, at eight fifteena.m.,” Linda said. “Sure you’ll be up in time?”

Her mom’s laughter cracked in the middle. “You can count on me.”

Morgan blinked back tears. Somehow, these felt so much greater than admissions of failure, admissions that she—and Linda and Heidi—were only human. This was love. Family love.

And Heidi… She was the catalyst.

~ ~ ~

Christmas in New Jersey was nothing like an Aussie Christmas. It was snowing, it was freezing, and Heidi was wearing more clothes at one time than she ever remembered doing. Then there was church on Christmas morning—and opting out was not an option. Still, she managed to stand and sit at more or less the correct moments, thanks to Morgan, who prodded her at the appropriate times.

But Christmas dinner was magnificent! In the tropics, Heidi’s family fired up the barbecue and covered it with fresh seafood. With three or four different salads and many cold bottles of bubbles, no one ever wanted more.

Jinny had pulled out all the stops. There was a massive baked ham with applesauce, prime rib, twice-baked potatoes, acorn squash, yams with marshmallows, the obligatory mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, and creamed spinach.

Linda and her kids had brought three kinds of pie and two fruit cakes, one laden with rum.