Page 19 of Pleasure Island
She covered my hand with hers. “So do I.”
Mom had been gone for two years now when chemo failed and breast cancer killed her. For so long, I didn’t think I’d be able to live with the pain.
We shared a moment, the kind you only know when you’re grieving. Then I forced myself to smile and continue.
“But I’m doing better. Like you told me after she died, the grief never really goes away, but it becomes a part of you. You learn to live with it. That’s where I am.”
Millie nodded, and judging by the gleam of wet in her eyes, I knew she understood exactly what I meant.
For a moment longer, I was silent, then I continued, going slowly as I worked my way through my thoughts. One wouldn’t think it was a complicated question – am I happy? But I did have to think it through.
“I wish my father and I could be closer. I wish he wasn’t so…him. But we love each other. I’ve got a career that makes me happy, and it’s growing. So…I guess I am happy.”
She tightened the hand that still covered mine.
But when I looked at her, she didn’t say anything.
I worked my hand free and reached for the wine, needing to wet my suddenly dry throat.
“I’ve been thinking about making some changes. I wanted to see how you were before I started. But…” She paused, studying her wine for a moment before looking up at me. “Things are a-changing, sweetheart.”
“What things?” Nonplussed, I studied her. “You…Grandma, please tell me you’re not sick.”
“Always so quick to assume the worst.” She sighed and took my hand once more. “No. I’m not sick. There are just…changes coming. And they’ll affect you, darling.”
