Reluctantly, I free myself from her grasp. “Are you sure?! You stay here and don’t move. I’m going to get the stuff we need, okay?”
She nods and her smile is so wide that she looks like she’s about to split her cheeks, and that makes me smile too. This is the moment that I realize the horns are gone. Maybe the guys are right—maybe she’s an angel in disguise.
I jog into the house and dig through the pantry for the crackers and marshmallows. “What are you doing, Dean?” My mom walks into the kitchen in her pajamas.
“Are you going to bed now?” I ask.
“As soon as Phoebe comes in. I was going to change her gauze for her and then go to bed,” she leans against the counter and folds her arms over her chest.
“Don’t worry about Phoebe, I’ll take care of her. I’m looking for the stuff to make S’mores. She’s never had a bonfire before, so I thought tonight would be as good of a night as any. And everyone knows you can’t have a fire without S’mores.” My hands are full, holding a box of crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars.
My mom pushes past me and reaches to the top shelf of the pantry to grab a wicker picnic basket. I see her struggle, stepping on her tiptoes to try and pull it down. I set the things on the counter and reach over her head to grab it.
“I got it. Thank you, Mom.” I kiss her cheek and dump everything inside the basket before retrieving to bottles of water from the fridge. I feel like I’m in a mad rush but I want to hurry back before she comes looking for me.
“What’s with the smile on your face?” She asks, raising an eyebrow.
“Nothing, Mom. I’m just excited about having S’mores too.” I kiss my mom on the cheek again and head out the door, swinging the basket back and forth.
“Dean,” my mom calls from the back door. I turn around and jog back.
“Yeah?” I ask through the screen door.
“Don’t get too attached, sweetie. She’ll be leaving us in a few days and I don’t know if we’ll see her again.” She gives me a sad smile.
“Don’t worry, Mom, I’m not.” And I’m not… am I?
Walking back to the fire pit, I watch Barbie as she stares at the fire. The blazing fire lights up her skin, giving her an ‘orangey’ glow… there’s my devil!
I set the basket down on the bench and stoke the fire, moving the logs around.
“I thought you were getting stuff for S’mores. What’s in the basket?” She asks, furrowing her brow.
I set the pokers down and remove the contents from the basket. “We are making S’mores. My mom just gave me this basket so I could carry everything out here,” I reply.
She grabs one of the retractable pokers and pulls it out like an antenna, eyeing it as if she’s never seen anything like it before… hell, she probably hasn’t.
I take it from her hand. “Here, they pull out and you can extend them to any length.” I pull open the marshmallow bag and grab one, spear it and hand the poker back. “Just hold it above the fire so you’re not eating a charred marshmallow.”
I stand up to show her how it’s done and she follows suit. When our marshmallows are roasted to a golden perfection, we set the pokers down and get the chocolate and crackers ready. I really didn’t think this through, I probably should have had all of this done already but I was just too damn excited.
Phoebe gave up after a few S’mores and just decided to roast marshmallows and I did the same as we share stories about growing up and have a lot of laugh. By the time the fire dies down we are all sticky and tired. I walk with her into the house, my arm wrapped around her waist and she leans into me. I stop in my tracks and look up at the sky. The large white moon is so full and bright, it looks as if it will come crashing down on us at any moment and the sky is littered with twinkling stars.
“I had fun tonight,” I say, my gaze never faltering from the world above us.
“Me too. Thank you, Dean.” I look down at her as she stares up at the stars in awe. The twinkle from the stars reflects in her eyes, but pale in comparison to the way her eyes dance and shine as she smiles.
“You’re welcome.” I turn around and start walking towards the house. This moment is getting a little too intense for me. I think I’m going to need to give Devon another call.
“He’s got boots and she’s got wings…”
My new ring tone wakes me up. I know, I know—I’m not a fan of country at all, but when Emily and I were in the truck yesterday, this song came on and I fell in love with it. I’m instantly awake when I see it’s my mom calling.
