“It was wrong,” I agreed, not sure if I should forgive her so easily. “I went to Julia’s grave. I saw what you did for her there. It was … nice.”
My mother’s sob rang through the phone before she uttered another word, changing the subject. “I know you love Caleb and his daughter. I realize that now.”
“I do. They are the best things to ever happen to me.”
“I hope one day you can forgive me. I want to put in the work. In any way you’ll have me,” my mother offered, as she sniffled.
“One day, Mom,” I promised, nodding even though she couldn’t see me.
“I love you, Grace,” my mom said quietly and then hung up.
I peered at the spot again. The one that haunted me a little less these days. Since I was trying to right my wrongs in the ways I could.
Like a crazy person, I whispered, “Thank you.” Knowing my sister was guiding me into the direction I was meant to be, I muttered, “I love you.” I flicked the tears off my face before standing up to say goodbye to the person I was when I lived here. Although it never felt like home because a home was a feeling created by people who love you as you were. Despite who you might have been and in face of what was ahead tomorrow.
The best feeling in the world was coming home.
“Can you believe she didn’t even give a shit about the charity?” I couldn’t help but complain. “I mean the whole reason I agreed to do the asinine interview was for exposure. I want the foundation to gain momentum and hopefully get more financial backing sowe can expand and help more people in need,” I rambled as we walked to the truck.
While I wanted to clear my name and set the record straight, I wanted the shelter to gain traction. Julia would want me to help people.
Caleb opened the passenger door for me. He looked kind of nervous, like something was bothering him. Once I was seated, he leaned in, tipped my chin, and kissed me. My lips parted, deepening the kiss, and he groaned, backing away too quickly. I pouted as he jogged to the driver’s side of the car. “I’m proud of you, babe.”
“I’m proud of myself too.” I smiled softly, and glanced over at Caleb and saw him appearing to be deep in thought while he drove.
Once we stopped at a traffic light, I threaded my fingers through his, sensing his nervousness.
“My mom donated a large portion of money to ‘A Saving Grace,’” I confessed, biting my lip. “My financial advisor called right after I got off the phone with her. She told me she was proud of the interview.”
Confusion plagued Caleb’s features. “And that’s a problem because?” he questioned.
“I know you’re not her biggest fan. She’s trying, in her way, you know.”
“Baby, I don’t like or agree with what she did, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be excited for your first outside investor. Even if it is your mother.” He laughed. “She’s trying.”
“She donated it in Julia’s name.”
“I see.” He squeezed my hand, trying to be supportive. “She would be proud too, you know.”
I nodded. “Yeah, I think she would…” I trailed off. Whenever there was a new and exciting thing happening in my life, I feltthe urge to call my sister. Then I remembered I couldn’t, but I knew she was smiling down at me.
We walked to the front of the bar, and as I was about to pull the door open, Caleb grabbed my hand.
“Hey,” Caleb said as he studied my face.
“Hey, yourself?” I said, but it came out more of a question.
“I forgot to tell you. I got a new phone!” he announced, pulling the newest smartphone out of his pocket.
“Omg, old man no more!” I gasped, covering my mouth with my hands. This was a massive revelation. I examined the new phone with the sturdy and expensive black case, truly shocked he made this huge change without saying anything.
“I really don’t know how to use it. I’ve butt-dialed Nicky five times already,” Caleb admitted, shaking his head. “Can you do me a favor and look at my Google history? I forgot how to get there.”
I flattened my lips to hide the smirk threatening to come to the surface. I didn’t want to embarrass him.
“All right, hand it over,” I agreed, laughing as I took the phone from his hands. “This is going to be hilarious—watching you get used to having a big boy phone. Was Noelle excited?”
Before Caleb could even answer, my laughing halted and I gasped as I stopped scrolling on the device. I almost dropped the new phone in my shock. My eyes went to Caleb who was kneeling before me. My heart was racing nervously but I was so excited.
