Page 106 of Power
“I’m not expecting one from him, because let’s be real here, Tash. He’s a politician.”
“He’s also a man in the wrong.”
I take a long and deep breath. “This whole thing has been wrong from the get-go. I knew I shouldn’t have...you know.”
“Have you fallen for him?” I slowly lift my shoulders. “Reece?”
“Stupid, right?” my voice is barely above a whisper. I close my eyes and shake my head. “Anyway, I have to go.”
“No,” she says. “No, it’s not stupid. Everyone deserves a chance at love, and although he’s a jackass, he deserves it too. You especially should be loved.”
I wipe at the tears spilling from my eyes. “Maybe one day. But until then, I’ll keep waiting.”
“Reece,” she whispers in a small breathy voice. I can feel her empathy for me from here.
“I have to go. Love you, Tash.”
“Love you, too.”
I hang up quickly, because I hate feeling so vulnerable. I’m not that girl, I can look after myself. I take a moment to compose myself before I go in search of my daughter. I’m a strong, independent woman, and I can’t let this dark period I’m experiencing overtake my life.
Walking out, I call for Emily, but I’m met with silence. I make my way to the vegetable garden in case she’s helping May, but I’m met with the chickens scratching around.
I walk up to May’s and knock on the door. “Is that you, Reece?”
“Yeah, is Emily in there with you?” I holler from the door.
“Seriously, you’re going to make me get up to let you in? You can open the damn door,” May snaps at me. She’s one forceful lady, that’s for sure. I walk into her house and find her sitting at the kitchen counter, nursing a cup of coffee. She gestures toward the coffee machine. “Help yourself. I was about to go watch some TV.”
I help her down from the stool before pouring myself a coffee. “Is Emily here?”
May nods as she shuffles toward the living room. “That girl is a ferocious reader.”
“Yes, she is. Do you mind if I...” I place my mug on the dining table and point toward the hallway.
“Stop asking. Just go.” She waves her hand at me, shooing me away.
“Thank you.” I walk down the hallway and find Emily sitting on the floor, her back up against the bed, completely immersed in a book. “Hey.”
“Hey, Mom.” She looks up only long enough to acknowledge me before returning her attention to her book.
“New book?”
“Yeah, Little Women. Oh, my God! This is so good.”
“I take it that you’re enjoying it?”
She peers up from behind the book. “Loving it.”
“Be careful with that book; it looks really old.” I notice the deep green cover has worn edges. “Here, let me have a look at something.” I hold my hand out for the book.
“Hang on.” Emily takes the bookmark and places it at the spot she’s up to before handing the book to me.
I open and flip the first few pages. “Shit.”
“What is it?”
“I think this is a first edition.” I take the book out to May. “May, is this a first edition?” I hold up the copy of Little Women Emily’s been reading.