“Hey, Mom,” I’m instantly awake eager to talk to my mom.
“Hey, Pheebs, how are things on the Montgomery’s farm?”
“Things are going okay. I’m feeling better with each passing day. I’m looking forward to getting the stitches out next week and Emily said she will take me around to some apartments and condos.” I sit up and rest my back against the headboard.
“That’s wonderful, Phoebe. When you get settled, let me know and Ben and I will come for a visit. I’ve talked to Emily a couple of times and I’d love to meet her as well. She seems like a great woman.”
Hearing my mom talk about Emily brings a smile to my face. A couple of days ago, if you asked me what my plans were after I left the farm I would have said, ‘get back to my life and never look back.’ But now things have changed dramatically. I’m looking forward to getting my own place, having my belongings around me and getting back to work. However, I can’t deny the stinging pain I feel in my heart every time I think about leaving.
“She is pretty great. By the way, I hear you and Ben took a little vacation. Why didn’t you tell me?”
She’s silent on the other end, and I know she’s debating whether or not to tell me something. I’ve only seen her act this way a few times in my life and it’s usually before she tells me something that is life changing. It’s always been just me and her against the world but now that’s all changed.
“Yeah, we went to go visit his children in Springfield. They live with their mother so we stayed in a hotel. They’re really great kids, Phoebe. I can’t wait for you to meet them. Oh, hang on one second, Pheebs.” She covers up the mouth piece, and I can hear her mumbling something on the other end.
“Mom, who are you talking to?” I ask.
“I’m talking to you, Pheebs.”
“No, who’s there with you?” I ask again, clarifying my question.
“Oh, that’s Ben. He… He… ah…” she stammers into the phone.
“Spit it out, Mom,” I clip. I’m getting pretty impatient with her beating around the bush about this Ben guy. She would have never done this before.
“He moved in with me.” She says as if it’s no big deal.
It was my turn to be quiet. I can’t say anything. Hell, I don’t know what to say.
“I’ve got to go, Mom.” I quickly hang up and toss the phone onto the bed.
I blink back tears and try not to cry. I know I wanted this, I wanted the job and I wanted the move. I can’t help but feel I’m being replaced. I know I sound like a child, but it’s hard when feel like your best friend is slipping away from you. Sure I want my mom to be happy, she deserves it, but I didn’t expect things to move this quickly with Ben.
I’m lost in my own little world, staring at the blank TV, so I don’t even hear the knock on the door. I jump when it opens, and Emily peers in. “Morning, Phoebe, are you okay?”
“I just got off the phone with your mom. She told me that you two talked and it didn’t end well.” She sits on the edge of the bed.
“I guess you could say that,” I look out the window so that she doesn’t have to watch me cry.
“Why don’t you get dressed and we’ll go shopping today.” I don’t say anything until she says the magic words. “We can even go look for a place for you while we’re out.”
Looking for a place today won’t make me feel better, but it’s better than being stuck in this room all day.
I wipe
my face with the back of my hand and smile. “I’ll get dressed and be down in a few minutes.” I nearly jump from the bed and pull open the drawers in search of something to wear.
Emily giggles and walks out of the room, leaving me to get ready. I get dressed, slap on some make up and slip into a pair of flats before heading downstairs into the kitchen. I vow that I will call my mom and apologize later. She doesn’t deserve my attitude, she’s a grown woman and so am I.
“Are you ready, Emily?” I ask as she sets the plates of scrambled eggs in front of the guys. Dean immediately grabs the salt and pepper and shakes an ungodly amount over his food, while Keith just smiles, folds up his paper and kisses Emily on the cheek, thanking her. She smiles and unties her apron, lifting it over her head and folding it neatly, placing it in a drawer. If I didn’t know any better, I would think I was watching an episode of Leave It to Beaver.
“Yes ma’am.”
