Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

“Of course I do, but what’s going on? Have you had dinner?”

“No, I don’t have much of an appetite.”

“Come on and I’ll make you a sandwich. You have to eat something.”

“Where’s Dad?” I ask, following her into the kitchen.

“He’s in the shower.” She moves around the kitchen, making me a sandwich. I stay silent, just watching her. She sets it in front of me just as Dad joins us.

“Jamie! What a nice surprise, sweetheart.”

“Hey, Dad.”

“Uh-oh, what’s wrong? How’s the new job?”

“The job is fine.”

“Just fine?” he asks, looking over at mom.

“Yeah, I mean, the people are nice, and the office is bigger than I expected. I even have a view,” I say without an ounce of excitement.

“Honey, isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?” Mom asks gently.

“Yeah,” I sigh. “I just… I don’t know if it’s what I want anymore.”

“What’s brought this on?”

Pushing my plate away, I rest my elbows on the table, then bury my face in my hands. “I miss him,” I confess through my silent tears.

I feel her hand on my shoulder. “Jamie, if you miss him so much, why are you here?”

I look up to see her and Dad both patiently waiting for my answer. “You’re here, my life is here, my job.”

“Do they not have attorneys in Kentucky?” Dad asks.

“Uh… yes?” I answer.

Dad laughs. “Jamie, your home is where you make it. You remember when we used to travel to Ohio when you were little to see Nana and Pap?”

I nod.

“I left Ohio to come to Chicago when I met your mother. I loved her and this was where she was. She was my home.”

“Sweetheart,” Mom says gently. “As a parent, you know your child is going to grow into their own life, have their own family. You have to live your life for you. You know that when we retire completely in a few months, we want to travel and see the world. We won’t be here. As a matter of fact, we’ve been throwing around the idea of selling this place and buying an RV. Maybe get an apartment somewhere as a home base.”

“Really? That sounds just like the two of you. I’m happy for you.”

“Sometimes in life, what we think we want most changes. It could be because of age, location, those you surround yourself with or even love.”

“Does he love you?” Dad asks.

I nod. “He does.”

“Is he as miserable as you are?”

“I think so. We talk every night and text throughout the day.”

“Sometimes you have to sacrifice to be with the one you love. I can promise you the reward outweighs the risk,” Dad says, kissing Mom on the cheek.