His disappearance had not only affected her, but Cassie and Brook had been comfortable thinking of the adults as a couple, and now they were dazed and confused.
As painful as it was, Natalie had taken both girls out to dinner to tell them the breakup was no one's fault. All Natalie had gathered from Brook was that her father had explained to her that Natalie was a "nice lady," but there was no chemistry between them anymore. Within a week he had a new girlfriend and Brook was trying to deal with that.
Even now, months later, Natalie hated to think about Michael's easy-come/easy-go behavior. The reality was that she'd been tossed aside and so easily and quickly replaced—it still hurt her sometimes if she allowed it to.
Her first summer as a divorced woman had been a disaster.
It had taken autumn and into the winter months for her to recharge her emotional battery. She'd had some dates since, but nothing to write home about. She was at a place in her life where she really had come full circle.
She actually enjoyed spending time alone, being her own best friend. Family surrounded her, Sunday dinners were evenings to look forward to. At Sarah's, her dad's and they all took turns hosting the weekly meal. It was always fun to see the family gathered together. Natalie was doing okay.
In fact, she was better than okay.
Turning her attention to the computer, Natalie logged on to the Internet and downloaded her mail, hoping to find a note from Cassie. Her daughter was in Chicago, attending her first year of college.
An e-mail from Cassie registered in the in-box.
Natalie opened it.
Mom…I'm low on cell-phone minutes. Call me on the dorm phone when you get a chance. Hugs and kisses, Cassie
Natalie was already dialing the phone, any number of Cassie's crises flashing through her mind.
Cassie was paged, then came on the phone. "Hello?"
"Cassie, it's Mom. Is everything all right?"
"Hey, Mom. Yeah. I'm fine."
"I got your e-mail and I was worried."
"I'm sorry. I just used a lot of cell minutes and I didn't want to go over. I need to buy a calling card for the dorm phone."
"I can send you one."
"Okay. How's the shop coming along?"
"Wonderful. Aunt Sarah and the girls are helping today. So's your grandpa."
"I wish I was there."
"I wish you were, too, but you'll be here in a few weeks."
"That's what I'm calling about."
Natalie, who'd been absently shuffling paperwork on her desk, froze. "You're still coming, aren't you?"
"Yes. Of course. I have my ticket. Dad sent the money like he said he would."
"Good. Then what's the matter?" Natalie knew when something was on her daughter's mind.
"I wanted to ask you something."
"Ask me what?"
"Austin can't go home for Christmas. His mom is taking a cruise and I hate the idea of him staying in Chicago all alone over the holidays."
Natalie's muscles tensed. Over the course of the semester, she'd heard all about Austin Mably, Cassie's new boyfriend. Natalie had never seen him, but, from Cassie's description, he sounded like a metal rocker or something along those lines.
"Well, Cassie," Natalie said, putting a lightness into her tone, "I'm sure there are plenty of things for him to do. Colleges know that not all students can make it home for the holidays, so I'm sure he'll be fine."
"But I want him to be with me."
"Cassie…"
"I told him he could come home with me."
Disappointment registered heavily in Natalie's mind and she was at a loss for words. It took her a few seconds to find her voice. "I really don't think it's a good idea, Cassie. We're already missing you for Thanksgiving, and it'll be your first Christmas at home since being at college. I've been so looking forward to seeing you."
"But you'll be busy with Hat and Garden's grand opening."
"Never too busy for you."
"You won't even know Austin's around. I promise."
Hearing the strain in her own voice, Natalie tried reverse reasoning. "But, Cassie, I've never met him—and I don't even know what he looks like—and besides, where would he stay?"
"With Dad. I'll e-mail you pictures of us together."
"With Greg?"
"Yeah. I already talked to him about it and he said it was fine." Natalie gritted her teeth. "Well…1 just wish…"
"Mom, Austin already bought his ticket."
"Oh."
There was a heavy silence on the phone. Natalie hated being so upset over this, especially since she knew Cassie had her own life now. Her daughter was an eighteen-year-old living independently away from home— albeit not completely financially independent. It was inevitable something like this would happen. She'd only hoped it would be later rather than sooner.
"I guess it'll be okay, Cassie."
"Thanks, Mom. I knew you'd be cool with it. I told
Dad you would."
Hanging up, Natalie rose to her feet, the thought of Greg and Cassie discussing her reaction not sitting well with her. It irked her and put a frown on her face. She hated to think that Greg would offer his home just to rattle her cage. He'd never been the malicious type—it took too much effort. But their divorce had been rather strained.
With a sigh, Natalie acknowledged there would be a slight damper on Christmas, but nothing she was going to dwell on. Cassie would be coming home and that's what mattered most.
Returning to the area by the cash register, Natalie finally remembered what it was she had to do.
As she focused on a row of toy soldiers painted with bright enamel colors, Natalie smiled, recalling the hours she'd put into her store these last few weeks. She forgot about Austin Mably. Even Greg and his doubts about her abilities to pull off a business venture were no longer a sticking point.
She was proving to herself—and to no one else— that she could do this. And, from all indications, everything she'd hoped
