“Huh,” Martin said, eyeing her closely. “I like that.”
“We’re going to work at a soup kitchen,” Bean said.
“Excuse me?” Seth asked.
“Well—I am,” Lorna said. “Mr. Cho used to work in a soup kitchen on Sunday mornings. You know, the one on Cesar Chavez? I thought I would honor his memory by volunteering.”
“Can I, Dad?” Bean asked. “I can get my community service badge.”
“Not unless I’m there,” he said firmly. “I don’t like the idea of the two of you in a soup kitchen without me there.”
“I’ll go,” Martin offered.
Lorna looked at him with surprise. “You will?”
“Sure, why not? Sounds like a worthy cause.”
“I’ll go too!” Liz said. “I’ve got aprons.”
Seth looked at Lorna. “Well? Can we help?”
“I...yes,” she said. She’d expected judgment, but no one was judging her. It was remarkable—they didn’t look appalled or confused. They looked like they were with her.
“That must have been very difficult for you,” Liz said, looking off. “My sister is the one person I can always depend on to have my back. I can’t imagine a betrayal like that.”
Oh, if she only knew. “It was terrible at the time,” Lorna admitted. “But in some ways, it feels even harder now.” She wishedshe had done this years ago, when she had the chance to make it up to Mr. Cho in person. Why had it taken her so long?
Martin pulled out his phone and looked up the soup kitchen. “They have volunteer spots open on Sunday. Shall I schedule us in?”
Lorna couldn’t quite believe this was happening, but they all agreed that he should, and when that was done, Seth raised the issue of the house.
“I spoke to Mr. Contreras,” Seth said. “He’s got two buyers and expects to get final offers within the next several days. Guys, I’m going to be honest. I don’t think it matters what we say—he’s going to sell it.”
Liz sighed wearily and put aside her pizza. “Figures.”
“I knew he’d sell us out,” Martin said.
“One option is to try to buy the place ourselves,” Seth suggested.
Lorna’s pulse ticked up. They had just accepted her, had offered to help her with her apology tour, at least in part. Should she tell them? Should she confess that all this time she was one of the buyers and then watch the goodwill they’d extended disappear before her very eyes? Or should she simply say she was interested in buying?
“Another option is the condos going up on Burnet,” Seth added before she could think it through. “I drove by there the other day and checked into them. They’re basic but affordable. The community is gated, and there will be a pool and an amenity center.”
Of course!All they needed was an alternative to this house. She could help them find it. Sure, it would sting a little, and no one liked to move, but they would be in a new space with new appliances andamenities.
“I don’t want to move,” Liz said.
“So maybe we pool our resources and make an offer?” Seth asked. “I don’t know how it would work legally, but my brother-in-law is an attorney, and maybe he could help us.”
No. No, no, no.Lorna gripped the arms of her lawn chair. She’d been feeling so good, so accepted, like she was finally getting somewhere. And now she felt... not rage. No, this was different. This was confusion. Her grandmother’s house, her goal, her North Star, was within reach. And Seth, of all people, was throwing a wrench into everything. And her feelings about it had her terribly bewildered.
She wasn’t sure what she wanted anymore.
I saw Candy Cho today. She’s still mean. And she still hates me, so thank you for that. She would not accept my apology. Can you imagine someone trying to apologize to you, and you just refusing it? You’re probably thinking that I never accepted your apology either, but that was different. You didn’t deserve to have your apology accepted. I deserve to have my apology accepted. I still can’t believe you framed me, Kristen. What a horrible, selfish thing to do to your little sister. But you know what’s weird? I’m not as angry as I was. After all these years, I’m tired of thinking about it. I just want to be, as Micah says. Did I tell you about Micah? He’s my life coach. He says I need to let go of the past to live in the future. So I guess I’m going to accept your apology for that night and let it go. You’re welcome.
Did you get the sweater I had sent to you? I hope pink is still your favorite color.
Chapter 28Lorna Now
