Page 119 of Power
“That woman doesn’t deserve the title of ‘mother.’ Any asshole can have a child, but it takes selflessness to actually raise one.” May turns to look at me. “Like you. You’ve done everything in your power to give that little girl her best chance in life.” She points down the hallway. “No one should judge you for that, but let’s be realistic, everyone has an opinion.”
“Now I feel like a jerk,” Hope says.
“Don’t. How were you supposed to know?” I reach across the table and clasp Hope’s hand, gently squeezing. “You’ve both been so good to us. I’ve already forgotten about it.”
“You know what we need?”
“Dear Lord,” May mumbles.
“Be quiet, old lady,” Hope teases, making May shoot her an unimpressed glare with high brows and pursed lips. “We need to get drunk.”
“It’s barely one in the afternoon. Isn’t it too early to drink?”
“Not now, but one night. Maybe Saturday? I’ll get the girls together, and we’ll come here with lots of alcohol. May can supervise.”
I’m instantly terrified. “Um.”
“No, that’s not going to happen, Hope.” Thankfully, May puts a stop to Hope’s craziness. “Until everything is settled down, Reece can’t do anything that’ll make her look bad in the public eye.”
“Who’s going to tell them? I won’t, you won’t, Tabitha and Elle damn well won’t.”
I know who Tabitha is, but who’s Elle? “Not a good idea,” May insists.
“As much as I’d love a girls’ night, I couldn’t do it without Tash. So, when all this is forgotten, Tash and I will be down for some hard-core drinking and partying. If that’s okay with May.”
“My house is a safe place.”
“Yay! So, it’s a date. Sometime in the near future, we’re drinking.” Hope moves and takes her phone out of her cargo pants. She holds it up to her ear. “Yeah?” Oh, she got a call, I didn’t even hear it ring. “Yeah.” She picks up a piece of potato and pops it into her mouth. “What, how can that be? We just looked at it yesterday morning.” She sighs and shakes her head. “Alright, I’ll be there soon.” Her shake changes to a nod. “That’s what I said,” Hope adds sarcastically. “Yeah, yeah. See ya, bro.”
“Was that Charlie?” May asks.
“Yeah, I have to go. There’s a problem with one of the houses.” Hope stands and takes her plate into the kitchen. She returns and gives May a kiss on the cheek. “I love what I do, and I’m damn good at it, but my God, sometimes I wonder if it’s worth flipping old houses.”
“Can’t really flip a brand new one, can you?” May snaps back.
“Well...” Hope fidgets and smirks. “I guess not. You know what? You’re a cranky old biddy today.”
May flicks her hand to playfully smack Hope. “Ha ha, you missed.” She kisses May on the cheek once more. “Bye, kid!” she yells to Emily.
“See ya!” Emily calls from down the hallway. “Thank you for my book.”
Hope smiles proudly. “I’ll see you the next time I come out, Reece.”
“Thank you for the book.”
“You’re welcome. Right, I’m out of here.” She walks out of May’s, leaving us alone.
“Hope was lost when she came to Hope River. She’s really grown into an amazing young woman.” May’s loving smile beams. “She’ll help anyone who needs help, and without expectation of anything in return. She’s damn smart too and so incredibly talented. I’m so proud of her.” I can see the love exuding from May’s pores.
I stand and clear the table. When I’m done, I find May sitting on the sofa and I sit beside her. “Thank you so much for lunch, I feel better now.”
May places her hand on my arm. “You need to get out of your head, because once you do, you’ll see everything clearer.”
I stare down at my flip-flops and nod slowly. “I might head back to the retreat and give Tash a call. I’m missing her.”
“Emily is more than welcome to stay here.”
“Please, don’t say anything to her about...”
She gently pats my hand. “Don’t worry about anything. If she broaches the subject with me, I’ll make sure to listen and I’ll reiterate that she’s not at fault.”
“Thank you.” I stand and head toward the retreat after I inform Emily where I’m going.
One day, I hope I can build a family and be as kind as May’s been to me.
Who knows, maybe one day in the future, that’s exactly what’ll happen. The moment I’m back in the retreat, I slide into bed and lift the covers over my head. Who am I kidding? Everyone knows who I am now. Is it possible to have a happy and healthy relationship with anyone?
Time will tell, I guess.