“Where are y’all going?” Dean asks as he shoves a fork full of eggs into his mouth. I wait by the back door for Emily to get her shoes on. I should have worn sandals like Emily so I can show off my pedicure.
“We’re going to look for a place for me,” I blurt out, not even thinking.
Emily stays quiet, Keith and Dean share a glance and returning to their breakfast as if I didn’t say anything at all.
Did I say something wrong?
I walk out to the truck, confused as I’ve ever been.
“You know, Phoebe, I know you won’t be here much longer but you can’t carry on wearing the shoes you have around the farm.” She says as she pulls out of the driveway.
Where is she going with this?
“Would you like to go look for a suitable pair of boots?” she asks.
“Oh, I have a few pairs of boots but most of my shoes are heels,” I respond.
She starts to giggle and I wonder what I said wrong. “No, sweetie, I mean like cowgirl boots,” she laughs some more.
What in the hell am I going to do with cowgirl boots? I’m not positive but I’m pretty sure that they would stick out like a sore thumb in my shoe collection.
“Um, I guess so?” I say, unsure as to when I would even wear a pair of boots like that—other than on a farm obviously.
Emily and I stop at a few stores, and I try on many pairs of boots but we’re in the third store when I pull on a pair of boots and feel like Cinderella—and this boot is my glass slipper.
They are a brown leather slouch boot. My jaw drops when I see the price of them—nearly two-hundred dollars!
“Don’t worry, Phoebe, this is my treat.” Emily puts her arm around my shoulders and we walk to the register. I set the box down and frown.
“I can’t let you do that, Emily, you’ve already done so much for me. Please let me pay?” I go to hand my American Express card to the young girl behind the counter but before I can, Emily snatches the card from my hand and tosses four fifty dollar bills on the counter.
“I told you, I’ll take care of it, Phoebe. Now put your card away.” She hands me my card and I reluctantly slide it back into its place in my wallet.
I can’t stop smiling as we walk back to the truck. Once inside, I slide off my flats and slip on my new boots. They don’t necessarily match what I’m wearing but they’re adorable. Never in a million years would I have thought about getting a pair of boots like these.
“So, where to next?” I ask Emily.
“Well, I thought we could look at somewhere for you to live. There are a few places I know of that would be close to your work as well as the farm if you’d like to check them out?”
“Sure, that sounds great.” I say, excited to see what she what she has picked out for me.
Our first stop is an apartment complex. The places are nice but the rooms are small—and the closets even smaller—so I discount them.
Our next stop finds us outside some beautiful brick, detached condos, complete with garage, and that’s where I fall in love. They are spacious, and the one available for immediate occupancy has two large bedrooms, both with walk in closets. The master even has its own bathroom. The walls are stark white, but I’m told I can paint them when I get the keys. The kitchen is on the small side but that doesn’t bother me. Rows of white cabinets and black granite countertops fill the space and it even comes with stainless steel appliances.
“I think this is it!” I’m so excited that I nearly bounce out of my skin. I love it that much that I would move in today if they’d let me.
“That’s great, Ms. Andrews. I have some paperwork that I need you to fill out and then we can process it in the next couple of day. You should hear something from me in the by the end of next week and then we can move forward.” The smile on my face is hurting my cheeks but this is the happiest I’ve been in a very long time. To think that in two short weeks, I will be living in my own place. The owner pulls out what looks like a novel. Luckily, I only had to fill out a few pages and the rest is the Association rules for the condo.
Mom is going to be so happy when I tell her about the condo. I may have to wait a few days but there shouldn’t be any hold ups. I have impeccable credit, and more than enough money to pay the rent along with the utilities.
On the way back home, we pick up lunch for everyone from a local diner. When we pull up outside the farmhouse, I get out and I click my boots purposely. I love the sound my new boots make when they hit the ground.
Emily takes the food and follows behind me, setting it on the counter before she goes back outside to call for Keith and Dean.
We all sit down to eat, and I fill Keith and Dean in on the condo. Excitement fills my voice but the guys look at me with grim expressions. Oh well, at least Emily shares my joy.
