Page 80 of Pages of Amber
Mrs. Rhodes smiled at her, setting Amber at ease instantly. “I knew I had a good feeling about you from the moment you came here. Thank you for making my family whole again.”
“Come on over. It’s a family group hug, right?” Mr. Rhodes stepped away. They widened their arms, carving a space for her in their home, in their hearts, in their family.
Amber had always thought herself undeserving of love. That was why she couldn’t easily accept compliments and praises. She didn’t get what she did to earn them. But maybe all they’d wanted was to let her know they appreciated her being there.
Noah stared at her, eyes shining as she stepped into the space they’d created for her. His arm went over her shoulder and Mrs. Rhodes hugged her close by her waist. She didn’t need a grand gesture or to fulfill huge expectations. She had been at the right place at the right time and she’d gotten what her heart hungered for.
Warmth.
Peace.
Love.
Family.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
AMBER COULDN’T DENY IT anymore.
She hated it here.
Her eyes welled, bitterness sharp and tangy in her throat as the realization reverberated through her. She had spent three hours in Noah’s home surrounded by a warm, loving family who had accepted her like one of their own. She had never felt a sense of belonging as strongly as she had there. Amber had been so sad to leave. Her brave face had almost crumpled when Mrs. Rhodes had grabbed her tight and whispered to Amber that she was welcome anytime.
Amber stood in the cold, silent house she had lived in for the last six years, wondering where all the warmth had gone, why she had never felt it here.
“What are you doing?”
She glanced up. Her mom paused on the staircase, one hand on the railing and the other clutching the skirt of her evening gown. Her brows rose when Amber remained silent, bringing her to the present.
“Nothing. I got back from seeing a friend,” she answered.
Her mom’s gaze raked over her. She took the last five steps, letting her gown pool around her feet when she was on even ground. “I called you earlier. You didn’t pick up.”
Amber tapped her purse. “My phone died. I forgot to charge it.” She had barely glanced at it after following Noah to his home, and noticed it was dead when she wanted to call Nigel. She had changed her mind and taken a taxi home instead, despite Noah’s insistence that he drive her back.
An answering hum left her mother. “You’re late for dinner. Tell Dottie to warm up the dishes. You can set the table.”
Her mom disappeared into the dining room before she could tell her she wasn’t hungry. Amber pulled off her shoes at the bottom of the staircase. Hanging her purse over the railing, she headed to the bathroom to wash up. In the kitchen, Dottie stood at the stove, stirring something that scented so delicious, it almost revived Amber’s appetite. Her face lit up when Amber came in.
“It’s good to see you up and about, dear. I’m glad your friends were able to cheer you up. I was getting worried. That’s not good for someone my age,” Dottie teased. Amber understood she was trying to clear the air but couldn’t hide her wince. She couldn’t imagine how Dottie must have felt seeing her bleeding out on the dance room floor.
“I’m sorry for making you worry.” Amber wrung her hands. “I felt lost in my head and I didn’t want to bother you. You didn’t need to see how much of a mess I really was.”
Dottie’s smile softened. “We’re all a mess, Amber. No one is perfect or strong or happy all the time. I’ve known you for years. For as long as I can remember, you’ve been all of that. It’s incredible. You’re stronger than you know.”
Her chest warmed. Dottie had been by her side even when it felt like the world had turned on her. She had gotten Amber to eat her meals, to leave her room and she had patched her up, no questions asked. Dottie had taken care of her, told her she loved her and was always there. Amber was ashamed she hadn’t appreciated such a wonderful woman more. Bursting with her emotions, Amber moved before she registered it, her arms raised as she hugged Dottie.
“Oh.” The elderly woman exhaled in surprise before she hugged her back, her scent warm and comforting. Was this it? The warmth she had been looking for? It wasn’t gone. She just hadn’t known where to find it. She sank into the woman that had been a pseudo-mother, comforter, guardian and companion.
“Thank you, Dottie. For everything. I love you.”
Amber couldn’t see her face but her voice was thick when she said, “Of course. I love you too.” Pulling back, they shared a soft smile. Dottie dried her eyes and pointed at the cupboards. “Let’s hurry up and set the plates. Your mom’s waiting on us.”
Amber laid a tray with plates, glasses and silverware as Dottie focused on the stove. Her mom’s gaze landed on her when she entered the dining room. She set their usual places, then stepped out again to fetch her mom’s tea and a water jug. Her hands shook as she placed the tea beside her mom’s plate. Dottie stepped in carrying their meal as she returned to her seat. The room fell quiet after she placed the food down and left. Amber twitched as her mother looked at her across the table. She had no idea what would come next and it made her nervous.
“I visited Helena at the theatre today.” Amber’s head rose. “She didn’t give me a choice since she’s been ignoring my calls,” her mom continued, her dry tone loud in the room. “I got there to find out that audition results were posted a week ago and practice has already begun.”
Amber had a feeling she knew where her mom was going with this. She already knew about Evelyn landing a role and was ecstatic for her. Was it necessary to know anything else? Her mom zeroed in on her, as though she’d read her mind. “Can you guess who took the lead role as Kitri?”
