As Dick revealed his future, that he may only have months to live, Dot Montgomery dug inside her bag and fished out a used tissue. She blotted at the corners of her eyes and sniffled loudly.
Despite the raw emotion, the room became a sanctuary, a space where Dick could lay bare the struggles that accompanied his new journey. “Emily and Capri have been supportive. As have some of you in this room.” His eyes met Reva’s. “Family isn’t always a matter of blood.”
As he shared his journey and the unknown future he faced, the rawness of his fear and the uncertainty that now clouded his future became painfully evident.
One of the fundamental teachings in AA was acknowledging that individuals with addiction struggle with the illusion of control. Reva knew that everyone seated struggled to admit that powerlessness and surrender to a higher power. By letting go of the belief that they had control over life, their proclivity to use alcohol and other substance abuse diminished.
Sometimes that resolve was severely tested.
“I guess this is where the serenity thing takes over,” Dick offered. “Funny thing. I’ve never been more scared….or more at peace, than I am right now.”
When Dick finished and made his way back to his seat, the people in the room clamored to offer their friend solace and empathy. There were lots of hugs and pats on his back as their unwavering presence reminded him that he was not alone.
Reva sat quietly among the fellow members at the AA meeting, her gaze fixed on Dick as he wiped his face with his sleeved arm. The weight of his words lingered heavily in her heart, triggering a swirl of emotions within her.
Or, maybe it was Charlie Grace’s recent news of her new relationship. Despite the complications, Reva was jealous of what might be on the horizon for her girlfriend.
It was in these moments that Reva realized once again the impact of losing Merritt, the hole the loss of that relationship had left.
Despite the deep bond she shared with her girlfriends, there was an ache, an unfulfilled longing that lingered in the depths of her being. Charlie Grace, Lila, and Capri were her confidantes, her pillars of support, but there was a void that their companionship couldn’t quite fill.
Reva had never found the courage to admit this to anyone, but she yearned for something more—a mate, a partner who could unravel the complexities of her soul with a single glance. Someone who could understand the unspoken words that lingered between the lines of her laughter and wipe away the tears that fell in those moments of vulnerability.
As she watched couples strolling hand in hand, a pang of longing intensified. She craved a connection that transcended friendship, an intimate bond that only a mate could provide. While her girlfriends offered unwavering love, Reva knew deep down that her heart longed for a different kind of love—one that ignited passion, kindled romance, and promised a lifetime of shared dreams.
Seven years without Merritt.
She hadn’t expected how lonely she would be without him.
25
Nestled in the center of the town square, a rustic mountain wood gazebo stood decorated with a colorful banner announcing the commencement of Thunder Mountain’s annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Festival. People of all ages gathered, their faces beaming with excitement, ready to partake in the planned activities. Laughter and cheerful chatter resonated through the crowd, mingling with the lively tunes of a local band as the aroma of popcorn, cotton candy, and frying meat wafted in the air.
Charlie Grace held Jewel’s hand as they walked briskly by Jason’s side.
“Mommy, do I have to eat Rocky Mountain oysters? I don’t like ’em.”
“I’ll eat yours,” Jason heartily exclaimed. “They’re delicious!”
She noticed Reva engaged in conversation with a cluster of individuals and eagerly waved in her direction.
Jason stretched his neck, craning to get a better view of the crowd. “Impressive turnout,” he remarked, gesturing towards the gathering. “It appears Reva has donned her mayoral persona today, engaging with her constituents, particularly those of substantial means.”
The comment immediately irked Charlie Grace. “Oh, I don’t think that’s true. Reva has plenty of money. Besides, she never wanted the mayor job. The townspeople begged her to step in and take over after Hank Peters passed.”
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right,” Jason said, taking her hand. “Regardless, she does a good job.” He gave Reva a wave.
Charlie Grace sighed. She couldn’t remember a time when Jason had ever ventured to argue with her or express an opposing position. He always seemed to go along to get along.
Some women would appreciate that. She couldn’t help but feel his passive nature was…well, uninspired and a little boring.
“You hungry?” he asked.
“Not especially, but I could eat.”
“Well, I’m not eating any of those nasty things,” Jewel announced.
“We heard you the first time,” she reminded her daughter.
