I cross the distance and almost collapse into her arms. It’s been seven long weeks since her surgery. Seeing her stand and take those steps sends relief flooding through me. Of course, Dad, Lynda, my brother, Mom’s physical therapist, and her doctor had all sent videos, but witnessing it in person makes it all the more real. She’s fine.
“Looking good, old woman. Glad you fixed yourself. I was dreading coming back here to a lazy slug.”
“Lazy my ass. I’ll show you lazy when we’re up at five-thirty in the morning.”
“Oh, are we sleeping in tomorrow?” I tease, reaching out a hand to Lynda, who takes it affectionately.
“Smartass.” Mom’s arms tighten before she steps back, cupping my chin with her fingertips. “My Darby Rose is home.”
The words are simple, but the meaning is clear. “I’m home.”
There’s a short twinkle in her eye before she looks me over, her hand falling to my waist and pinching my side. “You’re even skinnier. I may have been drugged up last time you were home, but I remember you. Now, you’re skin and bones.”
Here we go. Let the ridiculing begin. “I’m not skin and bones. I needed to lose some weight. It’s called getting fit.”
“Look at these fancy clothes, Lynda. And that hair. Darby’s always had such gorgeous, thick hair. I understand why she wears it up for work, but for a casual afternoon at home?”
“I think she looks lovely, Annie. Leave her alone.”
I flash Lynda an appreciative smile, squeezing her hand once more before releasing it. Lynda has been my mom’s best friend forever. I can’t remember a time in my life when Lynda wasn’t around. She and her husband, Ray, live close, and she has been a lifesaver to our family since Mom’s fall. Without her, we’d be lost.
Eight weeks ago, Mom was riding her horse and had a horrible fall. Lynda was the first one to get to her since my brother was out of town. It took a day for doctors to give us all the answers. Mom had shattered her hip, fractured her pelvis, slipped a disc in her lower spine, and sprained her ankle. Lynda was at her side, giving me hourly updates until I could get from Charlotte to Charleston.
It was Lynda who calmed my hysteria and helped me arrange all that was needed when Mom left the hospital. My brother, Evin, and Dad handled all the medical professionals, while I worked on getting Mom’s house ready, and her therapy, transportation, and caregivers set up. I barely remember the whirlwind of those few weeks, but Lynda was my family’s rock.
Not to mention, she comes to my rescue when Mom gets on a roll.
“You would think she looks lovely. You love these fancy-schmancy, wide-legged trousers. I prefer something tighter that shows off her figure,” Mom goes on.
“They’re linen, Mom. They’re cool, and they are comfortable for driving,” I throw back.
“Speaking of driving. What the hell is that God-forsaken monstrosity you drove up in?”
“It’s my new SUV. You know I needed something larger for the business, and I thought it would be easier for you to get in and out of than my old car.”
She studies me for a second, and her eyes instantly fill with sympathy. A quiet understanding passes between us. A quick glance at Lynda tells me she’s figured out the same thing. It has to be that motherly instinct that kicks in when a child is hiding something.
Or hiding from something.
“It’s just a car. Let’s not make a big deal,” I try again.
“We’ll go for a ride when your brother gets here. He’ll help you unload. The shed is all set up.”
“You sure you wouldn’t prefer me staying in the house with you?”
“That’s up to you, honey. You are welcome to your old room, but I figured you’d want some of your own space. I’m getting around well enough, and having you close will be fine.”
I chew on my bottom lip, thinking about actually moving back in with my mom at thirty-three years old. Staying under her roof while visiting is a lot different than my current situation. For now, I’ve uprooted my life, coming home to be close to family while I figure out the next steps.
“Maybe the shed is best.”
“Whatever you want. Let’s get back in the house. Lynda and I have been dying to hear all about your new bakery space. Evin has been tight-lipped.”
“Do you need your chair?” I start to grab it, and she shakes her head to stop me.
“Okay, let me get my purse and phone out of the car.”
“See you inside.” She and Lynda head to the back door, but not before she gives me another sympathetic glance.
I pay close attention to her steps and balance, which seem to be right on track. Then I think about the meaning behind her look. She’s on to me. I’m not fooling anyone. It’s been twelve years since I’ve spent any lengthy amount of time with my family in Charleston. I purposely lost all touch with my old life.
When I made the decision to come home and help Mom, I knew things had to change. I found a wonderful woman to lease my townhome, took care of my business and clients, packed what I needed, and made arrangements to store the rest. All of that was fairly simple with the help of my dad, brother, and best friend.
Then I went to work on me. It was easy to find a trainer, and with extreme commitment, I successfully lost twenty pounds, redefining my overly voluptuous curves into a leaner figure. The new hair and wardrobe came next. The purchase of the car was a bigger deal. Evin almost hemorrhaged when I told him how much I needed out of my portfolio to pay cash for the Infinity. He tried to talk me out of it but quit when I threatened to pull all my money and find a new money manager.
The vehicle is nice, but it’s
