She digs through the colorful tissue until she finds the envelope.
I hold my breath, hoping I made a good choice.
Her gasp makes me think she likes it. “A gift certificate to a yarn shop! This is amazing. I’m just...” She swipes at a tear. “I’ve never been to that place in Comfort, but I’ve always wanted to go. You can come with me.”
“I’d love to. I’ll pet their fluffy cat while you shop.”
When I see her smile because of something I did, I feel like that ten-year-old who handed over a pickle. And it’s the best feeling in the world. Maybe not the best, but definitely in the top five.
* * *
Bluebonnet is in a robe,just out of the shower when I get home. “I have news.”
“Good, I hope.”
She nods, her smile widening. “Dr. Monroe pulled me aside today. He wants to retire and asked if I’m interested in taking over his practice. The timing is perfect because while I probably have enough saved to buy the business, I now have access to my trust fund, so it’s not an issue.”
“That’s wonderful news. Except for poor Marilyn. She’ll be sad that he won’t be there every day.” The idea of my wife having a trust fund still boggles the mind, but I’m happy that it’s allowing her to see her dream realized.
“Yeah.” She feigns a sad face.
A mischievous twinkle in her eye has me curious. “What’s that look for?”
“I was talking to Ava the other day, and she mentioned how a friend of hers likes to get couples together. Maybe I should see if she can light a spark under Dr. Monroe.”
“I know who Ava’s talking about, and if anyone can make two people fall in love, it’s Tandy. I say go for it.”
She claps. “I’m going to get ready. But you didn’t give me much info about how I should dress or where we are going.”
“I didn’t, did I?” I lean in and give her a kiss. “Jeans and a blouse or a dress. Either would work great. After my shower, I’m going to throw on jeans and a dress shirt. Does that help?”
“Not really. But I’ll figure it out.” She walks toward the bedroom. “And the flowers you sent to the clinic were gorgeous. Thank you.”
I blow her a kiss, then jump into the shower. Fifteen minutes later, I’m dressed and sitting on the couch while Bluebonnet finishes getting ready.
Her phone rings, and she hollers, “Will you get that for me?”
I answer the call from her mother, determined to be nice and not lose my cool. As a kid, I was terrified of Vanessa. And I interacted with her maybe five times. Now, I’m not scared. I’m mad. Hurting people I love doesn’t work for me. But I’ll be respectful because of her relation to Bluebonnet.
Before I can say a word, Vanessa launches into her diatribe. “It’s shameful that my own daughter hasn’t wished me a happy birthday. After all I’ve done for you, giving birth to you and providing a happy home. But you just don’t care. Well, I’m hurt.”
There is silence while I’m trying to convince myself that cursing at Vanessa isn’t worth it.
“Aren’t you going to say anything? How do you plan to make it up to me?”
“Texas is a one-party consent state, and there is a chance I’ve just recorded every word you just spewed at your daughter. It would be a shame if that got posted where all your friends could hear it.”
She gasps.
I’m only getting started. “Do notevercall and speak to her that way.Ever. Did I miss the call where you wishedhera happy birthday? Or maybe you think the world revolves around you. News flash. It doesn’t. I’ll let her know you called.” I said too much, but not anything close to what I really want to say.
“I need to speak with my daughter.” Venomous Vanessa snaps out her command, but the words are like flaming arrows bouncing off a wet blanket.
“She’s busy getting ready so we can go out and celebrate. You may not appreciate what an amazing person Bluebonnet is or give a darn that it’s her birthday, butIdo. And so do a lot of other people.”
“I need just a few minutes to discuss something with her, and I do care.”
“Could’ve fooled me. Oh, and happy birthday.” I end the call and stuff the phone in my pocket. Just like I told Vanessa, I’ll give Bluebonnet the message. But I never said when.