I nearly choke on my food when Phoebe talks about the condo. I knew she’d be leaving but I was hoping my parents would manage to talk her into staying. We just started being civil to each other and whereas I couldn’t wait for Barbie to leave, I’m starting to like Phoebe.
“So when do you move?” I ask.
“Well, I have to wait for the approval from the condo association which I’m sure won’t be a big deal. The owner said that he will touch base with me by the end of the week,” she pauses and takes a bite of her sandwich. “As part of my transfer package, my company is paying the down payment so I don’t have to worry about that. I’ll be staying here a little longer than planned but only by a week or so.”
The smile never leaves her face. Damn, I’m going to miss that smile.
This past week, I think they’ve been the happiest I’ve ever seen them. Dad has a little girl and Mom has a new friend to go shopping with. I don’t care what anyone says, this accident was the best thing to happen to my family in a long while.
“Hey, we’re going out for Devon’s birthday tonight. Come with us and celebrate your good news if you’d like?” I ask Phoebe. Her eyes light up and I know I’ve made the right call in inviting her along.
“Sure! Who’s going to be there?” She asks. Having met everyone except for Addison, I know she’ll have a good time.
“Me, Dev, Austin, Jake, and Jake’s fiancé Addison,” I count on my fingers to make sure I didn’t miss anyone.
“So you’re all going to be on dates?” She raises an eyebrow.
I chuckle to myself. “Yeah, kind of. I mean, Austin is going stag, so I guess you two can hang,” I offer. I hate the thought of her and Austin together. His motto is ‘Dip ‘n Ditch’ because he fucks ‘em and leaves ‘em. But I won’t let him do that to her. Phoebe deserves a lot better than that. Luckily, I’ll be there to keep an eye on them.
“Sure, that sounds like fun,” she says and we continue on with the most pleasant meal we’ve had since she arrived—and possibly ever. The four of us just sit around—talking, laughing and generally enjoying each other’s company. I’m going to miss this.
After lunch, I quickly get back to work. I lose track of time, I’m walking towards the barn when I hear my mom calling me in for dinner. I s
top working for the day and we sit down together, the mood seems lighter, there’s no talk about the condo but Phoebe fills us in more on what she does for work and her life back in Chicago.
After dinner I head upstairs to take a shower when I hear Phoebe talking on the phone. She’s telling whoever it is about her new place.
“It’s going to be so great, I can’t wait for you to come visit!”
I lean against the door and listen to the conversation.
“I know, I’m sorry… okay, I’ll talk to you later… love you too.” I hurry and run to the bathroom when she ends the call; afraid she might open the door and catch me eavesdropping. I shut the bathroom door just as hers opens and breathe a sigh of relief.
After dinner I call my mom and tell her my great news about the condo.
“Mom, you’re going to love it. It’s about double the size of our apartment in Chicago, and half the price. There’s a second room that I’m going painted blue just for you.” I bounce on the bed because I am that excited.
“That’s great, Pheebs. I’m so happy for you. We can’t wait to come and visit you.”
And that’s when my excitement ends. I’d have a feeling that the days of me and my mom doing things together—just the two of us—were over. Even so, I stay silent after she mentions his name.
“Phoebe, I knew you wouldn’t take this well and that’s why I kept it from you for so long. You’re an adult and so am I. I was lonely—you can’t expect me to stay single forever. It’s been years since your dad died.”
I sigh and look out the window, watching as Emily and Keith hold hands on the swing below. They are so in love, and I guess I can’t be mad at my mom for wanting that. Hell, maybe one day I’ll even want that… maybe.
“You’re right, Mom. You deserve to be happy just as much as the next person.”
“It’s not that I wasn’t happy, Phoebe. In fact I was very happy with it just being us. But there comes a point in life when you meet someone special, a person who makes you feel things you’ve never felt before…”
Serendipity Page 10
