I woke up to get ready for work with a pep in my step. I had decided, after my conversation with Emma, that it was okay to make some changes in my life. I needed to take a hold of my life and try to make the best of it. To get happy, whatever that entailed. It was funny how she could say very little, but it was the way she said it that got me thinking.
I didn’t need a man to be happy, on the contrary, but I had come to terms with myself: I want to find one. And Wyatt the other night was a great start. He had crossed my mind a lot since the night at Kellye Joe’s and he made me smile. That was something.
People always say the first step was the hardest, and it was. But now I felt much better, and I could thank Wyatt for that. If Wyatt was only in my life to make me open up, then he was a great start. Maybe having a little optimism wasn't the worst thing I could do.
6
WYATT
The news from my aunt and her pancreatic cancer was not an easy pill to swallow. She was the most important person in my life, and I wasn’t ready to lose her. I was cognizant of the fact I would be more than likely never ready, because there would never be a time I was willing to let her go.
I called my mom to see what she knew, although I knew she wasn't going to be comforting. She wasn't one who handled stress well and it turned into a call of me calming her rather than the other way around, a mother calming her child.
She answered on the third ring and her voice was shaky. “Hi, honey. I’m shocked it took you so long to call me.”
“Well, hi, Mother.”
“I’ve missed you.”
“I have missed you too. How are you?” I did miss her, but I couldn’t lie. I liked being in Hilltop.
“As good as can be expected. I guess. Cash is gone all the time, your dad is… well, your dad. I don't think things are going to ever be any different and…”
“I’m actually calling because of two things. One, Aunt Rhonda told me she has…”
“Yes, isn't it horrible? I just can’t believe my sister is going to leave me soon.”
Typical Mom.
Thinking of herself and how it was going to affect her, rather than the suffering her sister was going to go through, etc.
“Mom…”
“I know, I know… Anyway, I asked her if she wanted me to do anything, pay for anything, or come stay with her or she can come here. Whatever she wants, I’m there for her.”
“What did she say?”
“She said she has never wanted anything from me, other than being her sister, and that she had more money than me. Can you believe she would say that?”
“Yes, I can believe it. You have always known how she is…” I smiled. I would have loved to see my mother’s face drop when my aunt said that to her.
“Plus, you know your aunt, she started in on me saying that money wasn't everything. She could buy anything she wanted; do whatever she wanted at any time, but none of that made her happy. It was who she had to share it with. And that she missed Kurt.”
“Sounds like her. She still talks about Kurt all the time.” My aunt was never impressed by money. Another reason why she and I clicked so well. It was as if I was her child.
“Anyway… did she tell you what was going on with me?”
“No.”
“I’m leaving your father. I actually have already found a house I am going to buy. It is much smaller than this one and I feel…”
“Wait, what? You can’t say that and just move on like it wasn't an important fact. What happened?”
“Nothing has ever changed. He has made tons of promises our entire marriage, hell, even when we were dating as young teens, but he’ll never change.”
“Are you seeing someone?”
“Oh God, no. I have no interest in another man. Your father on the other hand, I’m sure has a woman on the side. Honey, do you know what it is like to be happy? Truly happy? I want that. I want to be happy with myself and with my life. When your aunt called me and told me about her sickness, I decided it was time. Life is too short.”
“Does Rhonda know?”
“Of course she does.”
“What did she say?” I was curious.
“About damn time.” She laughed and I followed suit. It was good to hear. “After I told her, she actually said she loved me. It was good to hear.”
“Mom, this is a big move. You have never worked, how are you going to stand on your own two feet?”
“Son, I have a degree, I can go to work in the marketing field. But seriously, I think I’m going to do just do some waitressing or maybe I will find another job. I have always loved animals… oh… or I could go work at a library. I don't care. I won’t really have to work to pay bills. As far as I am concerned, I have made that money with your father. I gave him half those damn ideas he had.”
“The brain behind the operation, huh?” It was my mother’s father who had the money, and the business. Information that I wasn’t sure I should be privy to, but Rhonda had told me anyway.
“Yes, Son, I love that. I’m going to use that. And before you ask, yes, your dad knows. He doesn't give a crap, and in fact, just acted like it was nothing, a feather in the wind. So much for a marriage of almost thirty-five years, huh?”
“I wish I could say I was shocked, but I’m not. What can I do?”
“I would love for you to come ride the horses with me. I am going to try
