Surge

Drake sipped from his mug. “I thought you said everything was wrapped up?”

“Just one last thing. And it needs my signature, so I have to go. Anyway, I’ll get the beans and anything else people want. Some stuff for Drake and me to keep in the pool house so you’re not run off your feet, Mom.”

This was the perfect opportunity, and I seized it. “Nora, would you like to come with me? Maybe there are things you usually have at home that you’d like to have her during your stay? I’ll only be a few minutes at the office, you can get the lay of the land a bit more?”

“Oh, I’d love that. And to see RI.”

Drake sipped again, this time giving me what I interpreted as a death stare. My invitation hadn’t included him, and he was being left alone with Dixie. That actually hadn’t been part of my plan or on my mind at all when I’d aimed my offer at Nora. I just wanted to get his mom alone.

But it was a good thing. Drake and my mom had to have words, and it was better if they did it alone. One day, they’d have to clear the air. I couldn’t guarantee Drake would stay in the house after I left, or that Dixie wouldn’t make an excuse to nip upstairs, but I hoped they’d stay right here in the heart of the home and have a real conversation.

I hadn’t spoken to my mom about making amends with Drake. I hoped my mom wouldn’t simply skirt over the issue of her behavior and that Drake wouldn’t slip it under the rug either. This was a chance for them to see each other. My mom was an opinionated bulldozer of a woman, but she was also caring and willing to lay herself on the tracks for you. They were on different ends of the spectrum when it came to subtlety, but both would do anything for the people they loved.

I wanted them to like each other more than anything. I wanted them to love each other.

But none of that mattered as much as me getting Nora alone.