“If I say no, will it stop you asking?”
“Probably not. And we can both agree that you’ve had an easy time of parenting me so far.”
“If it’s a parent you want, you should talk to your mom.”
How could she explain that she couldn’t talk to her mom right now? “I’d rather talk to you.”
“I don’t know anything about kids.”
“I’m not a kid. I’m a teenager. We’re much trickier. And don’t bother looking for advice on the internet.”
“I take it the advice isn’t good?”
“It says things like, ‘Try to maintain a channel of communication.’” She used her best TV anchor voice. “‘Try to avoid confrontational language and talking in absolutes. Encourage dialogue.’”
“Sounds complicated.”
“You have no idea.” She took a deep breath. “Did you love my mom?”
He went so still she wished she hadn’t asked.
It was like opening up a box and showing someone something awful.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “Forget I asked that. Thanks for the chocolate and the rope lesson.” She took the steps back down to the cabin, grabbed his mug and washed it up.
She was relieved when he followed her down. At least he wasn’t ignoring her.
“Thanks for bringing me on the boat and giving me my first sailing lesson.” What if Scott had loved her mom? What if this was difficult for him too? “Scott—”
“We should get back.” He left the cabin in two long strides and she stood for a moment, wishing yet again that she’d kept her mouth shut.
She hoped she hadn’t ruined what was turning out to be the best day she’d had in a long time.
21
Lauren
Anxiety: a feeling of nervousness or worry
Lauren walked into the garden room where her mother was reading. “Have you seen Mack?”
Her mother glanced up from her book. “Not since last night. Why?”
“I can’t find her anywhere.”
“Have you tried her room?”
“Yes. She’s not there.” In normal circumstances she wouldn’t have worried, but circumstances hadn’t been normal in a long time.
“Maybe she has gone for a walk.”
“It’s the weekend. She doesn’t normally get out of bed until eleven, but I checked her room at eight and it was empty.” Where would her daughter be going at eight o’clock on a Saturday morning?
Nancy put her book down. “Call her. One of the advantages of today’s technology-addicted youth is that you can always contact them.”
“I tried that. Her phone is switched off.” And she was trying not to panic.
There was no reason for anxiety.