So, flying it was. She intended to leave just as soon as she could. She would find out where Bear Financial Investments was located, land herself on his doorstep, and explain everything. Explain the way he made her feel as though there was a balloon in her chest, and the way he’d inserted himself into everything that she was.
A pinprick of uncertainty walked hand in hand with those thoughts. After the way she’d left, and how she’d been ignoring him, would Adrian want to see her?
There was only one way to find out, and that left her with even more buzzing in her stomach. She had one stop to make before retrieving her bags from her apartment and heading out.
Gabby hadn’t returned to her parent’s house since the day she’d come home over a month ago, but a nagging voice inside wouldn’t let her leave without seeing them. She packed a few final things from her desk into her bag, made her way to the teacher’s lounge to say goodbye to her fellow teachers, and then she was leaving Baldwin behind.
It was time for her to get lost on purpose.
***
The trepidation she expected to feel wasn’t there. Gabby strolled into her parents’ home to find her dad and mom sitting in their recliners watching TV. Her dad muted the show when he saw her.
“Hey,” he said as though it was normal for her to be there. “How was the last day of school?”
Gabby paused long enough to realize that he knew it’d been her last day. Her dad had always shown more interest in her life than her mom did.
“Refreshing,” Gabby said.
Her mom rose from her recliner. “It’s good to see you.”
“You, too.” The minute the words left, she realized they were true. She was glad to see them both. “In fact, I’m glad you’re both here. I was hoping we could talk.”
“We’d love that,” said her dad. “Come sit down, sweetie.”
Good old Dad, always making her feel special and important. Her mom stood in the room’s center as though she didn’t know what to do with herself. Gabby took a few steps farther in but didn’t sit.
“I’m not going to stay and visit,” she said. “I wanted to tell you both, I understand why you did what you did. I’m still trying to forgive you for it, but I want you to know, I understand it.”
The last six weeks had given her plenty of time to reflect on everything. She’d been in contact with Bethany and was learning more about her situation as well. A seventeen-year-old girl with a tendency for rebellion, a boyfriend who had left; it hadn’t exactly been a stable home for a baby. Bethany had finished school after Gabby was born. She’d been able to get an associate’s degree, buy a house, and manage her life better than she would have under different circumstances.
Gabby had been excited when Bethany began texting her randomly about things the way Sadie did. The way a friend would do. She was beginning to feel like a friend. It was Bethany who suggested she make things right with her mom. She explained that Jacey had always been a little prickly, but even a cactus had blossoms, and she loved her.
You don’t know how hard things must have been for your mom, Bethany had texted. It takes bravery to do the right thing for your kids. She was doing what she thought was best for you.
It had been just what Gabby had needed to hear, to see things from her mom’s perspective as well.
“I’m glad,” said her mom. “We’ve thought about you a lot since you returned home.”
Gabby nodded. “Thanks. I also wanted you to know, I’m leaving.”
“What?”
“I’m going to Chicago.”
Her mom closed her eyes and turned away. “I knew this would happen. I knew she would take you from me.”
“It’s not to be with Bethany. I have a job interview there.”
“Why would you ever want to work clear in Chicago?” Her mom folded her arms. For the first time in her life, the tone, the gesture, the entire package of Jacey Bybanks didn’t seem like a condescending, disapproving hawk out to peck out her every mistake. This was just how her mom was. The usual intimidation Gabby felt around her mom didn’t surface. She had Bethany to thank for that.
“While I was in Montana, I met someone. His name is Adrian Bear, and we sort of hit it off.”
Her mom’s mouth parted. “You failed to mention this. I still don’t see what he has to do with Chicago.”
“He was only visiting Two Pines as well. Chicago is where he lives.”
“And he’s invited you there?”
Gabby swallowed. “Not exactly. He doesn’t know I’m coming. I’m hoping when I get there he’ll be happy to see me.”
She waited for the lecture. For her mom to spell out exactly how harebrained this scheme was, to throw her life away and move to be with some guy she’d only known for a week. To her surprise, the room stayed silent.
“Let us know how the interview goes,” her dad said, rising from his recliner. He crossed the room and pulled her into a hug. “Sure are proud of you, sweetie. If this guy doesn’t want you, he’s nuts.”
She laughed against her dad’s chest. “Thanks, Daddy.” The hug swirled inside of her, making her feel warmer and more loved by them both than she had in a long time. It meant that much more—that they weren’t questioning her choices.
She pulled away, and her dad nudged her chin with a knuckle. “I hope you’re happy, Goldie.”
In that moment, she sensed the endearment of the nickname. It was a term of affection, not a brand. “Thanks for saying that, Dad. And if you don’t mind, I’d like to be called Gabby from now on.”
She turned to her mom, who was going to get a hug whether she wanted one or not. Jacey opened her arms and welcomed her in. “Goodbye, Gabrielle,” she said, stroking her hair.
Gabby’s eyes
