“Li—” And it clicked. Every puzzle piece that she didn’t realizewas floating around in her head clicked into place with a loud snap. Just like that. She knew exactly who this woman was. “You’re…” She couldn’t make herself say the words.
Lila nodded and helped her along. “Yes. I’m your mother. Hi, Cherry.”
* * *
Torn between worry and comfort.
That’s where Ellis was on Monday morning. Worry because she wasn’t anywhere near Hearts and Hands, and if something happened to Michaela, it would take her a good four hours to get back to Northwood. Well, three and a half because she had a lead foot, according to her father. And comfort because she was at her aunt and uncle’s home, and it was warm and welcoming and they were the only family she had andthey loved her. So very much. She felt it the second she’d walked in yesterday.
That morning, she sat at the round table in the kitchen’s breakfast nook, sipping delicious dark roast coffee and munching on a strip of crispy bacon as Uncle Jamie flipped pancakes and Aunt Tracey sat across from her. It was so warm and domestic and homey, and it made Ellis long for such feelings in her own life.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Aunt Tracey said for about the millionth time, squeezing her forearm. “How’d you sleep?”
“Great. Though I’ve gotten kind of used to having a cat curled up near my head.”
Aunt Tracey laughed. “I’m so glad you adopted one. I don’t like the idea of you being alone in your apartment.”
“Well, it’s funny you mention that because I kind of wanted to talk to you about something.”
Aunt Tracey gave an adorable little gasp and said, “Tell me you’re seeing somebody.”
Ellis laughed through her nose. “I’m seeing somebody.”
Aunt Tracey clapped her hands together in clear delight. “You hear that, Jamie?”
“I heard,” Uncle Jamie said, frying pan in hand as he approached the table and scooped pancakes onto their plates. “Tell us about her.”
“Well, her name is Cherry.”
“That’s pretty,” Aunt Tracey said, reaching for the syrup.
“She’s got gorgeous auburn hair and big dark eyes and the most amazing smile. She’s funny and beautiful and I really, really like her.”
“Oh, sweetheart, I am so happy for you.” Aunt Tracey passed her the syrup.
“I need your opinion, though.” She nibbled on her bottom lip as she sorted through her thoughts, looking for a good place to start. “So, Saturday, she told me she had to do work stuff all day, so we couldn’t get together.” She told her aunt and uncle the whole story, right down to seeing Cherry and her friend, laughing and taking pictures andfeeding each otherat the arts festival, and how she left, canceled brunch, and drove to Cleveland.
Uncle Jamie scooped another round of pancakes onto a plate in the middle of the table, then took his seat and reached for the butter. “How come you left? Instead of going up to her and saying hi?”
Ellis inhaled and let it out loudly. “That is the question, isn’t it? Because I’m ridiculous?”
“Yeah, I don’t think that’s it.” Aunt Tracey chewed a bite of pancake and watched her carefully.
Ellis poked the inside of her cheek with her tongue before responding with what she knew was the truth. “Because I really like her, and I was afraid of what I might find out.”
“You think she’s sleeping with the purple-hair girl?” Aunt Tracey asked.
“The purple-hair girl has a wife. I met her last time we had brunch. So…I hope not?”
“I’m sure there are many possibilities here for what was going on,” Aunt Tracey said. “But, sweetheart, the only way you’re gonna find out is if you ask her.” Her aunt pointed her fork at her. “Which you already know, so I’m not sure what this discussion is even about.” She winked. “You have always had the habit of overthinking. You’re an overthinker. Have been since you were a kid.”
Ellis groaned. “Ugh. I know. You’re right. It’s what I do.” A shake of her head. “I’m just not used to this. I don’t know how to relationship. It’s been so long.”
“Love, respect, communication.” Aunt Tracey reached for a slice of bacon. “The three most important things. Right?” She looked to Uncle Jamie for confirmation.
“Yes, dear,” he said, then winked at Ellis.
“And knowing how to saythat, right?” she asked with a grin.
