Nikki’s feelings of despair did not dissipate quickly.
The following morning, she woke up feeling like she was the only person in the world and all hope was lost. Still, it felt like a dream.
She lay in bed and stared at the ceiling, hoping the patterned surface would bring her comfort or answers. She knew Amy wouldn’t fall into her so easily, but she’d dreaded the rejection she’d received. It was Trish’s wish for her to find her daughter, and while she’d accomplished that, she hadn’t really brought her home. If Amy wanted nothing to do with them, she’d all but ruined Trish’s chances of meeting her daughter.
She slipped from the bed and padded into the kitchen. The coffee machine had a timer, and the hot brew waited for her when she walked in. She loved the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning but couldn’t appreciate it then.
She remembered what Paul had said to her—she just needed to give Amy some time. The problem was that she’d left a life back in Arlington indefinitely, and that period seemed to have been extended.
She poured the coffee and returned to the bedroom. Maybe Amy had already texted, she thought. Her heart started to race as she picked up the device, but there was no message from Amy. She noticed, however, a couple of missed calls from Ava.
She was about to put the phone down when it started ringing, and she jumped in fright. It was Ava, and though she wasn’t in the mood for conversation, she needed a friend.
“Hey,” she answered weakly.
“Okay, that’s not the usual morning voice I get. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Nikki lied, not because she wanted to, but simply because she didn’t want to relive the last day.
“Um, I’m not sure who you think this is, but I know you better than that. So, spill it, and don’t make me have to drive all the way to Camano Island to wring it out of you.”
Nikki laughed softly. Ava was always good at lifting her spirits, which was one of the reasons she’d been her best friend for so many years. “Okay, fine,” she relented. “I went to see Amy yesterday.”
Ava squealed. “You found her? You must be so relieved. What’s she like?”
“Does this sound like relief in my voice?” Nikki asked.
“Uh-oh, someone sounds mad,” Ava replied, and Nikki could almost see her pouting lips.
“Sorry,” she said and wiped her hand down her face. “It’s just that it didn’t go quite the way I wanted it to.”
“What happened?”
Nikki sighed. “We went to the restaurant where she works, and remember how I was concerned that she wouldn’t want anything to do with us? It seems I was justified.”
“Oh no,” Ava lamented. “What did she say?”
“She said she doesn’t want anything to do with us and asked why, after all this time, am I coming to tell her she’s adopted when her real mother is on the verge of death.”
“Wow,” Ava exclaimed. “I’m sorry, hon, but I’m sure she was just angry. She couldn’t mean any of that.”
“She sounded sincere to me,” Nikki replied. “Although, in hindsight, she was having a rough night, and some guy was harassing her over the menu.”
“There you go,” Ava replied. “She was having a bad night, and you just probably picked the worst time to drop a bomb like that. Maybe you should just give her some time.”
“That’s what Paul said.” Nikki sighed again.
“Paul’s a smart man,” Ava said.
“Should I call her? Check on her?”
“Babe, this is not something you can force on someone. Just imagine how you would feel if someone just walked up to you and told you that you’re adopted. Would you just leap for joy?”
“I guess not,” Nikki replied. “I hope she comes around is all.”
“She will,” Ava told her. “But how are things on the other end? How’s Trish and the Nestled Inn?”
“Trish is the same,” Nikki replied as she sipped from her cup. “Every day, the doctors hope, and we hope, but all we can do is pray and wait. Reed, one of the guys from the Humane Society, wants to host an event for her this coming weekend to get support and offer prayers for her recovery.”
