Page 69 of Doctor's Bossy Match
There’s a beat of silence that says everything neither of us wants to say.
“He’s proud of you.”
My throat tightens as I think about how he introduced me to the board member yesterday.There was a hint of a smile, and I’m starting to see his pride after years of thinking he didn’t feel that way.“Even if I still can’t fold a fitted sheet?”
“Want to know a secret?He can’t either.He used to remove the fitted sheet.”
I laugh, the image instantly softening the ache in my chest.“Then I guess I’m doing it right.”
“You are,” she says quietly.“You really are.”
I sit back on my heels, phone still pressed close, and for a moment, I just let myself breathe.
“Thanks, Mom.”
“You don’t have to thank me for saying what’s true.”
Another pause, one filled with love, because I know she misses me.
“Do something nice for yourself today,” she adds.“Not just errands.”
“I will,” I promise.“Maybe a coffee and a book in the park?”Though as I say it, I wonder if I’ll be able to relax enough to read.The last time I went to the park, I ran into Brant and his family.
I load the last bag into the trunk and slam it shut, wiping the back of my hand across my forehead, then I drive into town.There’s something freeing about letting go of things and making room for new and exciting ones.
When I pull up in front of the thrift shop, my car gives a low rattle before settling.I park under the same crooked tree that’s been there since I was a kid, gathering the bags in my arms, three in total, and step inside, pushing the door open with my hip.
Nancy’s behind the counter, head bent.The moment she hears me approaching, she glances up.Her face brightens instantly.
“Hi, Regan,” she says with that familiar warmth.
“Hey, Nancy.”I smile.“Just dropping off some more donations.”
She steps out from behind the counter, reaching for the bags.“Oh, thank you.Is your dad… selling the place?”
I shake my head quickly.“No, no.Just refreshing a bit.It’s been untouched since I was a kid.We’re taking it slow, one room at a time, but I’ll probably be back regularly.”
She gives a knowing nod, her hands sorting through one of the bags.“That sounds like a good idea.A little change can go a long way.And it’ll do you both some good.”
I hesitate, twisting my fingers together.Because I hope she’ll agree.I have seen a positive change in my dad and want it to continue.“Actually, I was wondering something.”
Nancy looks up from the bag.
“Would you maybe want to come over for dinner sometime?”I ask.“Only if you’re interested.”
Her eyes crinkle with surprise.“That would be lovely.I’d like that very much.”
“I’m on nights this weekend,” I explain, expecting my dad will need a few days to get over the initial shock, so this might work out perfectly.“But maybe the following week?”
“Anytime, love.You just let me know.”
I dig into my back pocket and pull out my phone.“Let me get your number, and I’ll text you so you’ll have mine.”I hand her my phone, and she types it in before handing it back to me.I send her a text.“Text me what day works best for you.”
She smiles.“I will.”
I wait for a second longer, guilt gnawing at me.“I haven’t told Dad yet.I don’t know if I should, or if I should just… surprise him.”
Nancy chuckles softly.“You do what feels right.And if he grumbles, we’ll handle it.”
